If you own a vehicle, you probably get your oil changed around twice a year, or more often if you spend more time on the road. Chances are you’ve also been asked whether you prefer conventional or synthetic oil in your car. But what’s the difference? As it turns out, there are a lot of distinctions that set these two oil types apart from one another. Read on to find out what they are.
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Conventional vs Synthetic Oil
Cost
First and foremost, synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil across the board. The main decision you’ll need to make here is whether or not it makes sense for you to pay the extra amount for a better product. It’s important to note that synthetic oil is not an upsell. In the end, it pays off for both you and your mechanic.
Quality
Overall, synthetic oil is much better than conventional oil. In a study done by AAA, synthetic oil improved vehicle performance by an average of almost 50% when compared to conventional oil. Synthetic oil is especially helpful for turbocharged engines and cars that spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. Towing and extreme temperatures are best paired with synthetic oil, rather than conventional, as well.
When should you use conventional oil?
Based on the information laid out here, synthetic oil, although more expensive, is significantly better for your car than conventional. That being said, conventional oil is still perfectly fine to use (unless your vehicle specifically requires synthetic). If you have an older vehicle or a tighter budget, conventional oil might be your best bet.
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Whether you are looking to get a conventional or synthetic oil change, we invite you to schedule a service appointment with our team at Toyota Vacaville. We employee a group of well-trained and experienced mechanics who understand the importance of taking care of your vehicle and helping it run as efficiently as possible.
