Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
Most vehicles on the road require motor oil to help the engine run smoothly. In fact, if you drive a gas-powered car, it needs fresh and clean oil to keep it performing as it should.
There are two basic oils to choose from: synthetic and conventional. However, do you know what your model requires?
BMW of Rockland is here to help you stay safe during your Rockland, Hingham, and Marshfield, Massachusetts, commutes, with our synthetic vs. conventional oil guide.
Which is best for your set of wheels? Let’s find out.
What Is Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil is known for being one of the first motor oils ever used for vehicles. In fact, this traditional oil was needed for most cars until fairly recently!
Conventional oil is from a fossil fuel called crude oil that naturally forms in nature. It has to be pulled from underneath the ground using an oil or drilling rig to retrieve it. It’s then cleaned and distilled to become a form of mineral oil that can then be used in vehicles.
While conventional oil is highly effective for engines, it needs to be changed more often due to its more natural state, meaning its quick to oxidize and degrade. So, scheduling oil changes every 3,000 miles is recommended.
Pros of conventional oil:
- Affordable
- Great for older vehicles
- Performs well in low temperatures
- Increased protection against engine corrosion
What Is Synthetic Oil?
Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil is a manufactured product. It was engineered specifically to be more efficient and effective for vehicle needs and is an eco-friendlier product as it requires far less use of fossil fuels.
Synthetic oil takes the best properties conventional oil has to offer. These properties are then enhanced by thoroughly refining them, removing impurities often found in crude oil.
As a result, vehicles can go longer between scheduled oil changes—some up to 7,000 miles!
Pros of synthetic oil:
- Eco-friendly
- Better protection, especially in harsh weather and environments
- Great at keeping car engines cleaner
- Fewer oil changes needed
Selecting the Right Motor Oil
How do you choose the motor oil that’s suited for your vehicle? The best way to find out is to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Inside, you’ll find the recommendation provided by your car’s manufacturer. It’s suggested to choose this option, as the engineers of your model know what’s best for your ride.
You can also speak to the certified technicians in our service center! One of our team members can look at your vehicle, talk to you about your driving needs, and help you decide the best plan for keeping your car safe, long-lasting, and running its best.
Schedule Your Professional Oil Change at BMW of Rockland
Whether your vehicle requires synthetic or conventional oil, our service center crew will ensure your ride receives the care it needs.
To make an appointment, Rockland, Hingham, and Marshfield, MA, region drivers can schedule online today!
