Synthetic vs Conventional Oil in Millington

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil in Millington, MI

As one of the more common routine maintenance tasks that you'll have to handle throughout the year, it only makes sense to learn as much as you can about oil changes. That way, you can make well-informed decisions that make sense for your vehicle. Today, we at McDonald Chevrolet would like to discuss the differences you can expect between synthetic and conventional oil.

Conventional Oil

Since conventional oil was the first lubrication used in vehicles, let's kick things off by talking about what makes this option so attractive. This choice is generally just a refined crude oil, so its molecular structure isn't as uniform. Because of this, it has a slower flow rate, which can actually be beneficial for older vehicles. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to conventional oil is that this option is a bit more vulnerable to weather extremes—particular colder temperatures. That means it might perform in a suboptimal way when you encounter those frigid winter months.

Synthetic Oil

Moving right along, synthetic oil is newer than its counterpart. That being said, it's been widely used in the auto world for decades, so you can be sure that it's had enough time to prove itself. This option is bolstered by additives, which gives it a more uniform structure that in turn provides a faster flow rate. On top of that, it can take on colder temperatures with ease, so you can rely on consistent performance no matter what time of year it is. If you end up going this way, you'll be able to choose from a synthetic blend or fully synthetic. Our team can break down the differences between those choices when you stop by our location.

Choosing Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil

Now that you know the basics of conventional and synthetic oil, let's talk about what might be best for your ride and budget. The former is certainly the cheaper route, so you might want to look that way if you need to save cash. The latter might be a bit more expensive, but it also lasts for a longer amount of time. Additionally, with the colder temperatures we experience here in Michigan, there are some clear advantages to choosing synthetic. However, at the end of the day, it's best to follow the guidance of your Owner's Manual, so check there first before settling on a decision.

For more information regarding synthetic vs conventional oil in Millington, MI, just reach out to the team at McDonald Chevrolet. We hope to hear from you in the near future.