Synthetic motor oil has changed the face of automotive service technology when it comes to oil changes. Many people want to jump on the synthetic motor oil bandwagon, but do they really need to? We here at PKW Motorwerks offer both options to our customers. Which is better for your European automobile depends on numerous factors. Let’s compare the two oil types below.
Synthetic Is Better Overall
We aren’t going to beat around the bush: Synthetic motor oil is better overall for many reasons which we’ll discuss below. Still, that doesn’t mean that conventional motor should be retired. Conventional motor oil still works just as well in your engine as synthetic motor oil; you just have to understand its idiosyncrasies a little bit better to make sure it doesn’t break down on you. The primary con to synthetic motor oil is its price – it’s twice as much as conventional oil. Let’s dig a little deeper to help you decide which is best for you and whether synthetic motor oil is really worth its more expensive price tag.
Oil Viscosity 101
To understand the primary difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil let’s talk oil viscosity. Brand new motor oil is light brown in color, free of dirt and contaminants, and thin enough to effectively lubricate moving engine parts without leaving gunk deposits. In other words, its viscosity is perfect. As oil ages and gets dirty, it becomes thicker and loses its viscosity. Thicker motor oil is more viscous, which means it will leave gunk deposits and damage working motor parts.
Synthetic Motor Oil Retains its Viscosity
Synthetic motor oil is manufactured in laboratories and contains additives that prevent it from becoming viscous. This prevents it from “gunking up” your motor. In more basic terms, synthetic oil is more slippery and, as such, it doesn’t create as much sludge in moving engine parts as conventional motor oil does. Think of it kind of a like household plumbing. The dirtier your pipes get with oil, hair, and other debris, the less effective they drain. Engine parts are equally compromised by motor oil sludge.
Oil Changes Prevent Oil Sludge
To prevent your motor oil from gunking up your motor, your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends you have your motor oil changed every 3,000 miles or more depending on the oil type – and there you have it. That is the primary difference between the two motor oil types. Conventional motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles and if you remain faithful to this, the oil shouldn’t lose its viscosity. Synthetic motor oil can last longer, 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes before it loses its viscosity.
Bring your European automobile into PKW Motorwerks in Plainfield, IL, and we’ll talk motor oil with you. Our number is 630-381-8834 if you’d like to set up an appointment.