Thinking about switching to synthetic oil but wondering if it’s really worth the extra money? You’re not alone. With so many options on the shelf, choosing the right engine oil can be confusing. Synthetic oil promises better performance, longer engine life, and fewer oil changes—but it also comes with a higher price tag.
So, is it just marketing hype or a smart investment for your vehicle? In this article, we’ll explore the real differences between synthetic and conventional oil and help you decide whether the upgrade is worth it for your car, your driving habits, and your budget.
What is Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is a special kind of motor oil made in a lab. Scientists create it by taking apart natural oil (called petroleum) and putting it back together in a better, cleaner way. When you look at synthetic oil under a microscope, all the tiny parts (called molecules) are about the same size and shape. This helps the oil work more smoothly in your engine.
Regular motor oil, also called conventional oil, is made from crude oil taken from the ground. Under a microscope, it looks messy, with molecules of many different sizes and shapes. Because of this, it doesn’t protect your engine as well as synthetic oil.
There are two main kinds of synthetic oil:
- Full synthetic oil – This oil is completely man-made and doesn’t use any regular crude oil. It includes special ingredients to make the oil last longer and protect your engine better.
- Synthetic blend – This is a mix of regular motor oil and synthetic oil. It’s better than regular oil but not as strong as full synthetic.
There are also different types of synthetic oils used for different jobs. The most common type used in cars and trucks is called PAO (polyalphaolefin). In this article, when we say “synthetic oil,” we mostly mean PAO.
Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil
Most cars can use either synthetic oil or conventional oil as long as the oil meets certain quality standards set by experts like the API and ILSAC. But synthetic oil is often said to be better than regular oil. This is true in some ways, but not always. In fact, some regular oils can work better than synthetic ones in certain situations.
So, what’s the difference?
Many tests have been done to compare synthetic and conventional oil. The results showed that, on average, synthetic oil worked 47% better than conventional oil in the tests.
These tests looked at things like:
- How well the oil stays thick enough to protect your engine
- How clean it keeps the engine
- How it flows in cold weather
- How well it handles heat and wear over time
Because of these benefits, synthetic oil is now used in most new cars. In 2019, nearly 70% of new cars came with synthetic or blended oils. But even with this change, it’s still very important to use the oil your car’s maker recommends. Using the wrong kind can cause damage to your engine over time.
What about conventional oil?
Regular oil still works fine for many cars. But it may not perform as well in:
- Very cold weather
- High temperatures
- Heavy engine use (like towing or racing)
So, while both oils protect your engine, synthetic oil often gives better protection, especially in extreme conditions.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
Many people ask, “How often should I change my oil?” Changing your oil is a normal part of taking care of your car, kind of like brushing your teeth to keep them healthy. But how often you need to do it can depend on a few things.
Some places say you should change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. That used to be the rule, but now it’s not always right. Different cars and different engines need different care. Also, the kind of oil you use can change how often you need to replace it.
So, what should you do?
The best answer is to check your car’s manual. That’s the little book that came with your car. It tells you the exact type of oil to use and how often to change it. Every car is different, so don’t guess—look it up!
If you can’t find your manual, look it up online or ask a good mechanic.
Also, if you drive in “hard” conditions, you might need to change your oil more often. This includes:
- Driving in heavy traffic all the time
- Driving on dusty roads
- Towing or carrying heavy stuff
- Driving in very hot weather
- Or driving super fast and hard
In those cases, changing your oil sooner helps protect your engine and keeps your car running strong.
What Makes an Oil Change Cost More or Less?
When it’s time to change the oil in your car, the price can be different depending on a few things. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand:
1. Type of Oil
There are three main types of oil:
- Conventional (the cheapest)
- Semi-synthetic (a mix)
- Full synthetic (the most expensive)
Most new cars need full synthetic oil because it protects the engine better.
2. Grade of Oil (Viscosity)
Oil comes in different “grades,” like 5W-30 or 0W-20. This grade tells you how thick or thin the oil is in hot and cold temperatures. Thinner oil flows faster, while thicker oil protects better in heat. Some grades cost more than others.
3. Brand of Oil
Just like clothes or shoes, some oil brands cost more than others. A well-known brand might cost more, even if it does the same job as a cheaper one.
4. Oil Filter
When you change your oil, you also have to change the oil filter. This part helps keep the oil clean. There are two kinds of filters: canister and cartridge. Some filters cost more than others, which can change the total price of the oil change.
5. How Much Oil Your Car Needs
Not all cars use the same amount of oil. A small car might only need 4.5 quarts, but a bigger car or truck might need 8 quarts or more. More oil means a higher cost.
So, the cost of an oil change depends on the type of oil, the brand, the filter, the oil grade, and how much oil your car needs.
How Long Should You Wait Between Oil Changes?
How often you should change your oil depends on your car and how you drive it. For most small cars and trucks, you might need an oil change after driving 5,000 to 30,000 kilometres (that’s about 3,000 to 19,000 miles). Some cars can even go up to 50,000 kilometres (around 31,000 miles) before needing an oil change—but that’s not very common.
Old rule vs. new rule:
In the past, people used to change their oil every 5,000 kilometres (3,000 miles). That’s still a good idea for older cars or cars that use regular oil. But if your car uses synthetic oil (which many new cars do), you may only need to change it every 12,000 kilometres (about 7,000 miles).
Modern cars and synthetic oil
Today, some car makers say you can go 12,000 to 16,000 kilometres (7,000 to 10,000 miles) before changing oil. Some even say 24,000 kilometres (15,000 miles) is okay! But if that sounds like too long to wait, you can change your oil every six months. That’s a safe choice and is about the same time you should rotate your tires, too.
Is Synthetic Oil Worth the Extra Money?
Synthetic oil can cost more than regular oil, but is it worth it? Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
What does synthetic oil cost?
A bottle (quart) of synthetic oil usually costs between $4 and $10, depending on the brand. Special types might cost even more. In 2019, getting your oil changed with regular (conventional) oil costs about $38, while getting a full synthetic oil change costs about $70.
That’s about $64 more per year, or around $5 a month if you switch to synthetic oil.
Why is synthetic oil more expensive?
Synthetic oil is made with better materials and does a better job protecting your engine. Over time, this protection could save you money by helping your engine last longer and keeping it running better.
Should you switch to synthetic oil?
If your car’s manual says it’s okay, synthetic oil is usually better for your engine. It works better in hot or cold weather, during short trips, and when carrying heavy loads. If you plan to keep your car for a long time, synthetic oil might help your engine last longer.
But if you plan to sell your car soon, you might not get much benefit from using the more expensive oil — the next owner would!
Use the kind of oil your car’s manual recommends. If it says you can use synthetic oil, spending a little more might be worth it to protect your engine, especially if you drive in tough conditions or keep your car a long time.
Want to know more about the benefits? Check out our guide on Benefits of Synthetic Oils Over Conventional Oils for Engine Health.
The Cost of Synthetic Oil
We know that synthetic oil works better than regular oil in many ways. But does that mean you should always use it? Not always — because you also have to think about the price.
Synthetic oil costs more than regular oil. If you buy it at a store, it’s more expensive. And if you get your oil changed at a shop, you might pay twice as much if you choose synthetic oil. So, even though synthetic oil is better, it’s not free — and the higher price might make you think twice.
But here’s the good part: you don’t have to change synthetic oil as often. For example, if regular oil needs to be changed every 3 months, synthetic oil might only need changing every 6 months. So even if you pay more at once, you don’t have to do it as often — and that could even out the cost.
Plus, if synthetic oil helps your engine run better for the same total price, it might be the smart choice in the long run.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing between synthetic and conventional oil, it really depends on your car’s needs, your driving habits, and your budget. Synthetic oil may cost more upfront, but it offers longer-lasting protection, fewer oil changes, and better performance in tough conditions. Conventional oil is more affordable and still works well for many vehicles, especially older models or those driven in mild climates.
The best way to decide is to follow your car manual and talk to a trusted mechanic. Whether you go with synthetic or conventional, regular oil changes are key to keeping your engine healthy and your car running smoothly.
FAQs
Q1: Can you use synthetic oil in a diesel engine?
Yes, you can use synthetic oil in a diesel engine. It’s great for handling the heat and tough conditions, helping protect the engine and make it last longer.
Q2: Can I mix synthetic & conventional motorcycle engine oils?
Yes, you can mix synthetic and regular motorcycle engine oils, but it’s not the best idea. Mixing them can reduce the benefits of synthetic oil, like its ability to handle heat and protect your engine for a longer time.
