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Drivers all across the Waldorf, Saint Charles, and La Plata area know that the oil change is the most common form of automotive maintenance that their vehicle needs. However, do you know what type of oil your vehicle requires? Synthetic oil vs. conventional oil is a hot topic when it comes to maintenance and service for your vehicle, so to help give you a little context and insight, our team at Waldorf Toyota is going to delve into explaining these different oil types.
Before scheduling a service appointment, read on to find out if your vehicle takes synthetic oil vs. conventional oil!
The Purpose of Oil in Your Vehicle
Oil serves an important function in your vehicle. Your engine includes several moving metal parts that oil helps lubricate, in order to reduce the friction they cause when rubbing against each other. Oil also helps keep these parts cool, and it even cleans up the dirt and debris. This is what causes the oil to go from a golden brown color to a dark and gritty texture. Once oil is in this state, it needs to be replaced before the engine performance becomes sluggish, fuel efficiency drops, and other detrimental issues arise.
What is Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is made using chemically modified petroleum rather than crude oil. While there is a bit of traditional oil in its makeup, the impurities are taken out of it through a distillation and purification process, giving it a higher heat resistance and increased longevity. Due to its lasting power, synthetic oil doesn’t require a change until about 7,000 to 10,000 miles.
What is Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil has always been the go-to choice for drivers, since cars become the main form of transportation. This oil is made from crude oil, with the inclusion of a few additives to make it longer-lasting. However, this oil tends to last only 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Synthetic vs Conventional: Which Should I Use for My Car?
As you’ve read, there’s quite a few differences between synthetic oil vs. conventional oil. Synthetic lasts a bit longer than conventional, however, conventional is cheaper. Since synthetic oil lasts longer, it means fewer/less frequent oil changes, so the price potentially evens out. A major difference between these oils is the vehicles they’re designed for. Vehicles manufactured prior to 2008 require conventional oil during each oil change. Vehicles made after 2008 require conventional oil, due to the modern updates made to the vehicles and their engine components.
Get Your Oil Changed at Waldorf Toyota
Now that you have an idea of both synthetic oil and conventional oil, you’re aware of their differences, and you probably have a strong indication of the type of oil that your vehicle requires. When it’s time for an oil change, whether your last one was at 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles, you can always schedule your service with us at Waldorf Toyota.
We’re happy to help drivers in Waldorf, Saint Charles, and La Plata learn more about their vehicle and its service requirements, so they can get more years and miles out of their car! Contact our team with any questions.
