From lawn mowers to tractor-trailers, every vehicle needs periodic oil changes. When it comes to your car’s oil and the huge number of choices on the market, you may wonder which type of oil is best for your specific engine. Conventional vs. synthetic is a common comparison, so here’s a closer look at the differences.

Guide to Different Types of Motor Oil

Full Synthetic Motor Oil

While full synthetic motor oil is the most expensive—up to about 10 times the price of conventional motor oil—it’s undoubtedly the most scientifically advanced. It’s synthesized in a laboratory, and the output is a motor oil with fewer impurities, evenly distributed and higher quality additives, and molecules that are uniform in shape and size. Using this oil results in less wear and tear on your auto engine caused by friction, improved protection when starting your vehicle, and a reduction in deposits.

While it costs more, the interval between oil changes when using full synthetic is generally longer than any lesser-quality motor oil. Even if you have an older car that’s never used full synthetic motor oil, there isn’t any risk in making the switch, despite what you might have heard. It’s fully compatible, and an engine flush isn’t necessary. The only general recommendation is to stick to your normal interval between oil changes for a while to allow the synthetic oil to properly clean the engine.

Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

As the name suggests, synthetic blend motor oil is basically a mix of full synthetic and conventional. The main advantage is price. Synthetic blend is often around half the cost of full synthetic while providing performance that’s closer to full synthetic than to conventional motor oil. Before you use a synthetic blend, check the owner’s manual of your vehicle. It will tell you whether a synthetic blend is adequate. Sometimes, as long as the synthetic blend meets certain desired levels of viscosity, heat tolerance, and other factors, it will be perfectly safe to use. However, the newer your vehicle, the more likely it is that it will recommend full synthetic motor oil.

Conventional Motor Oil

With the advances in the science of motor oil, fewer cars on the road today use conventional motor oil than ever. If you have an older vehicle that’s only ever used traditional oil and your driving habits are routine and don’t push the auto engine’s limits, it’s typically okay to stick with it. Again, switching to synthetic is also beneficial for older cars, but in some cases, it can still make sense to save money by keeping an older car on conventional.

For oil changes, brake service, transmission services, and other auto maintenance or repair needs, turn to the experts at Hayworth Auto Repair Inc. Their expert technicians have been serving customers High Point, NC, for 45 years and can provide knowledgeable, affordable service. Call (336) 869-3056 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about this auto repair shop.