Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil: All Questions Answered

Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil: Which One Should You Use?

The motor oil protects critical engine components from damage and wear. However, not all motor oils perform the same. Synthetic, conventional, blends—each comes with advantages and disadvantages. But what does that mean for your engine? We break down the differences between synthetic and conventional oils so you can make the best choice for your car.

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, has been the standard form of engine oil in the automotive industry for years. It comes from refined crude oil and naturally contains certain impurities that can affect its viscosity and make it less smooth over time. While it has basic cleaners added to it, it doesn't have the chemicals that some newer oils have. Overall, conventional oil does a decent job protecting most engines. But in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold), it might not work as well. It's a good choice for older cars or ones that don't push their engines too hard. However, for newer or high-performance cars, there are better oils out there.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is made using special man-made chemicals and undergoes a refining process to remove most contaminants. The refining process also allows for more control over its molecules. This means synthetic oil is more consistent in size and structure, which makes it less likely to form sludge. Although it's more expensive, it offers a range of benefits that can prolong the life of your engine.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

1. Composition: Synthetic oil is made from special chemicals and contains additives. These chemicals make the oil more even and consistent. On the other hand, regular oil comes from natural crude oil, so its composition can vary based on where and how it's sourced. Due to the additives and uniform molecular structure, synthetic oil lubricates better, flows better, is less prone to oxidation, and is more stable than conventional oil.

2. Engine Wear: Regular oil can have tiny unwanted bits that can accumulate over time and create deposits in the engine if you don't change it often. Synthetic oil is made so that it is smoother and keeps any contaminants from accumulating together. This makes it move easily through the engine and protects it better.

3. Change Interval: Compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils often last longer between oil changes thanks to their resistance to breakdown.

4. Temperature Resistance: Regular oils can get too thin in hot weather and too thick in cold, causing them to lose their lubricating properties. Synthetic oils remain more consistent at extreme temperatures. This means they're great for engines operating in demanding conditions or in regions with very cold winters or hot summers.

5. Cost: Conventional oil is less expensive but need to be changed more often than synthetic oil, so you might end up spending more on oil changes over time.

6. Fuel Economy: Synthetic oil is made to create less friction, making the engine run with less resistance than with regular oils. This can make your car use fuel a bit more efficiently and even save you some gas in the long run.

7. Cold Start Protection: Synthetic oil flows better at low temperatures, protecting your engine right when you start it. Regular oil, being a bit thicker, takes more time to get moving in the cold, so it might not protect as fast.

Parameter	Synthetic Oil	Conventional Oil
Base Material	Artificially made chemical compounds	Refined from crude petroleum
Molecular Structure	Uniform in shape and size	Varied shapes, sizes, and structures
Viscosity	Maintains viscosity	Degrades over time
Temperature Resistance	Performs well in extreme temperatures	Less effective in extreme temperatures
Additives	Higher-performing additives for better engine protection	Basic additives for engine cleanliness
Engine Wear	Provides better protection against engine wear	Adequate but less effective than synthetic oil
Oil Change Interval	Longer	Shorter
Cost	More expensive	Less expensive
Fuel Economy	Offer better fuel economy due to reduced engine friction	Slightly less efficient
Cold Weather Performance	Flows well in cold temperatures	May become more viscous in cold temperatures
Environmental Impact	Less waste	More waste
Manufacturer's Recommendation	Often required for newer, high-performance engines	Often recommended for older models or specific conditions

Can You Change from Conventional Oil to Synthetic Oil?

Most cars can use both conventional and synthetic motor oil. Unless your engine specifically needs conventional oil, switching to synthetic oil is perfectly safe and can even offer extra benefits. However, it's advisable to consult your vehicle owner's manual or a qualified mechanic first. A few older cars might leak if you switch to synthetic oil due to the finer molecular structure. It's not common, but if you're switching the oil in an older car, it might be good to clean out the engine first.

When changing from conventional oil to synthetic oil, consider replacing the oil filter as well. Some filters are designed for conventional oil and others for synthetic. If you plan to make the switch, it's recommended to install a filter with an extended life to match that of the synthetic oil. If you don't, you might end up with a filter that wears out faster than the oil does. This can lead to impurities entering the engine.

For your convenience, FRAM offers a full line of high-quality oil filters that work with both conventional and synthetic oils. FRAM Synthetic Endurance® is our most durable filter that delivers unmatched protection with 99% filtration efficiency.

Questions? We're here to help. Reach out the FRAM specialists for product and maintenance support.

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