Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oils

Detailed comparison between synthetic and conventional motor oils, along with more information and a list of top companies in the field.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oils

Feature Synthetic Motor Oil Conventional Motor Oil
Base Material Chemically engineered molecules Refined crude oil
Performance Superior lubrication, cleaner operation Adequate for standard driving conditions
Temperature Resistance Excellent in extreme hot/cold conditions Breaks down faster in extreme temperatures
Engine Protection Reduces wear, resists sludge and deposits More prone to sludge and oxidation
Longevity Longer oil change intervals (up to 15,000 mi) Shorter intervals (3,000–5,000 mi)
Fuel Efficiency Improves fuel economy Less efficient
Cost More expensive More affordable
Best For High-performance, turbocharged, newer engines Older engines, budget-conscious drivers

More Information

  • Synthetic oils are ideal for modern engines, especially those with turbochargers, direct injection, or high mileage. They maintain viscosity better and flow more easily in cold starts.
  • Conventional oils are still widely used and suitable for older vehicles or engines that don’t require high-performance lubrication.
  • Synthetic blends offer a middle ground better performance than conventional, but at a lower cost than full synthetic.

Top Motor Oil Companies

Brand

Known For

Mobil 1

Industry leader in full synthetic oils

Castrol

High-performance oils, including Edge & GTX

Valvoline

Advanced synthetic and high-mileage blends

Pennzoil

Made from natural gas, excellent cleaning agents

Shell

Shell Helix and Rotella lines, great for diesel

Liqui Moly

German precision, popular in European vehicles

Royal Purple

High-performance synthetic oils

Amsoil

Extended drain intervals, racing-grade oils

Havoline

Reliable conventional and synthetic blends

STP

Budget-friendly conventional oils

General Petroleum

Brand offering Petrogen synthetic blends and fully synthetic oils with strong anti-wear additives

  Tips for Choosing the Right Synthetic Oil

  • Check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-20).
  • Consider your driving habits: long commutes, extreme climates, or towing may require high-performance oils.
  • Look for certifications like API SN, ILSAC GF-6, or manufacturer-specific approvals (e.g., GM dexos1)


Location: Asia

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