What are they?
Synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is created in a lab using base oils, giving it advantages over conventional oil. These include a better ability to perform in extreme temperatures, additives that protect engine components longer, and a reduced likelihood of breaking down altogether.
Conventional oil: Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, has long been the original choice for automobiles. However, it usually contains properties that can cause it to become less smooth over time.
Is there a price difference?
Conventional oil is often cheaper than synthetic oil because it is extracted and less refined than Synthetic. However, in the long run, Synthetic oil protects your engine for longer periods and can extend engine life. Therefore, having a car last longer will likely be significantly cheaper than the price difference between synthetic oil and conventional oil over a period of time.
For example, Valvoline's 10W-30 High Mileage Synthetic oil is $37.99 on their websites (Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Motor Oi (valvolineglobal.com)), but 10W-30 Conventional oil on their website is $30.99 on their website (Valvoline Daily Protection Motor Oil SAE 10W-30 (valvolineglobal.com))
What do the numbers on the top right of the bottles mean?
The numbers on the oil bottles indicate the oil's viscosity, which is its resistance to deformation at a particular rate. The first number, like 10W, refers to the oil's viscosity at colder temperatures, while the second number refers to its viscosity at higher temperatures. The lower the first number, the thinner the oil. The "W" stands for "winter." Your vehicle requires a specific viscosity to ensure proper coating of the engine. For example, a Mercedes-Benz Class C engine needs 5W/20 or 5W/30 car oil, while a BMW X3 requires 5W-30/Full Synthetic 40. It's important to check your manual for the specific viscosity required for your vehicle, as the year of the vehicle also matters.
Can I switch my car from conventional oil to synthetic oil?
It is generally okay to switch your car's oil from conventional to synthetic if your car's manual does not require a specific type of oil. However, some technicians recommend switching to a blend of synthetic and conventional oil for a few oil changes before going full synthetic. It's important to be cautious when switching, as using full synthetic oil can sometimes clean out built-up deposits in seals, potentially causing leaks.
"I always ask my customers what oil they used before when they come in for an oil change because we tend to prefer to use Full Synthetic oil. However, if they used conventional oil prior, our full synthetic oil can clean out their engine and cause leaks, which will require us to replace the seals." - Santiago, owner of Speedy Uno Auto Repair.
Here at Speedy Uno Auto Repair, we don't want our customers to spend more money than they have to. We suggest discussing it with a experienced technician before deciding to make the decision to switch.
Which oil would Speedy Uno Auto Repair would recommend:
"Synthetic vs Conventional oil, which one should I use?"
Speedy Uno Auto Repair, we highly recommend using synthetic oil for cars. We use full synthetic oil because it provides the best and longest engine life for our vehicles. However, if your car requires a specific type of oil, it's best to use that oil. Using the wrong type of oil can cause extensive damage to the vehicle. That's why it's crucial to read your car's owner's manual before adding any oil to the vehicle. Now that you are educated, you can properly shop for the perfect oil for your car. Take it from Speedy Uno Auto Repair, you are in honest hands!
This article was written by Survival Wolves Official LLC (survivalwolvesofficial.com). Speedy Uno Auto Repair LLC is a certified technician shop, while Survival Wolves Official LLC is a clothing brand that provides writing and digital services. This article was written through a partnership and Survival Wolves Official LLC takes full responsibility for the initial content displayed as of 6/30/2024. Any concerns about the article should be addressed to Survival Wolves Official LLC through their website, survivalwolvesofficial.com. Thank You!
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