Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Oil

One of the most important automotive service tasks you need to perform on a regular basis is an oil change. If it is time for your next appointment around Virginia Beach, you may be wondering about the difference between synthetic vs. regular oil. Is there a benefit to choosing synthetic oil vs. regular? Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk explores the differences between the two in the guide below.

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, or “regular” oil, is a petroleum-based substance used in internal combustion engines to lubricate engine parts and reduce wear and tear on the powertrain. Conventional oil also helps to prevent the engine from overheating. Motor oil is essentially distilled from crude oil that has been mined from the ground.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is petroleum-based like regular oil, but it offers a few perks not seen with conventional oil. Synthetic oil is better at lubricating engine components, and it has properties that make it more stable. Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils, too. What’s more? Synthetic options do a better job of retaining their protective properties, and they are chemically developed from petrochemicals to provide pinpointed properties that make them superior. This is why synthetic oil has a higher price tag.

Synthetic oils also:

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped)

Regular Oil vs. Synthetic

• Regular oil is more affordable than synthetic oil.
• If your vehicle does not require synthetic oil, it is not likely that you will see a boost in horsepower by using it.
• Synthetic oil lasts longer, which helps offset its higher cost.
• If you drive an older vehicle, it may be beneficial to stick with regular oil vs. synthetic. While it is a myth that that putting a synthetic oil in an older engine will crack the oil valves, synthetic oil flows more smoothly than conventional mineral oils. With an older engine, there is a higher chance of grinding gears when using synthetic oil.

Schedule an Oil Change Today

Is it time for an oil change near Chesapeake or Suffolk? Set up an appointment with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk today. We’ll ensure that your vehicle is performing at its best on Norfolk roads. Don’t forget to check out our current service specials for added savings. We are also happy to share our top service tips and tricks.