Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil for Your Car

Car enthusiasts love arguing over the details, and the debate about synthetic vs. conventional motor oil is no different. Some experts refuse to use anything other than "real" conventional motor oil, while others have switched to synthetic and will never go back. So who is right?

What is Synthetic Motor Oil?

According to MiniTruckinWeb.com, synthetic motor oil is a laboratory-created alternative to conventional motor oil. The uniform molecular structure and purity of this type of oil is intended to make your car's engine and moving parts function faster and more efficiently.

Of course, the term "synthetic" is slightly misleading when it comes to motor oil. This product is derived from the same mineral oil found in conventional products, but it is altered on a molecular level to increase fluidity and remove unnecessary contaminants. Where you might find wax, sulfur and other particles in conventional motor oil, those particles have been stripped from the synthetic version.

Are There Limitations to Conventional Motor Oil?

Although conventional motor oil has been refined significantly over the last thirty years, there are a few drawbacks. As mentioned above, contaminants will find their way into your car's engine when you use conventional oil, which can - in the long run - result in unnecessary build-up and wear and tear.

Viscosity is also an issue with conventional motor oil, according to CarCraft.com. While synthetic motor oil is factory-manufactured to provide the optimum viscosity for your vehicle, the conventional version is not so refined. In cold weather, for example, it takes longer for viscous motor oil to reach all moving parts, which can eventually damage the engine.

When is Synthetic Motor Oil Preferred?

Some mechanics, car enthusiasts and racers prefer synthetic motor oil because it can withstand high temperatures and perform in low temperatures. The oil is designed for moving parts spaced close together so that lubrication reaches all of your car's parts quickly. This means less stress on the engine during cold and hot weather.

It is possible to purchase conventional motor oil intended for specific temperatures, but this can get tedious for the typical car owner. Having to change types of motor oil with the season might be too much to handle, and therefore inconvenient for the consumer. Synthetic motor oil eliminates this hassle with a product that performs optimally in all weather conditions.

Which is Better?

Although synthetic oil offers significant advantages over conventional motor oil, it is also much more expensive. It is also true that in mild climates and vehicles that are not driven hundreds of miles every day, the benefits might not actually outweigh the additional cost.

Before choosing synthetic or conventional motor oil, talk to your mechanic about the best product for your vehicle or contact the dealer where you purchased your car. An informed decision is always the best one.

Sources:

CarCraft.com, Synthetic Versus Conventional Oil

MiniTruckinWeb.com, Conventional Petroleum Oil vs. Synthetic Oil