Which is the right choice- Conventional or Synthetic Oil for an Oil Change?

Which is the right choice- Conventional or Synthetic Oil for an Oil Change?

Looking for motor oil that offers the best protection, a better fuel economy, and even a longer engine life?
One of the biggest debates amongst car owners is whether synthetic oil or conventional oil is better for the longevity and overall health of a vehicle. You can probably guess that synthetic oil is higher quality due to its high price tag, but you may not know exactly why. In order to make a more informed decision next time you drive over to oil change Brampton; let’s get a few things straight.

Oil change Brampton – what you need to know

  • First, you should understand what makes these two types of oil so different. Conventional is mostly crude oil that is pumped up from the ground. Afterwards, it goes through a refining process to get rid of contaminates, such as sulfur or heavy metals. On the other hand, synthetic is a man-made oil engine lubricant that is developed in the laboratory, rather than nature. Because of that, it has fewer imperfections in their chemical buildup than conventional does. No matter how much the motor oil is refined, it will not be as pure as synthetic oil.

Oil change Brampton: which oil is better for your ride?

  • Synthetic Oil: synthetic at oil change Brampton is specially formulated to provide enhanced engine performance over conventional oil. As result, synthetic oil will help to reduce engine wear and improve gas mileage on hard working engines. Winter is the perfect time to consider the switch to a full-synthetic motor oil because it protects your engine during a cold start. With synthetic, the engine oil cranks easy when the car sits over an extended period of time (let’s say overnight), and has oil circulating sooner. Synthetic oils have excellent properties that allow it to maintain their viscosity at higher temperatures. And best of all, drivers that use this thinner, free flowing synthetic won’t need to change their oil as often because it can go longer before breaking down. Despite being more expensive, synthetic oil gets you further down the road than conventional oil.

 

  • Conventional Oil: the petroleum based oil does not work well under extreme weather conditions. It creates the most pollutants of any type of oil by emitting a large amount of sulfur into the air as it is burned. The hard to pump thick and sticky oil will degrade faster than other types of motor oil. In colder months, the process of firing up your ignition and getting your oil to flow smoothly may take even longer. In extreme heat, conventional oil breaks down faster and leave deposits, which can lead to vehicle failure. Biggest downside to this lube? You’ll have to make more frequent oil changes. On the bright side, conventional oil will cost you a bit less compared to synthetic. At oil change Brampton, conventional might be a good fit if you don’t drive far very often.

Final say

When it comes to vehicle’s maintenance at oil change Brampton, you can never be too careful. Although it’s proven that synthetic oil provides better protection for a vehicle, having an oil change done according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation is still the best option for protecting the overall performance and life of a vehicle.
At Valvoline Express Care Brampton, our qualified technicians know that every engine deserves great oil. That’s why our top of the line motor oils is specifically designed to meet the needs of different engine types and driving conditions. If your car needs an oil change, let us be your first stop!
 
 
 
 
 
 

Oil Change Services Brampton

Oil Change Services Brampton

Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. Oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.
All oil has a shelf life, and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.

How do you know when it is time for oil change?

There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need ofan oil change. Here a few examples:

  • Color and texture of oil
  • Engine sound
  • Check engine light
  • Low level
  • Time since your last oil change

Color and Texture

When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown color. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change, and possibly a filter change as well.

Engine Sound

If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.

Check Engine Light

Most cars will have an oil gauge on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a check up. If the engine light coming on, may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.
oil change

Low Level

You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.

Last Oil Change

One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 3,000- 5,000 kilometres. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.

Frequency Factors

How often you get your oil changed, can be determined by 3 basic factors:

  • Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
  • Driving conditions
  • Environmental conditions

Maintenance Schedule

The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.

Driving Conditions

The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:

  • Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
  • Short drives in freezing temperatures
  • Driving at slow speeds for long distances
  • Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
  • Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
  • Towing something behind your car, or strapping something heavy to the roof
  • Frequent stops and starts

Environmental Conditions

The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.