Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Engine Oil - Capitol Subaru of Salem Service Information

When the time comes around for your next oil change, you may try to decide whether to stick with conventional oil or take the plunge and switch to synthetic. While conventional oil certainly does the job well, synthetic oil is simply better. Since it's synthesized in a laboratory rather than simply being refined, synthetic oil has better chemical stability and greater molecular uniformity. While these differences may seem hard to grasp when they're talked about theoretically, they can lead to big differences when the rubber hits the road. Below, we'll go over four ways synthetic oil can benefit your engine.

Person driving a car down a snowy road

4. It Performs Better in the Extreme Temperatures

When it's cold outside, conventional oil may have a hard time flowing as well. This isn't the case with synthetic oil. It has a lower viscosity than conventional oil, so it flows more easily--even when the weather outside is freezing. And, if you use your Subaru for towing, synthetic oil is better at withstanding the higher temperatures your engine may be subjected to.

Camshaft with oil

3. It Keeps the Engine Cleaner

When oil begins to break down, it can leave residue in your engine. This sludge can cause real problems as it begins to accumulate. However, sludge buildup is less of an issue if your engine uses synthetic oil. The purity of synthetic oil means that it's less likely to leave deposits behind, even as it begins to break down. Not only that, but many synthetic oils have additives that can help clean and remove sludge that may already be present in your engine!

2. It Lubricates the Engine Better

Lubricating the engine is the chief purpose of oil, and synthetic oil does it better. Remember the uniform molecular size we mentioned earlier? This isn't just something cool to see in a lab. It actually allows the oil to more effectively lubricate the engine.

Oil change

1. It Lasts Longer

In addition to doing its job better, synthetic oil can also do it for longer than conventional. If your Subaru engine uses conventional oil, it's best to have it changed every 3,000 miles. But if you're using synthetic oil, you can go up to several thousand miles more before an oil change. This can help offset the price of synthetic oil; though it costs more than conventional, you'll have to buy it less frequently. Do keep in mind, though, that regular oil changes are still necessary; they'll just come less often.