Oil Change: The Pros and Cons of Synthetics

When your car needs an oil change, your choices for the actual type of lubricant used may be a bit confusing. Synthetic motor oils have their own benefits, but may not be for every car. Read on to learn why this is so.

Synthetic oil came about in the 1970’s under the sole use of avid racers and hotrodders, but the use of synthetics has yet to catch on in today’s regular auto industry. Keeping up with your engine lubricant needs through regular oil change procedures is one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle, but a controversy remains as to whether synthetic is the way to go for everyday drivers.

So what are the benefits of choosing this technology over the regular stuff that comes from the ground? Synthetic is made in a lab, so there are really no byproducts. In spite of all the refining that goes on with traditional oil, contaminants will still appear, and since keeping contaminants out of the engine is the primary job, why begin with putting something into the car that already contains them?

Synthetic oil is made to not break down as quickly as the conventional kind, and additives are present to protect your engine for longer. They are also made to withstand extreme weather conditions. So if you live in an extreme climate or in an area that experiences extreme seasons, you may want to consider this option when the time comes for an oil change.

The downside of making the switch is the initial cost. It is sold for three to four times the cost of conventional engine lubricants, but engine oil analyses have indicated that those who use the synthetic versions may be able to wait twenty thousand or more miles before a scheduled oil change as long as the filter is replaced every ten thousand miles. As a result, the initial cost is overshadowed by the savings accrued over the life of the vehicle.

Another fear set forth by safety gurus is that regular and more frequent oil changes are the window into other maintenance concerns. Most of us take our cars in for changes three to four times a year, and at those times other preventative maintenance checks are performed. Using a synthetic lubricant does not mean that you can forget about proper car care.

For the optimal care of your vehicle, it is suggested that you should consider synthetics if you drive in what is considered severe conditions. This is a misleading statement because “severe” conditions are the norm for most drivers, while conditions referred to as “normal” are the exception. If you put only a few stop and go miles on your vehicle daily, this is considered severe, though it is quite normal for the everyday driver. This short, stop-and-go habit contributes to the expedient break down of engine lubricants.

Ultimately it is your decision: conventional products have been used for years and continue to be manufactured, but consider checking into the money you would save over the life of your car by switching. Imagine the peace of mind you will have from knowing that your engine is functioning under the best conditions, as there are no risks involved with making the switch for later model vehicle. However, it should be noted that older cars may need to go the conventional route.

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