What is synthetic oil?
Synthetic oil is a scientifically-enhanced super oil and consists of a modified petroleum base that is combined with other chemically engineered compounds or raw synthesized materials. This breakthrough in oil manufacturing technology allows oil manufacturers to have greater control over the design, quality, and composition of their oil products, which has dramatically improved engine lubrication, wear protection, and breakdown resistance. This makes synthetic oil the ideal choice to protect critical engine parts over longer periods of time to keep engines running their best.
Synthetic Oil vs Conventional Oil
Synthetic oil is simply a better lubricating product than conventional oil. Extreme temperatures can often destroy and evaporate the protective molecules in conventional motor oil much faster than in synthetic oils, leading to less engine protection. Synthetic oil also has less risk of contributing to internal engine buildup and sludge, as the synthesized chemicals lack the impurities and deposits that result from the process of refining crude oil.
Due to the upgraded lubrication properties, synthetic oil flows easier in cold weather for better engine wear protection during cold starts, and keeps the engine cooler while operating in hot weather. This may even help increase engine performance and gas mileage in some vehicles.
Can I switch to synthetic oil from regular oil?
Absolutely! In the past you may have heard about how synthetic oil was harder on gaskets and seals, but synthetic oils have come a long way since they were originally developed, and no longer contain the harsher ester compounds they once did. In fact, most vehicles are now designed with synthetic oil in mind, and include gaskets and seals made to withstand synthetic oil.
Switching to synthetic oil is an upgrade over conventional oil and can often help remove carbon deposits and lengthen engine life. It’s best to consult the vehicle manufacturer for the recommended oil weight and viscosity.
How long does synthetic oil last?
How often to change synthetic oil is best determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer, and it’s always a good idea to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended oil change interval to keep your engine fully protected against wear and internal damage. Most modern vehicles already recommend the use of synthetic oil, so following the manufacturer’s guidelines on oil change frequency and oil weight is always best to ensure your engine lasts as long as possible.
Can you mix synthetic oil with regular oil?
Technically yes, but it’s certainly not best practice and should only be considered in a situation when a “top off” is needed and more oil is better than less. Since synthetic oil is significantly better in composition than conventional oil, the dilution of the synthetic oil and additives would not only provide less engine protection than a complete synthetic oil change, but would also likely be a waste of money unless the situation is an emergency. You will likely not notice any reduction in performance if conventional oil is added to synthetic oil as they will not react to one another and will mix with no issue, but conventional oil will reduce the amount of protection you enjoy from your synthetic until your next oil change. Also, many lighter motor oil viscosities are not available in conventional. (0W-20, 0W-16, etc.)
Which synthetic oil is the best?
It’s now universally accepted that any synthetic oil will offer more benefits and protection than a conventional oil of the same viscosity. But for most consumers, it comes down to cost. Full synthetic oil is typically more expensive than conventional oil, but due to its proven benefits, the cost can be easily justified for most car owners. When considering conventional oil vs synthetic oil, the synthetic oil will always provide the most engine protection and longest life.
If you are looking for a proven synthetic oil with all the premium protection you need at a wallet-friendly price, SYNTEC full synthetic motor oil—available exclusively at O’Reilly Auto Parts—provides superior wear protection for critical engine parts including enhanced sludge and deposit formation resistance for an increased engine life. We also carry full synthetic oil in most other well-known brands, including Castrol Edge, Mobil 1, Valvoline, Pennzoil Platinum, and Royal Purple.
Visit our professional parts people in-store or shop online at oreillyauto.com for all the common synthetic motor oil viscosities, high-mileage, and conventional blends, and let us help you find the right motor oil to keep your vehicle performing its best today!