Conventional vs Synthetic Oil

We've all been there before. You're standing in the auto department store shopping for oil. In one hand you have conventional oil, in the other, synthetic. Do you go by price? How about what your friends use? Before you make a decision that can adversely affect your engine, stop and think. Put both bottles down and head back to the parking lot. Open your glove box and read owner's. Inside your car's owner's manual, you'll find the oil recommendation from the automaker; therein lies the answer.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is taken straight from Mother Nature and then processed to become usable in your vehicle. It consists of different additives that protect your engine. These additives provide proper heat tolerance and breakdown resistance that engines require. Conventional oil is inexpensive and consequently gets a bad rap as a less effective oil. It is true that conventional oil requires more frequent oil changes but is recommended by many professionals as long as it complies with your owner's manual.

Which cars benefit from conventional oil?

Conventional oil should be used for most older engines because of its thick molecular structure. Older engines tend to have bigger gaps between parts and using a thicker, conventional oil will prevent leaks. Drivers who do not have added strain on their vehicle can benefit from conventional oil as well. Added strain can include spending time in stop and go traffic, exposure to extreme heat or cold, or using the vehicle for towing.

Synthetic Oil

In short, synthetic oil was created by scientists. Synthetic oil has been improving the longevity and effectiveness of motor oils for a few decades now. Nowadays more and more auto manufacturer's recommend synthetic oil for their vehicles. Synthetic oil that takes much longer to break down than traditional oils, so engines can go longer without an oil change. It works as a better lubricant in extreme temperatures as conventional oil. It also works better in stop and go traffic, short mileage trips, and on hard working engines. It truly has more benefits than conventional oil, but these benefits come at a price.

Why don't we just use synthetic oil for every engine?

Synthetic oils are much more expensive and have a smaller molecular structure than traditional oils. If you have an older engine synthetic oil can seep through gaps and create leaks. And some drivers have reported that their older engines became much louder when using synthetic oil.

Choosing the Right Oil

When you're in the aisle deciding on which oil to choose, remember to follow the directions outlined in your owner's manual. Whatever the automaker's recommendation is will work best. What you need to look out for is the API service rating on the bottle. If it has this rating, you are good to go.

Still unsure what oil to put in your vehicle?

If you're still unsure whether conventional or synthetic oil is right for your car, visit the Service Department at Fullerton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Their professional service team is willing and able to help you make the right selection for your car.

Conveniently located at 1050 US HWY 22 Somerville, NJ 08876, Fullerton Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram is a premier New Jersey auto dealer whose Express Lane Oil Change Service is enjoyed by hundreds of customers year after year. And while you wait, consider test driving a new Chrysler 300 or a Jeep Grand Cherokee. At Fullerton Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, your satisfaction is our top priority.