Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil: What’s the Difference?

Here at the Northside Chevrolet service center, we take pride in our ability to provide car owners from New Braunfels to Boerne and far beyond with a wide range of automotive service & maintenance expertise. If you’ve been scratching your head and wondering what the difference between synthetic vs. regular oil is, this piece is for you! Read on to find out, then contact us with any remaining questions by calling (210) 951-2677!

Synthetic vs. Regular Oil

What is Conventional (Regular) Oil?

Conventional or “regular” oil is a petroleum-based substance that has been used in internal combustion engines for many years to provide lubrication to internal parts and reduce engine wear. Motor oil is essentially distilled from crude oil that’s mined from the ground, and it also serves to protect your car’s engine from high temperatures. You may also hear them referred to as “mineral oils.”

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is petroleum-based like regular oil, but it provides enhanced lubrication properties and is more stable. Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils and are better at retaining protective properties. They’re chemically developed from petrochemicals in intense processes to provide pinpointed properties that make them superior to conventional oils, though this also means that synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional engine oil. Synthetic oils also:

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (if one is equipped)

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

In addition to synthetic oils and conventional oils, there are synthetic blends. These, as you might expect, are mixtures of synthetic and conventional oils. While not as protective and long-lasting as full synthetic oils, synthetic blends are still superior to conventional oils and are cheaper than fully synthetic oils. If you want to balance cost and performance, consider choosing a synthetic blend.

Note: Some vehicles require full synthetic oil, and that could just include your Chevrolet vehicle! Be sure to check your owner’s manual if in doubt about what kind of oil your car requires.

Schedule an Oil Change in San Antonio Now!

Looking to take better care of your vehicle by scheduling an oil change near Boerne? Do that online right now from the comfort of your home! Remember to also check out our service specials to save money on your next vehicle repair or oil change appointment!