Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil

Even the newest drivers know that it's important to get the oil in their vehicle changed on a regular basis. However, many people don't know the difference between synthetic and conventional oil. Sure, one costs more, but do you know why? It's good to know the difference because your vehicle might actually require a higher-quality oil, like a synthetic.

At Cherokee County Toyota, we always want our customers to be on top of things in regard to their vehicles. That's why we've put together this information to help explain the variations between synthetic and conventional oils.

Synthetic Oil

More refined than conventional oil, synthetic oil goes through additional processes like distillation and purification in order to remove impurities and tailor individual molecules to better suit the design of modern engines. This type of oil can help your engine resist overheating, improve its durability and clean out residue deposits.

Synthetic blend motor oil is synthetic oil mixed with various types of conventional oils. It's suggested for engines that transport heavy loads and operate at a high RPM on a regular basis. If you tow trailers often or haul around a great deal of equipment or luggage, this might be the ideal oil for you. Synthetic blend motor oil can also include high-mileage motor oil, which is specifically designed with additives to meet the needs of vehicles with 75,000 or more miles on the engine.

Conventional Oil

While conventional oil may not be as "refined" as synthetic oil, it comes in a varied range of viscosity levels and lubricant quality. If you mainly use your vehicle for commuting to work or school, running errands and vacationing, conventional oil should be enough to meet your engine's needs.

That being said, many newer vehicles may require more specific types of synthetic oil. At the end of the day, it's always best to check with your user manual and mechanic to know for sure which type of oil to use for your engine.