How To Clean Dirty Oil Out Of An Engine

Should You Be Using Synthetic Engine Oil?

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Changing the oil in your car or truck is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Oil cleans the engine, lubricates its parts and keeps it cool as you drive. Even if you understand this, you may wonder if you're making the best decision when the mechanic asks whether you want a synthetic or conventional oil change. Synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil, but are the benefits worth the price? The answer to whether you should be using synthetic oil may surprise you.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Engine Oil

Synthetic oil is a lubricant made from chemical compounds. During the second world war, countries started looking for ways to maximize the power of airplanes and automobile engines. In their experiments they discovered that petro-chemicals could keep oil stable in extreme conditions. Conventional oil is a natural product drilled from the earth. Some synthetic oil is a blend of conventional oil and petro-chemicals.

Advantages of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic engine oil offers several advantages over conventional oil. First, it lasts longer because the oil takes longer to break down. It also performs better in extreme temperatures. You'll find that it doesn't stick as much in the winter and provides consistent protection in the summer. This reduces the wear and tear on your engine.

According to a study released by AAA, synthetic oil actually improves engine performance enough that the organization recommends it for oil changes. That doesn't mean that conventional oil is bad. Conventional oil protects your vehicle's engine better than nothing at all. If you don't have room in the budget to cover a synthetic oil change cost, choose conventional oil.

Vehicles That Require Synthetic Oil

Using synthetic oil is an option for some drivers, but it's mandatory for others. Certain European makes, including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi use full synthetic oil in their vehicles. This is also true of some Subaru, Honda and Toyota vehicles. If you're not sure about your vehicle, check the owner's manual. It will tell you manufacturer's oil change recommendation.

Even if the manufacturer recommends conventional oil, you may want to make the switch. Some people choose synthetic oil for older vehicles because they believe the extra protection it provides extends the life of the engine. Others opt for conventional oil—especially as the vehicle nears the end of its lifespan. They don't see the point in spending extra money on an aged engine.

The Cost of Using Synthetic Engine Oil

One factor that affects the price for an oil change is the type of oil you choose. Conventional oil remains the less expensive option. AAA estimates that a synthetic oil change costs up to 62% more than a conventional oil change. These figures along don't give a complete picture of the cost. If you switch to synthetic oil, you may not need to take the vehicle in for oil changes as frequently.

The downside to the extra drive time between oil changes is that it means your mechanic doesn't get to see your car as often. Each time you bring your vehicle in to shop, a technician has a change to inspect it. Unless you look under the hood from time to time, you may miss signs of potential problems.

Where to Get a Synthetic Oil Change

You can get a synthetic oil change done at your local auto mechanic's shop or a quick lube facility. You can also purchase synthetic oil at an auto parts store and change the oil yourself. Some people claim that you cannot switch back to conventional oil after using synthetic, but that's not true. Both types of oil are compatible, and you will not damage the engine.

No matter which type of oil you choose, get on an oil change schedule. The standard recommendation to change the oil every 3000 miles still applies if you're using conventional oil. This is also true for people who drive long distances pulling a trailer or other heavy equipment or spend time letting the engine idle. Some manufacturers recommend waiting 5000 miles or more between oil changes if you're using synthetic.