Synthetic Oil For Your Next Oil Change?

Synthetic motor oil has become increasingly popular in the last few years, but traditional crude oil based motor oils are still the most popular type of vehicle lubrication and are likely to remain so for some time. The popularity of traditional oils are more from habit and the impression that these are superior products but advances in the synthesizing process in recent years has made synthetic oils that are more than a match for any crude oil based product. This article will discuss why those synthetic oils could be a good choice for you and your vehicle during your next oil change.

At first one of the concerns about changing to synthetic oil is based on price, these products cost more than traditional motor oil but your initial savings by sticking with these products disappear over the span of just a few oil changes. Most people still believe the so-called "myth of 3000 miles," which is what many lube shops and auto repair places maintain is the maximum time you should go before having your oil replaced. This is increasingly becoming a fallacy. Modern vehicles' owners manuals recommend anywhere from 5000 all the way to 10,000 as the optimal time for oil changes and with synthetic oils those driving miles can go even higher before an oil change is necessary. While paying attention to the manual is a good indicator it is important to keep an eye on oil levels yourself, checking the dipstick for the amount, thickness and quality of oil is the best sign you have of when your oil needs to be replaced.

Synthetic oils are created to retain viscosity and performance for longer and during harsher conditions than traditional oils, they break down less easily in an engine and resist sludging, which is when oil becomes loaded with engine grease and dirt and loses it's ability to lubricate parts properly. Another huge advantage of synthetic oils come in different weather conditions, during cold winter mornings traditional oil can take time to warm up and reach an optimal temperature for safe operation, synthetic oils resist these extreme temperatures and allow your engine to start cleanly and efficiently the first time. Along with the environmental benefits associated with fewer oil changes, less waste oil to be disposed of for example, the longer lasting synthetic oils safe wear on your engine keeping your vehicle in top condition for much longer.

With these benefits making synthetic oil your choice for your next your oil change could be the right one for you and your vehicle, reducing waste and environmental impact, reducing time spent having to have your oil replaced as often and saving you money and vehicle wear in the long term.