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What Is the Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil?

May 20, 2025

Choosing the right engine oil is one of the most important decisions for keeping your car running smoothly. The big question for many drivers is this: synthetic vs. conventional oil—which one should you use?

This guide breaks down the differences, pros and cons, and helps you decide the best oil for your car based on how and where you drive.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: What’s the Difference?

Conventional oil is refined from crude oil and has been the go-to option for decades. It works fine for basic engines and light driving.

Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is man-made in a lab. It’s engineered to be more stable, cleaner, and longer-lasting.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Conventional Oil	Synthetic Oil
Made From	Crude oil	Chemically engineered base
Change Frequency	Every 3,000–5,000 miles	Every 7,500–15,000 miles
Engine Protection	Basic	Superior, especially long-term
Temp Resistance	Breaks down faster	Holds up in extreme heat/cold
Price	Lower upfront	Higher upfront, better value

Full Synthetic Oil Benefits

If you're considering upgrading, here are the key full synthetic oil benefits:

Longer time between oil changes
Better fuel economy thanks to less friction
Cleaner engine with fewer deposits
More protection in extreme heat or cold

It’s especially helpful for turbocharged engines, newer vehicles, and people who drive long distances or in tough conditions.

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Car

Not all engines need synthetic oil, but many benefit from it. Here's how to choose:

Newer cars: Many manufacturers now recommend synthetic oil from the start. Check your manual.
Older vehicles: Still running great? You might stick with conventional oil. But if you're noticing sludge buildup or drive in tough conditions, synthetic may help.
Frequent short trips or city driving: Synthetic is better at protecting your engine from stop-and-go wear.
Cold or hot climates: Synthetic handles extreme temps without breaking down.

Oil Change Types: What to Know

There are three main oil change types:

Conventional Oil Change – Budget-friendly and works fine for older or low-mileage cars.
Synthetic Blend Oil Change – A mix of conventional and synthetic; offers better performance without the full cost.
Full Synthetic Oil Change – Best protection, longest lifespan, higher cost upfront.

If you're unsure which to pick, a synthetic blend is a good middle ground.

Is Synthetic Oil Worth the Extra Cost?

While synthetic oil is more expensive per quart, it lasts much longer. That means:

Fewer oil changes per year
Better gas mileage
Less wear on your engine over time

So yes—it can save you money in the long run.

Pros and Cons: Synthetic vs Conventional Oil

Feature	Synthetic Oil	Conventional Oil
Engine protection	✔ Higher	➖ Basic
Oil change frequency	✔ Less often	➖ More often
Cold/hot weather performance	✔ Excellent	➖ Less stable
Price per oil change	➖ Higher upfront	✔ Lower upfront
Long-term engine care	✔ Strong choice	➖ May cause buildup over time

Final Verdict: Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

So, which is better—synthetic vs. conventional oil?

Choose synthetic oil if you want top performance, drive a newer vehicle, or deal with extreme weather.
Stick with conventional oil if you’re on a budget, drive an older car, or only travel short distances occasionally.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to change your oil on schedule and use the right type for your car.

Need an Oil Change?

Find local deals on oil change types near you—including synthetic upgrades—right on Groupon. It’s fast, easy, and you’ll save big. Check also Auto Repair & Maintenance Deals near you or read our article on How Often Should You Wash Your Car?