Oil is crucial for a majority of vehicles on the road. Oil lubricates essential parts of the vehicle, making it operate smoothly and safely. Every few thousand miles, drivers will need to have an oil change. When this happens, you may ask yourself, “what type of oil does my car take?” With so many options available, choosing the right oil for your vehicle can be confusing. So, take a look at the different types of oil and the pros and cons of each.
Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is the most commonly used oil for vehicles. This oil is manufactured by refining naturally occurring crude oil. The crude oil is combined with additives to enhance engine protective properties and viscosity.
Pros
The main pro that is associated with conventional oil is its affordability. Drivers rave about this budget-friendly option for keeping their car engine protected and smooth. Conventional motor oil works best for engines with a simple design, average mileage, and regular driving habits.
Cons
Conventional motor oil is known to be less protective than other oil types. Because it is prepared from natural crude oil and can only be refined to a certain limit, drivers who use conventional motor oil will need oil changes more frequently than those who use a different type of oil.
Full Synthetic
Full synthetic oil is one of the finest car engine oil types. Synthetic oil is manufactured chemically and, as a result, has lesser impurities and uniform chemical structures than other oil types. Full synthetic oil is more consistent, refined, and overall better for the life of a vehicle engine.
Pros
Some benefits of full synthetic oil include reliability, enhanced performance, and longevity. Full synthetic oil is more dependable for modern vehicle engines. It helps vehicles perform better than mineral-based oils in extreme conditions and is known to make vehicle engines last longer.
Cons
The number one disadvantage of full synthetic oil is the cost. It is much more expensive, sometimes 2 to 4 times the price of conventional oil.
Semi-Synthetic
Semi-synthetic oil is car oil that is a mixture of mineral and synthetic oil. It contains all the benefits of both conventional and full-synthetic oil but without the cons. Semi-synthetic oil is usually best for drivers who want an upgrade from conventional motor oil but don’t want to break the bank by getting full-synthetic oil.
Pros
Semi-synthetic car oil protects a vehicle’s engine at high temperatures better than conventional oil. It also lasts longer, improves fuel economy, and is cheaper than fully synthetic engine oils.
Cons
While semi-synthetic oil is cheaper than full-synthetic oil, it is still quite expensive. It’s more expensive than conventional oil and provides less protection than full synthetic oil.
Want to Know More?
Here at Pit Shop Auto Repair in Lombard, IL, we’re passionate about educating our customers. We want to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your vehicle. Want to learn more about the different oil options? Simply ask one of our knowledgeable staff members when you bring your car in for an oil change. Click here to schedule an appointment online, or call us at 630-749-2116.
