Synthetic Oil Vs. Regular Oil: What’s The Difference?

Though once reserved for high-performance vehicles, synthetic oil is increasingly being used in many modern cars today. But what difference does it make, and how do you know if it’s right for your vehicle?

Today’s post answers some of the most common queries we get about “synthetic oil vs. regular oil.” Read on to learn more, or contact your local TIRECRAFT for a free consultation with a certified technician near you.

Synthetic Oil Vs. Regular Oil: What Are The Benefits Of Synthetic?

By now, we all know that oil is essential for keeping our vehicles running. Without oil, metal-on-metal wear would destroy the engine in a very short time.

Synthetic oil does the same thing, but synthetic oil changes are a little more expensive. So why pay a premium? As you might have guessed, there’s more to the story.

For starters, synthetic oil has a lower viscosity, which means it flows more easily than regular oils, thereby improving the engine’s fuel efficiency. Over time, the money you save at the pump could help bridge the price gap.

Drivers and vehicle manufacturers also choose synthetics because:

• Synthetic oils resist breakdown, saving you money on vehicle upkeep. At TIRECRAFT, we recommend changing your regular oil once every 3 months or 5,000km of driving—whichever comes first. But synthetic oils can last 6 months to 1 year, or up to 20,000km, easily getting you twice the value for your money or more!
• Synthetic oils are better at withstanding higher temperatures than regular oil, which helps keep your engine running for longer.
• Synthetic oils flow better in freezing weather, which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to start in winter.
• Synthetic oils are better for daily drivers with short commutes, because regular oil may not have enough time to warm up and burn off moisture and impurities.
• Most synthetic oils can be used in older vehicles, which are more prone to problems caused by sludge build-up. There was once a time when synthetic oils were not suited to older vehicles and “classic cars,” but those days are behind us.

That said, synthetic oils and blends aren’t for every car every situation. For example, some experts recommend using regular motor oil in new engines during the break-in period, because synthetic oil is too “slippery,” which limits the wearing of new mating parts within the engine. Some things to keep in mind, when deciding the best oil for your vehicle

To learn more about the pros and cons of synthetic oil vs. regular oil, you can book a free consultation with a certified TIRECRAFT technician, who will answer all of your questions and get you a free quote on an oil change.

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