Oil changes seem simple. You show up at the auto shop, hand your keys to a service adviser (PPA), and a mechanic takes care of the rest. It’s actually a bit more complicated than that. There isn’t one type of oil that fits every vehicle. It depends on your car’s needs. Should you use synthetic or conventional oil? Keep on reading and I’ll help you figure that out!
Conventional oil is a natural resource. It’s buried underneath the Earth. Drilling has consequences for our environment – but at the same time, we need energy sources to power cars and other machines – so what can we do? Stricter emission requirements and the rise of green technology has made an impact. Using synthetic oil is another way to protect our planet.
Used oil and other toxic wastes are often dumped illegally. Sadly, this contaminates our groundwater, which supplies drinking water to 51% of the population. Synthetic oil doesn’t solve this problem 100%, but it does reduce the damage done. Conventional oil should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles or so. Some synthetic oils can last for 10,000 miles or more.
Want to “Go Green?”
It’s not difficult to see how this benefits the environment. If the majority of drivers used synthetic oil, we’d cut oil consumption in half. Wow! Captain Planet would be proud. Why does synthetic oil last longer? It’s a thin substance that resists temperature extremes more effectively than conventional oil. As a result, oil changes aren’t needed as often.
According to CostHelper, conventional oil changes cost $20-55. Synthetic oil changes cost $45-70. Note: the price will vary depending on your location, make/model of your vehicle, and other details. Conventional oil changes are cheaper per transaction, but you might be wasting money in the long-run.
It’s like groceries. You could buy a small box of cereal for $3 or a large box for $6. If the large box is twice as big as the small one, you’re actually saving $1 (even though it costs you an extra $3 today). Make sense? Do the math! If it works out in your favor, consider switching to synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil is wonderful for the environment and your bank account… but how does it benefit your car?
First, expect better temperature control.
Synthetic oil minimizes the effect of extremely hot and cold temperatures, which are hard on your engine. This is especially important for anyone who lives in the desert or arctic tundra!
Synthetic oil doesn’t evaporate as quickly as conventional oil. As a result, there will be less sludge in your engine. Sludge is created by the breakdown of oil. This is especially common when you have a long commute that includes traffic jams and stop-and-go driving.
Undetected oil sludge could lead to the death of your engine.
This is a REALLY big deal. Engine replacements aren’t cheap. Depending on whether the parts are used or new, you could pay $2,000-$4,000.
I don’t know about you, but that would ruin my day! If you drive a short distance (or have to stop every few seconds), invest in synthetic oil. Your car will thank you later.
Note: There’s no rule that says you must use one type of oil forever. If you’ve been using conventional oil for years, it doesn’t matter. You could switch to synthetic at your next oil change. Not a problem!
The opposite statement applies as well. If you try synthetic oil and decide it’s not for you, it’s okay to change your mind. There won’t be any consequences. You’re the master of your automotive Universe. It’s your decision!
All of that said, I’d like to close with a cautionary note.
The good thing about conventional oil changes? You’re getting timely auto inspections from a trained professional. Keeping your car in good shape isn’t as simple as getting an oil change every now and then.
There are thousands of parts in your car and they require attention. If you’re only visiting the auto shop once or twice a year (possible with synthetic oil!), then a problem might go unnoticed for a long time. Neglect is the most common cause of car breakdowns.
So if you switch to synthetic oil, please compensate for it! Pop open your hood and check your fluids at the beginning of every month. Don’t know how? No big deal. Look for instructions inside your owner’s manual or ask a service adviser (PPA) to show you.
The faster you identify a car problem, the easier it is to solve it.
Trust me on this one. I’ve been working on cars for decades, so I know! Share this article with your friends so they can decide whether synthetic or conventional oil is best for them.