Oil Change - The Tough Choice Between Synthetic or Regular Oil

One of the most important routine services your vehicle requires is an oil change. The oil you put in your vehicle lubricates the engine and facilitates its smooth operation. Over time, the oil becomes contaminated from various sources with dirt and debris, which can cause corrosion. It also breaks down because of the high operating temperature of your engine. When the oil breaks down, it is less effective as a lubricant, and the engine parts that rub together wear out quickly. To keep your engine running smoothly for a long time, it is important to drain and replace the oil at regular intervals. Conventional mineral oil is commonly used in engines, but synthetic oil is becoming more popular for a number of reasons.

Mineral oil is made of crude oil byproducts from a process called fractional distillation. The chemical composition of regular motor oil consists of molecules of various sizes and shapes. Because they are unstable, these molecules are not very resistant to oxidization and vaporization in extreme heat. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is man-made through chemical reactions. They are designed by chemical engineers to exhibit specific characteristics, and their molecular composition is more uniform. The consistent size and shape of the molecules in synthetic oil allow it to withstand extremely high temperatures without vaporizing or oxidizing. In addition, the chemical production of man-made oil means that it is free of the contaminants that are found in regular oil. Without contaminants like sulfur and wax, synthetic oil flows more freely at extreme cold temperatures.

At your next oil change, your mechanic may ask if you would like synthetic oil. For average driving conditions, there may not be a great benefit over conventional products. The performance advantages of synthetic are most obvious at extreme high or low temperatures. This means synthetic oil may be ideal for race car drivers or people who tow trailers, but not as advantageous to average consumers. Some man-made products cost up to three times more than conventional oil. You may be able to drive the vehicle a couple thousand more miles between oil changes if you purchase synthetic. However, each service will be more expensive than it would be if you use regular oil. Synthetic oil may be better in the long run for the environment.

Man-made oil can last up to three times longer than regular oil, so you may not need an oil change as many times per year. This means you will be draining less used oil from your car each year, lowering your pollution contribution. Since synthetics do not vaporize as much as conventional oil, they produce fewer exhaust gases, which is better for the environment. Synthetic oil also creates less resistance in the engine, which can improve fuel efficiency. Burning less fuel per trip is also better for the environment.

There are products available that are a blend of synthetic and regular oil. They generally cost less than synthetics, but also do not last as long. Again, the savings in price is lost when you need to get an oil change more frequently. Your choice in oil type depends on many variables, including what type of driving you do and how often. For help making this decision, you can consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic.