Synthetic or Conventional Engine Oils?
Synthetic or Conventional Engine Oils?
When it comes to keeping your vehicle's engine safe, the type of oil you use plays a big role in its performance. People have been comparing between synthetic and conventional engine oils for years, where each type has its own advantages and drawbacks. This article will provide you with the key differences between both oils to help you determine which oil best suits your vehicle’s needs.
What is Inside the Bottle?
Have you ever asked yourself what is engine oil made of? Well, the main difference between synthetic and conventional engine oils lies in their composition.
Conventional engine oils, also known as mineral oils, are derived directly from crude oil. They are filtered so that all impurities be removed, but still it is not a 100% purifying process, some undesirable elements cannot be removed. Conventional oils contain a mix of base oils and additives that enhance performance but are generally less refined than synthetic oils. Because of their organic origin, conventional oils can break down more quickly u der extreme conditions.
Synthetic engine oils, on the other hand, are artificially manufactured, and they go through long chemical processes. They are mainly made of petroleum components that are chemically modified, rather than using crude oils. This modification allows for fewer impurities inside the oil and results in a more consistent engine oil. Synthetic oils also have advanced additives that can improve performance, reduce friction, and protect against wear.
Which Engine Oil Functions Best?
Performance is all that matters while driving your vehicle, that is why it is a critical factor when choosing between synthetic and conventional oils.
“Synthetic vs Conventional Oil”
| Synthetic oils | Conventional oils | |
| Performance | It performs better than conventional and protects the engine from damage. It is ideal for high-performance vehicles, heavy-duty applications, and vehicles driven in extreme conditions. | It performs satisfactorily under normal driving conditions. For daily drives, conventional oils provide adequate lubrication and protection.It doesn’t perform the same under extreme conditions |
| Temperature | In cold weather, it keeps its viscosity and makes starting the engine smoother and safer. In hot weather, synthetic oils resist breaking down, providing high protection against engine wear | In the cold , It thickens and becomes harder to circulate. It can evaporate or degrade in the heat leading to more frequent oil changes. |
| Viscosity Grade | It has better viscosity and stability that makes it flow smoothly in all temperatures. It is designed to flow quickly in winter and resist the extreme heat of summer. | It has lower viscosity That does. not suit extreme weather. In winter, conventional oil thickens and flows slower while in summer it becomes thin and closer to evaporation which causes bad friction in the engine. |
Is Synthetic Oil Worth the cost?
The cost is the first thing that comes to mind when choosing the engine oil. Synthetic and Conventional oils differ in cost too.
Synthetic oil change is generally more expensive than conventional oil change. The refining processes and high-quality additives used in synthetic oils make their prices higher. However, because synthetic oils last longer and give better protection for the engine, they can extend the interval between oil changes. This can make up for the costs, especially for those who drive under severe conditions or cover many miles.
Conventional oil changes are more affordable, they can be a better choice for vehicles that don’t need the enhanced performance of synthetic oils. For drivers who stick to regular oil change intervals and usually drive under standard conditions, conventional oil can work just fine for them. However, the lifespan of conventional oils is shorter and that means more frequent oil changes, which can add up over time.
Use TotalEngine oils for best quality and prices.
So, Which Oil is Right for Your Engine?
When choosing between synthetic and conventional engine oils, check out TotalEnergies products. You should consider your driving habits, vehicle type, and surely your budget. If you drive a modern car, or live in a too hot or too cold area, the best choice is synthetic oil due to its excellent protection and performance.
On the other hand, if you drive a standard vehicle under normal conditions and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, It is best to choose conventional motor oil.
By understanding the differences in composition, performance, and cost- effectiveness, you can make an informed decision that best meets the needs of your vehicle and your wallet.