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

Does your gas-powered car need its next oil change in Lakeland? Most modern vehicles need full synthetic oil to run properly, and it’s required for models with turbocharged engines in Winter Haven and beyond. If you want to compare synthetic oil vs. conventional oil, Buick Lakeland has a guide explaining the differences between the two. We’ll also explore the merits of full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends. Keep reading to learn more from our team and you can always call (863) 248-8660 with any questions!

Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

When comparing synthetic oil vs. conventional oil, there are similarities when choosing which one to go with for your Bartow ride.

What is Conventional (Regular) Oil?

Conventional or “regular” oil is refined from crude petroleum mined in the ground and turned into motor oil. Refined motor oil protects your engine from the heat that builds up as the pistons move. In the synthetic vs. regular oil debate, conventional oil is cheaper in upfront costs.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil also comes from crude petroleum. However, it undergoes more refinement and has more additives. You’ll find stabilizers, anti-oxidizers, and cleaners in full synthetic oil that make it last longer than regular oil. One important distinction in the synthetic vs. regular oil debate is that since regular oil is not as refined, it can have more impurities. Therefore, these impurities can cause sludge buildup more easily than full synthetic oil.

Synthetic oils also:

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped)
• Keep your engine cleaner for longer periods

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

There is a third choice. You can compare full synthetic oils vs. synthetic blends by looking at the prices and the additives. As you might expect, a synthetic blend combines full synthetic oil with conventional oil. While it’s less expensive than full synthetic oil, it only has some protective properties. 

Pro Tips

• Check your owner’s manual to see which oil type your vehicle needs.
• Full synthetic oil is cheaper in the long run because you go longer periods between oil changes and it protects your engine from damage, preventing higher repair costs later.
• Vehicles with turbocharged parts, which are the vast majority of new engines, require full synthetic oil for the best results.

Schedule an Oil Change in Lakeland!

Now that you’ve compared synthetic vs. regular oil, does your vehicle need an oil change?

Schedule service with Buick Lakeland and you can always learn more about full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends from our technicians. Explore our service tips to discover additional information about car maintenance. We’ll have you back on the road in Brandon in no time at Buick Lakeland!