Is Synthetic Oil Better for Your Car?

Pouring synthetic oil to car engine. Fresh oil poured during an oil change to a car.

When you’re overdue for an oil change, there are several decisions you’ll have to make, including deciding where to go for an oil change service in Las Vegas. You’ll also need to pick the oil variety that best suits your needs. For most people, that means choosing between the two “main” types of oil: conventional and synthetic.

You aren’t alone if you’re unsure about the differences between these two oil types. Fortunately, the pros at Tire Works Total Car Care can help. Read on for a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and synthetic oil changes and see advice on deciding which option is right for you.

Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil

To maximize the benefits of your next oil change, you should know what oil variety is best for your vehicle. Any reputable garage will be able to provide you with high-quality conventional and synthetic oil. That means it pays to learn more about what these types of oil can do for your car.

Conventional Oil

Based on its name alone, you’d expect conventional oil to be a widely-used oil variety—and you’d be correct. In fact, this is still the most common type of motor oil available today. Conventional oil comes from refined crude oil, but it’s upgraded with additives to improve its protectiveness and viscosity.

One of the main reasons why conventional oil is so popular is its low cost compared to alternative products. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. While conventional oil usually has a lower price tag than synthetic oil, you’ll need to get it replaced sooner. If you use conventional oil, think about getting oil changes once every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Pouring Synthetic OilSynthetic Oil

Synthetic oil also lives up to its name. This oil variety is manufactured in a lab setting from various chemical compounds. But while synthetic oil isn’t quite as widely used as conventional oil, it has some undeniable advantages.

First and foremost, synthetic oil can last much longer than conventional oil—between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Additionally, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil at dealing with extreme temperatures. Still, you’ll need to pay a bit extra to enjoy these perks. You can expect your full synthetic oil change to cost anywhere from $20 to $40 more than a “standard” oil change.

The Takeaway

Since it can last longer and deal better with the Las Vegas heat, it’s tempting to say synthetic oil is the better option for most drivers in this part of the country. Still, you might want the short-term savings offered by conventional oil or prefer it for other reasons. Either way, it’s essential to make sure you choose the right oil for your own vehicle. Referring to your recommended minimum oil specifications (found in your car’s user manual) is the most effective way to pursue this goal.

Along with that, it’s a good idea to consider factors like:

  • Local weather conditions. As all Nevada residents know, the summer weather in this state can get intense, which can directly impact your car’s ability to use oil. Even if you stick with conventional oil for most of the year, it might be wise to switch to synthetic oil temporarily when the summer heat arrives.
  • Your vehicle’s age. Has your car been on the road for 75,000 miles or more? If so, it might be wise to consider high-mileage motor oil (more on that later).
  • How you drive. If you’re a “severe” driver, you’ll need an oil type that can stand up to your driving habits. That’s especially true since these habits, which range from making regular short trips to traveling in stop-and-go traffic, are more common than you might expect.
  • The type of vehicle you own. Different vehicles need different types of oil. Even if a particular oil variety is a good fit for a flatbed truck, it might not work as well for a flashy supercar.

Do You Need Synthetic Blend Oil?

At this point, you know how to choose between conventional and synthetic oil for your Las Vegas vehicle. But thanks to the existence of synthetic blend oil, this doesn’t always have to be a choice at all! Synthetic blend oil is a mix of both conventional and synthetic oils, delivering better performance than the former without costing as much as the latter. If you’re looking for the “best of both worlds,” this is the oil variety for you.

High mileage oil is another type of synthetic blend oil drivers should know about. While this is still a combination of synthetic and conventional oil, it comes with extra additives formulated with aging vehicles in mind. With this oil variety, you can:

  • Cut down on engine smoke
  • Avoid oil leakage
  • Lower oil burn-off
  • Protect your vehicle’s seals

The Importance of a Full-Service Oil Change

Knowing what other services come with your oil change is crucial, whether you prefer a conventional or full synthetic oil change. The best oil changes go far beyond just removing your old motor oil and replacing it with a fresher one. Instead, the type of oil change Las Vegas drivers deserve also involves:

  • Installing a new oil filter
  • Rotating tires (when requested)
  • Topping off vehicle fluid, if needed
  • Checking tire air pressure

The ASE-certified mechanics at your nearest Tire Works location can provide all these services as part of your next oil change. If there’s anything else you’d like us to check while your vehicle is in the shop for an oil change, just let us know!

Know How to Check Your Oil

While getting regular oil changes should help keep your motor oil in good shape, checking your vehicle’s oil level at least once per month is ideal. The good news is that this process is simple. All you have to do is follow these steps:

  • First, park your vehicle on level ground before turning off the engine. Then, let it cool down for 10 to 15 minutes.man checking oil in his car
  • Once your car has cooled down, open its hood and find the oil dipstick. Your dipstick will often have a tab or an orange, red, or yellow plastic ring on top. 
  • Pull the dipstick out and clean it with a rag or paper towel. When that’s done, fully reinsert it and pull it out again.
  • Check the oil level on your dipstick and determine whether it’s good, too low, or too high based on its indicators.
  • Take a look at the color and consistency of your oil, as well. Black, thick, milky, or gritty oil may need to be changed, even if your oil level is OK.
  • Finally, wipe off your dipstick once more before putting it back in place and closing your vehicle’s hood.

If you drive a newer vehicle, it might not have a dipstick at all! Instead, your car may be able to monitor its own oil levels electronically. When you get an oil-related warning, don’t ignore it. Instead, request a quote for an oil change from Tire Works.

Get the Best Oil Change Las Vegas Has to Offer

Are you looking for a conventional or synthetic oil change in Las Vegas? Either way, you deserve the best oil change service available in or around this city, which means picking Tire Works to get the job done. Our qualified mechanics will provide you with the exceptional new oil your vehicle needs, and you’ll get many other services as part of this process. Set up your oil change appointment today, and don’t forget to check out our online coupons!

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