Synthetic oil vs normal oil for cars: Which one to choose?

Engine oil is one of the crucial fluids of a car. Without it, the engine cannot operate. That is why it is important to change the engine oil in car maintenance. The function of automobile engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reduce wear and keep internal parts clean. There are two types of engine oil: synthetic engine oil and normal engine oil. So which oil is best for your car? In this article, we discuss one of the most debated topics in the automotive world: synthetic oil vs normal oil.

What is synthetic oil?

Synthetic engine oil for cars is a type of lubricant made out of artificial chemical compounds. Chemical compounds are produced by breaking down and petroleum molecules. The molecules are approximately the same size and structure, with a uniform particle size resulting in reduced friction. Additionally, it is classified as full synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil.

Full synthetic oil is the purest form of synthetic motor oil. It uses a synthetic base stock and is designed molecule by molecule without the use of petroleum. It also includes additives to help break down the oil. On the other hand, synthetic blend oil is a mixture of regular oil and synthetic base oil. The protection and performance capabilities of conventional oil are slightly increased by adding a synthetic base. Therefore, synthetic blend oil is better than mineral oil.

What is conventional oil or normal engine oil?

Conventional or normal motor oil is a lubricant made out of crude oil. Crude oil is refined until it has lubricating properties. It is a natural process. Therefore, there will be inconsistencies in the size and structure of the molecules. The change in size and molecular structure resulted in greater friction and faster breakdown of the oil. For this reason, conventional oils do not last as long as synthetic oils.

Synthetic oil vs normal oil: Which engine oil is good?

The engine is the heart of an automobile and maintaining it is the top priority if you are a car owner. Changing engine oil at regular intervals is an important aspect of car engine maintenance. But which motor oil is best for your car? Synthetic versus regular oil is one of the most debated issues in the automotive world. But before answering the question, let us understand what is synthetic and normal engine oil.

First, synthetic motor oil and regular motor oil, also known as mineral oil, do the same job of lubricating engine components. Both oils reduce friction within the engine and prevent excessive wear. Additionally, both oils are extracted by refining crude oil. However, what distinguishes synthetic oil from conventional oil is the level of purification.

Regular motor oil cannot match the performance and protection that synthetic motor oil provides. This is because the production process involves the addition of synthetic chemical compounds. Therefore, it is partially synthetic and additional synthetic compounds improve its performance and protective capabilities.

Now, answering the question, synthetic motor oil is better than regular motor oil. But it is more expensive than regular motor oil due to the advanced manufacturing process. But the performance and protection they offer justify the additional cost.

Synthetic engine oil vs normal engine oil

Refer to the table below to know the main differences between synthetic oil and conventional oil.

What is the price of synthetic engine oil for cars?

The synthetic engine oil price for cars can vary depending on the brand, as different brands use different manufacturing technologies. Therefore, there is no fixed cost for synthetic motor oils. Full synthetic oil costs approximately two to three times more than regular motor oil. Maybe it will give you an idea of ​​the cost difference between both oils.

What are some of the benefits of synthetic engine oil?

You already know that synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil when it comes to synthetic oil vs regular oil. Therefore, there must be additional benefits to the additional price you pay. These are the advantages of synthetic motor oil.

• Better engine wear protection: An engine comprises numerous moving parts that cause friction. The function of motor oil is to reduce friction and slow wear. Synthetic oil does this better than regular oil. Because it is made with premium essential oil, it lasts longer than traditional oil. This protects the engine for longer, even under severe driving conditions.

• Keeps the engine clean: As the oil circulates through the engine, it can pick up impurities, which can cause sludge to form over time. Sludge reduces engine efficiency and life. Synthetic oils contain fewer impurities and prevent sludge formation. Furthermore, it can also eliminate any previous sludge formation due to its superior protective properties.

• Flows better at low temperatures: In very cold temperatures or if the car is parked for too long, the engine oil tends to settle. But when you start the car, the oil should spread immediately to lubricate the engine. Synthetic oil has superior flow properties even at very low temperatures, while regular oil may take some time to circulate. Therefore, it provides better protection in cold weather conditions.

• Superior performance at high temperatures: Normal motor oil tends to evaporate at very high temperatures as its molecules break down easily. But synthetic oil molecules do not break down in hot weather conditions. Therefore, it provides better protection at high temperatures.

• Protects turbocharger components: Nowadays, turbocharged engines are becoming popular. They provide high power with a smaller displacement. However, a turbo engine runs at higher temperatures than a non-turbo engine. The oil inside a turbocharger can reach extremely high temperatures. Synthetic oil can perform well in such conditions and protect the essential components of the turbocharger.

Disadvantages of synthetic oil

These are some of the disadvantages of using synthetic engine oil.

• One of the main disadvantages of synthetic oil is the cost. It is more expensive than conventional motor oils.

• Synthetic motor oils are subject to additional segregation during cold storage conditions. The additives can be completely separated from the oil. Without additives, the oil may not perform as it should.

• Synthetic oils may cause a slight decrease in fuel economy during highway driving.

Benefits and drawbacks of normal engine oil

In this section, let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of normal engine oil.

Benefits of normal engine oil

These are some of the benefits of regular oil.

• One of the biggest benefits of using regular motor oil is the cost. Conventional motor oils cost much less than synthetic oils.
• Regular motor oils are easily available.
• Regular motor oil helps smooth the rough surfaces of a new engine with its uneven molecules.
  
  

Drawbacks of normal oil

Below are some cons of normal oil.

• Normal oils do not provide good protection at very high or low temperatures.
• Normal oil contains impurities that can cause sludge formation.
• Conventional oil does not last long because its molecules break down easily.
• Finally, regular oils do not provide superior protection against engine wear.
  
  

Which engine oil should you choose, synthetic or normal?

So, which motor oil is best for your car, normal or synthetic? We hope you can answer this question after reading the previous sections of this article. Synthetic motor oils are expensive, but provide superior performance and protection. Normal engine oils, on the other hand, are more affordable but are compromising on their protection and performance capabilities. Therefore, synthetic oil is always better, as long as your engine is designed to use these oils. Even though you pay a premium for synthetic motor oil, you'll get better engine protection and performance.

Also Read: AdBlue Explained: Guide to Cleaner Diesel Cars