Which oil is better for your vehicle: synthetic or conventional? Before synthetic oils became available for regular automobiles, the argument centered solely on brand types and weight. But now, with the advent of synthetics all over the market, what is truly the best choice for your engine? Let's take a deeper look to find out.
Conventional oil is rated according to an SAE system. This scale is used so that you know what type of oil is best for your car given the environmental conditions of where you live. The higher the number, the better it is for hotter driving conditions.
Synthetic oils were previously used in many military vehicles and fighter jets. Airlines also use synthetics in their engines. More conventional synthetic oils have been designed to not break down as quickly. They can tolerate extremities in temperature and weather (hot to cold). Synthetic oils were first introduced to the consumer market in 1972 and have grown in popularity because of the superiority in protecting today's high performance engines.
One of the major differences between conventional and synthetic oils is that synthetics are treated with more additives that protect your engine for a longer amount of time before you have to change it. This treatment allows synthetics to last longer in hotter conditions resulting in greater protection against viscosity breakdown. Synthetics can last as much as three times longer than conventional oil.
Unlike conventional motor oil, which must be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, synthetic motor oil can go 6,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Longer oil change intervals, means fewer trips to the lube shop or time spent underneath your vehicle.
Another major reason that many are choosing synthetic is that it contains fewer impurities; impurities that can cause your engine harm. With today's technology, the composition of synthetic oil is much cleaner. It has been proven to have a lower volatility and therefore not vaporize out the exhaust as quickly. So, for now, synthetics appear to be the more environmentally friendly choice.
Synthetics have also been shown to produce less resistance in the engine and therefore offer more horsepower and overall efficiency for the engine. This added horsepower in return means that the engine will be able to perform at the same level as before, but using slightly less gas.
Regardless of your perspective on oils, you should follow maintenance guidelines set forth for your particular vehicle. More performance oriented vehicles require synthetic because of the high heat that builds in these engines. Vehicles with engines that don't get exposed to extreme weather conditions can survive on conventional motor oil. Visit your local Toyota service center to inquire about your vehicle's oil requirements.
Source: Your Engine, Your Baby: Synthetic or Conventional Oil
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