Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to motor oil, there are two main types available, synthetic and regular. The latter is also referred to as conventional oil. Synthetic oil is the more recent of the two and arguably offers more advantages. So, what is the difference between synthetic and regular oil? Which is right for your vehicle? Review our synthetic oil vs. conventional oil guide today for a thorough understanding of how these motor oil types differ. Contact one of our service centers whenever your vehicle needs an oil change to stay on Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City roads. Our certified technicians are also here to answer your questions about synthetic vs. regular oil and general vehicle maintenance! 

Synthetic vs. Regular Oil

What is Conventional (Regular) Oil?

Conventional or “regular” oil is a petroleum-based substance that has been used in internal combustion engines for many years to provide lubrication to internal parts and reduce engine wear. Motor oil is essentially distilled from crude oil that’s mined from the ground, and it also serves to protect your car’s engine from high temperatures.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is petroleum-based like regular oil, but it provides enhanced lubrication properties and is more stable. Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils and are also better at retaining protective properties. They’re chemically developed from petrochemicals in intense processes to provide pinpointed properties that make them superior (and also more expensive) than conventional oils. Synthetic oils also

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped)

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

In addition to synthetic oils and conventional oils (often called mineral oils), there are synthetic blends. These, as you might expect, are made up of part synthetic oil and part conventional oil, which helps to reduce the cost vs. choosing full synthetic, but also provides enhanced properties vs. standard conventional oil.

Note: Some vehicles require full synthetic oil, and that could just include your vehicle! Be sure to check your owner’s manual if in doubt about what kind of oil your car requires.

Schedule an Oil Change Near Kingman Now!

Is now the right time for an oil change? Do you have any questions about our synthetic oil vs. regular oil comparison? Contact the service center nearest you today, as we have several options available. We also encourage you to visit one of our parts centers whenever your vehicle requires OEM parts. For more vehicle maintenance tips, review our guides on how often you should change your oil and how often you should schedule tire rotation services.