Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil - What's the Difference?

Remember when vehicles needed oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles? Those days are gone thanks to modern vehicles and full synthetic motor oil. Current vehicles rolling off the assembly line are built better than they were 10 to 15 years ago. Now, the oil change interval is longer. However, you may need to use full synthetic oil, which many manufacturers require to keep engine parts moving more efficiently while maintaining their cleanliness.

Modern, high-tech vehicles might need oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles using full synthetic oil. Even better, newer vehicles might have sensors and computer software called an oil change monitoring system to tell you when it’s time for your next oil change in Kearney. But the key is to use full synthetic oil in your vehicle because it lasts longer.

When you bring your vehicle to our Kearney service center from Grand Island or Holdrege, you have a choice between synthetic vs. conventional oil (also called regular oil). Do you wonder about the differences between synthetic oil vs. regular oil? Keep reading to determine whether synthetic vs. conventional oil offers a better option for your vehicle. We’re happy to answer your questions!

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil begins as crude petroleum. Oil companies extract petroleum from the ground and refine it to turn it into motor oil for your internal combustion engine. Like any fresh motor oil, it’s a translucent, light brown color, flowing smoothly and easily. Conventional oil lubricates your vehicle’s pistons as they move rapidly up and down. The pistons’ motion makes your vehicle move forward by switching power to the transmission. The purpose of oil is to reduce the wear on the pistons, preventing overheating, friction, and engine breakdowns. Fresh oil makes your vehicle last longer, which is why oil changes are vital as your motor oil starts to wear out and get thin over time.

Conventional oil is the least expensive option when you get an oil change. But regular oil may not be the best option for the long-term ownership of your vehicle in the synthetic vs. conventional oil debate.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil, much like conventional oil, starts as crude petroleum. It looks the same as regular oil. However, the main difference is that refineries can custom-make full synthetic oils based on each automaker’s distinct requirements. Full synthetic oils contain enhanced lubrication properties, anti-oxidizers, and stabilizers that make them last longer than conventional motor oil. These additional properties are why you have longer oil change intervals compared to conventional oil. Synthetic oil also keeps your engine cleaner over the course of your vehicle ownership, and your vehicle can last longer.

Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils, allowing them to retain their protective properties for many more months and for thousands more miles. It’s a better long-term investment as a car owner, and you can help your vehicle run more smoothly for well over a decade.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: Costs

The one downside to synthetic motor oils is the upfront cost to you. Synthetic oils are more expensive than regular oils when you pay for an oil change. Over time, full synthetic oil is cheaper because you don’t bring your vehicle in for as many oil changes, and your engine stays in better condition over time. But your monthly budget will see the larger hit right off the bat, which brings the costs of a full synthetic oil change home.

For example, you might change your oil once every 3,000 miles at $70 for a conventional oil change but then once every 7,500 miles at $95 for a synthetic oil change. In that same time frame, you would have spent $140 for two conventional oil changes, so you save $45. And, your engine receives better protection against wear because full synthetic oil works so much better than conventional oil. You’ll get better gas mileage and your car will last longer, so you’ll save on more expensive repairs later when you go with full synthetic oil changes. The financial benefits of a full synthetic oil change go beyond just the oil itself because you’ll head to the gas pump less over time.

Synthetic oils also:

• Handle lower temperatures more easily, which is one key for frigid NE winters. Don’t get stranded because your oil can’t handle low temperatures.
• Offer enhanced engine-cleaning properties with added cleansers to keep the oil more viable for a longer time between oil changes. Clean oil lasts longer in your engine.
• Protect turbocharger parts (when equipped) better in smaller engines to help them run more efficiently. Turbocharged engines help your car go faster with a smaller engine while using less gasoline to get the same output.

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

Synthetic blends of motor oils provide a third choice for car owners. These mix synthetic oil and conventional oil to reduce the costs of a full synthetic oil change. Your vehicle will get some benefits from synthetic oil with a blend. Yes, it is less expensive than full synthetic oil. But the effectiveness of the oil isn’t quite the same as full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends.

Why Get a Full Synthetic Oil Change in Kearney?

Many modern vehicles require full synthetic oil to maintain the engine properly. Check your owner’s manual or vehicle’s information center, or contact our service experts, if you’re not sure what type of oil your vehicle needs. We’d be happy to help you determine the best type of motor oil for your internal combustion engine so you can make the right choice. Full synthetic oil might keep your engine under warranty versus conventional oil.

Schedule an Oil Change Near Hastings

When choosing between synthetic vs. conventional oil, our service team highly recommends full synthetic oil to give you the most out of your vehicle ownership. Take better care of your vehicle by stopping by our service center for an oil change when it’s ready. We’ll have you in and out in a jiffy.
Meanwhile, check out our service coupons to see if you can save money on your next maintenance, repair, or oil change. We’re happy to help in any way we can to help you get the most out of your car, truck, or SUV. Our team wants you to be a happy vehicle owner!