When to Use Synthetic Motor Oil in Your Car
If you are the type of person who pays attention to car care, for example, motor oil, you probably know that it comes in synthetic and standard. Synthetic oil is more expensive but has many advantages over conventional oil. The point is that not every machine needs it, so using it can be a waste of money. Here are some guidelines to help you determine if it is right for your vehicle.
Compared to standard engine oil, synthetic oil takes longer to degrade, withstands higher temperatures and flows more easily at low temperatures. Erik Evarts of Consumer Reports spoke with their chief mechanic and shared some scenarios when synthetics are the best option:
If you make many short trips, standard engine oil may never get hot enough to burn off moisture and debris. This can accelerate the failure of conventional oil. Also, if you live in an area with very cold winters or very hot summers, or if you use your vehicle for towing or transporting heavy loads, synthetic oil does not break down as quickly … Another good use of synthetic oil is as an ointment for old engines prone to sludge build-up. This thick sludge can block the oil passages and cause the engine to stall quickly.
Bottom line: Synthetic oil is more expensive, but it can save you money in the long run as it lasts longer and requires fewer changes. However, you should plan to change it on a semi-regular basis. Longer duration does not mean it will last forever.
This story was originally published on 7/8/15 and was updated on 10/10/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.