With auto repair shops selling such a wide variety of oil, it can be hard to figure out what your car needs. Knowing the key differences between oils on the market such as synthetic oil and conventional oil is important. Once you know the right oil for your car, you can be back on the road at peak performance.
Conventional Oil
Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, is derived from crude oil. To make conventional oil, crude oil is refined and mixed with additives that boost its performance at high temperatures. This type of oil is the cheapest on the market. It's usually recommended for moderate drivers in temperate areas and cars with simple engines.
Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of conventional and synthetic oil. This blend offers many of the advantages of synthetic oil at an affordable price. Semi-synthetic blends work better in high and low temperatures than conventional oil, and are also oxidation resistant. This type of oil is usually recommended for vans, trucks, and SUVs driven in moderate conditions.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is a lab-created oil with high uniformity and viscosity. These qualities persist even under extreme temperatures. As a result, vehicles with synthetic oil stay at peak performance. Additionally, synthetic oil is highly resistant to breakdown and sludge. Unfortunately, synthetic oil is also significantly more expensive than other oils on the market.
What Oil Is Right For My Car?
Selecting the type of oil that works best for your vehicle and lifestyle is important. There's no bad type of oil. Synthetic oil does offer the best performance, but if you're only going to drive in moderate conditions then it may not be worth the price. A semi-synthetic blend is generally considered a good compromise between performance and cost. Conventional oil is also a great option and budget-friendly, as long as you maintain your car properly.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today!
Now that you know the difference between the oil types, your car can get the maintenance it needs. If you're due for an oil change, call today and speak to one of our experienced auto technicians. Our staff is eager to help, so come on in and bring your vehicle to Village Transmission & Auto Clinic in Edmonds, WA today!