Synthetic or conventional - which oil is right for your car?

A regular oil change is critical maintenance that improves the lifespan and performance of your car engine. However, the type of oil you use can also make a significant impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, lubrication of engine parts, and engine performance in extremely cold or hot weather.

Synthetic oil has been around for some time, however myths persist about its use in older vehicles. There are no downsides to using modern synthetic oils in older cars, and in fact, they can be useful in removing deposits and sludge left behind by years of conventional oil use. The one drawback is the significant price difference. If the price point is holding you back, you can cycle between synthetic, synthetic blend and regular mineral oil to keep the costs more manageable.

The one exception to this rule are modern and high performance vehicles for which synthetic oil is required by the manufacturer. Due to their reduced performance at higher temperatures, conventional oils can quickly damage costly parts like turbochargers. The savings you may reap by choosing conventional oil will quickly vanish if you need an engine repair, or worse yet, a full engine swap.

If you’re still not sure which oil is right for your car after reading this article, a knowledgeable and trusted mechanic is your best ally for navigating all the oil varieties available and helping you make the right choice for your car.

Sources:

Mobil – synthetic oil vs conventional oil

Consumer reports – When should you consider synthetic oil

KalTire – Difference between synthetic and regular oil

Cars.com – Does my car need synthetic oil

CAA Quebec - Is synthetic oil better? Yes, but...

The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as professional or expert advice. Aviva and the Aviva logo are trademarks of Aviva plc. and are used under licence by Aviva Canada Inc. and its subsidiary companies.