Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

Are you wondering what is the difference between synthetic vs. conventional oil and which you should choose for your next oil change around Bartow? Both do a good job of lubricating your vehicle’s engine and keeping it running smoothly, although each has advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at the differences between synthetic vs. conventional oil below and then schedule your next oil change at Kelley Automotive Group!

What is Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil?

Conventional or regular oil is distilled from crude oil and has been used to protect and lubricate internal combustion engines for decades. Crude oil is a form of fossil fuel pumped from wells drilled into the earth. Regular oil is more viscous at lower temperatures than synthetic oil, so it does a better job of lubricating older engines.

Benefits of conventional oil:

• Recommended for older vehicles
• Less expensive than conventional oil or blends

Drawbacks of conventional oil:

• Needs to be changed more frequently than synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is also petroleum based, but chemicals are added to improve performance. Synthetic oil resists oxidation better than conventional oil and protects engines longer. 

Benefits of synthetic oil:

• Recommended for newer vehicles, especially turbocharged engines
• Better at cleaning engines
• Lasts longer than regular oil between changes

Drawbacks of synthetic oil:

• More expensive than conventional oil

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

In addition to synthetic oil vs. regular oil, synthetic blends are another choice for your Winter Haven oil change. Synthetic blends are a mixture of conventional oil and synthetic which produces a product that lasts longer than conventional oil, but costs less than full synthetic. Many cars can use synthetic blends with no problem, but some manufacturers recommend full synthetic oil for their engines. Check with the service department at Kelley Automotive Group to see what type of lubricant is approved for your vehicle.

Schedule an Oil Change in Lakeland Now!

Whether you are trying to decide between synthetic oil vs. regular oil or full synthetic oil vs synthetic blend, Kelley Automotive Group can help you decide which is best for your Auburndale car or truck. Contact us for all your maintenance needs and check out our service specials!