Synthetic vs Conventional Oil

Many drivers are not aware that there is more than just one kind of motor oil, and  that every car is unique when it comes to which oil is best. A variety of different brands, grades, and viscosities are available on the market, and choosing the proper one can make a huge impact on the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. When your car is running smoothly and efficiently, you increase its lifespan for many more drives around Nazareth, Stroudsburg, and Lehigh Valley.

Motor oil is available in two main categories: conventional and synthetic. It's important to understand the difference, so that you know which to put in your vehicle and why. Our team at Ray Price Lincoln has put together this quick and helpful comparison of synthetic vs conventional oil to educate you on just what your car needs.

Conventional Motor Oil

When you think of your car's oil, this is likely what you envision. Conventional oil is made with petroleum. After the petroleum is extracted from the ground, it's mixed with a variety of additives to create the proper thickness, fluidity, heat tolerance, and breakdown resistance, so that it can stand up to the wear and tear of your engine's moving parts.

This oil is typically less expensive than synthetic oils. Most older cars call for conventional oil, as they were not made to use synthetics. Many newer cars, however, are designed for synthetic oil. Let's explore the difference.

Synthetic Motor Oil

These oils are mixed and tested at a lab, creating a special substance with the highest level of lubrication possible. Regardless of engine or outside temperature, synthetic oil can protect and lubricate an engine well. Many newer vehicles have performance engines that heat to extremely high levels, which is one of the reasons that they need synthetic oil.

These oils are composed of high-quality cleaning and engine protecting ingredients, which prevent buildup in the engine and keep it operating smoothly. If you often drive in stop and go traffic, live in a climate with wide hot and cold  temperature swings, or drive a performance car, synthetic oil is likely the best choice for you.

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: Which is Better?

It's easy to believe that synthetic oil is the best choice, but that's not always the case. In fact, if your vehicle is not designed to use it, it can cause expensive damage to your engine. The right oil choice comes down to the type of car you drive. The best way to ensure that you choose the right oil for you is to take a look at your vehicle's owner's manual and see what's recommended for your specific year, make, and model.

Contact Your Lincoln Service Center in Stroudsburg PA

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to speak to a mechanic you trust. The team at Ray Price Lincoln can provide you with advice about your oil choice or other car questions, and we can also get you in for an oil change. We can have the whole process completed quickly and easily in our service center, so you can get back to driving the streets of Nazareth, Stroudsburg, and Lehigh Valley right away.