Deciding on the best motor oil for your vehicle depends on many different factors, including your driving habits, the age of your car, and your car’s engine type. It’s important to have a basic understanding of the different types of oil to keep your engine running at peak performance. Here’s a brief rundown of the differences between traditional motor oil, fully synthetic oil, and blended synthetic oil.

Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil is the most commonly used type of car oil, as well as the least expensive. It’s derived from naturally occurring crude oil that’s extracted from the earth and then formulated with additives. While conventional motor oil can lubricate at high temperatures and maintain its stability over long periods of time, it breaks down faster than synthetic oil and needs to be replaced more frequently. Conventional motor oil is ideal for light-duty cars with simple engine designs and low-to-average mileage.

Fully Synthetic Oil

Fully synthetic oil is highly refined and treated with artificially made chemical compounds. It’s engineered to provide high levels of lubrication at extremely high temperatures, improve fuel efficiency, and increase horsepower. It also has higher viscosity levels, is more resistant to breakdown than traditional oil, and is formulated with self-cleaning properties to reduce oil sludge. Designed for high-performance vehicles with high-tech engines, fully synthetic oil is pricey and can cost two to four times as much as conventional oil.

Blended Synthetic Oil

As its name suggests, blended synthetic oil is made from a combination of conventional and synthetic motor oil. This means it can provide many of the superior characteristics of full synthetic oil, including increased engine protection and performance, and at a much more affordable price. While blended synthetic oil does need to be changed more frequently than full synthetic oil, it lasts much longer than conventional oil. It’s best for standard, mid-performance vehicles like SUVs and tow trucks. Synthetic motor oil is also great for drivers who may want to shift from conventional to full synthetic but are not yet ready to make the financial commitment.

If you’re wondering what kind of motor oil is best for your vehicle, contact the experts at Kennedy Oil Co Inc. in High Point, NC. They’ve been providing oil and fuel delivery for more than 80 years and can tell you whether conventional, blended, or full synthetic oil is right for your car. Visit their website to learn more about their services and call 885-5184 to speak with a knowledgeable technician today.