Ah, yes. The age-old question. “Should I use conventional or synthetic oil in my car?” Most drivers know synthetic oil costs a bit more than conventional, but why? And, is that extra weight on your wallet worth it?
Casey’s team in Chantilly, VA, is here to give you some insight! Take a look below to learn the differences.
WHAT DOES ENGINE OIL DO?
When the parts move, they heat up. The heat and movement cause friction and wear. Simply put, engine oil lubricates the constantly moving parts within an engine. The oil also helps to keep those moving parts cool and safe from overheating while pushing debris away from the components.
WHAT IS SYNTHETIC OIL?
Synthetic oil, like conventional oil, is a lubricant made up of chemical compounds. Those chemical compounds are made by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules. If you were to view a drop of synthetic oil under a microscope, the molecules would have the same size and structure. Synthetic oil can be made into a blend or fully synthetic.
WHAT IS CONVENTIONAL OIL
Now, unlike synthetic, conventional oil is made with refined crude oil. Under a microscope, you would see molecules of varying structures and sizes. It is lightly refined and can include varying degrees of impurities such as waxes and sulfur.
IS SYNTHETIC BETTER THAN CONVENTIONAL OIL?
Since synthetic oil is made with artificial chemical compounds, it ensures the even distribution of additives to the moving parts of an engine. That means it offers better engine protection.
It is a clean motor oil that offers superior lubrication since it is refined to achieve extreme cleanliness and resist oil breakdown. They can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.
DOES MY VEHICLE NEED SYNTHETIC OIL?
So, does your Chantilly, VA area vehicle require the oil? That question can sometimes be challenging to answer. Typically, the cars and trucks that would require such oil would be those which offer high-performance, supercharged or turbocharged.
The safest bet for any consumer is to refer to their owner’s manual. Some vehicles fare better with it, while it is just an extra expenditure for others. Again, look to your manufacturer to learn which oil is the best for your specific make and model.
SYNTHETIC & CONVENTIONAL OIL CHANGES IN CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA
If you are still unsure of which type of oil your engine requires, the teams at Casey’s Automotive will find the answer for you. Never let your engine run dry by putting off your oil change service every 3000-4000 miles. Contact us to schedule your service!
Can’t find the time to wait? Check out our FREE shuttle, concierge, and loaner cars!
