3 Differences Between Conventional And Synthetic Oil: Archer Volkswagen Maintenance Tips
There's absolutely nothing that's more important to the longevity of your engine than using the correct oil and having it changed regularly. All that heat and friction made by all those moving parts would quickly destroy your engine without it. But what's the difference between conventional and synthetic oil? How do you choose the right engine oil for your car and your lifestyle? We can help you out at Archer Volkswagen. Our expert service team will show you below just what the differences are between conventional and synthetic engine oil.
3. Synthetic Oil Is Stronger And More Pure Than Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is a refined crude oil product that does a great job at protecting your engine, especially when it's new. But synthetic oil goes a step further. After being refined, synthetic oil is filtered and purified to remove virtually all impurities. It's purified down to the molecular level until nothing reminds but pure oil. Its uniform molecular size and consistency means it provides even better lubrication and protection from heat and wear. And, in intense conditions like very cold weather or very hot temperatures (like when you push your engine to the limit on track day), synthetic oil better retains its lubricating properties. In extreme temps, conventional oil doesn't provide the same protection.
2. Synthetic Oil Will Last Longer Than Conventional Oil
Over time, your engine oil will become dirty and worn and will need to be replaced -- something you probably know if you've been driving a car for any length of time. That's because, after months of being exposed to friction and heat, the engine oil breaks down. The impurities that remain in the engine oil can form deposits and sludge. Deposits and sludge can rob your engine of performance, causing it to make less power while using more gas.
But, since synthetic oil has had most of those removed, it's far slower to form sludge than conventional oil. That's why you can go longer between oil changes when your car is equipped with synthetic oil!
As a rule of thumb, cars equipped with conventional oil will need oil change service every 3,000 miles. Vehicles equipped with full synthetic may be able to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Check your car's owner's manual to find out which type of engine oil your vehicle came with from the factory, and the oil change interval the manufacturer recommends.
1. Synthetic Oil Costs More Than Conventional Oil
It sure sounds like synthetic oil is a whole lot better than conventional oil, so why not use it, right? Well, for one thing, synthetic oil change service will cost you more than a conventional oil change. However, since synthetic oil lasts longer, you may end up spending less on oil changes in the long run!
If your car was equipped with conventional oil from the factory, you can upgrade to synthetic any time -- just ask one of our service advisors at Archer VW. Contrary to some conventional wisdom, switching from conventional oil to synthetic requires no engine flushes and no special procedures.
However, if you'd like to switch to conventional oil in a car equipped with synthetic oil from the factory, that's not a smart idea. Such an engine is designed to take advantage of the superior protection properties of synthetic oil. Conventional oil just isn't up to snuff for use on these engines.