It’s important to change your oil as part of your overall car maintenance. However, knowing what kind of oil to use can be tricky. Not a lot of people know the differences between the two main oil types. Understanding how they differ can help you pick the right kind for your needs…
Oil Types: Conventional vs. Synthetic
Conventional oil
The first and most common of the oil types is conventional, or “standard” oil. This is the oldest and most recognizable type of oil out there. Manufactures make this type of oil from simple crude oil, which means these conventional oils are both cheap and easy-to-find at stores.
However, the crude-oil base does mean this oil can come with impurities. These impurities can end up causing issues, getting in the way of overall engine performance. Still, there are additives available which can help decrease any impact these impurities may have.
Synthetic oil
The other of the two oil types is synthetic oil. Automakers introduced this type of oil right after World War II and it has been growing in popularity ever since. Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oils come from a mineral oil base, which helps it avoid having any impurity-related issues.
Synthetic oils are also a lot more useful in extreme heat and cold environments. Whereas conventional oils will struggle, synthetic oils will flow better and improve engine performance. This overall improvement can even help you get better gas mileage out of your car!
Making a choice
Choosing which of the oil types is the best for you comes down to a few factors. For instance, if you just plan to do regular driving, then conventional oil will work just fine. It’ll be a lot cheaper, and you may not do enough driving to get all the benefits out of synthetic oils.
On the other hand, synthetic oils are good if you really want to take care of your engine. This is especially true if you do a lot of work with your car, like towing. If you live in a pretty hot or cold area, then these oils can also be worth the extra price. Ultimately, it all comes down to your own preference!