How to choose between conventional and synthetic oil for your car

Next time you go to the garage for an oil change, your mechanic will probably ask you if you’d like to use conventional or synthetic motor oil. If you aren’t very familiar with car maintenance, you’ll probably need to rely on the advice of a pro to make the right choice. We’ve asked our own experts here at Auto Value to put together this blog post to help you see more clearly.

Synthetic oil offers better performance

Synthetic oil has a more refined and homogenous composition than conventional mineral oil, giving it a significant advantage performance-wise. In addition to being much longer lasting, synthetic oil:

– Is more resistant to extreme cold and heat (ideal for our Canadian climate)

– Is cleaner (it leaves less residue in the engine)

– Is less prone to oxidization

– Lubricates the engine more effectively (thereby protecting components from premature wear)

Its main drawback is the higher price tag. At Auto Value, we believe that if you want what’s best for your car, synthetic oil is the way to go. This is especially true if you do most of your driving in the city (which involves frequent stopping and starting) or if you often haul heavy loads (a trailer or boat, for example).

Sometimes conventional oil is all you need

Check your owner’s manual to find out which type of oil is recommended for your vehicle. If your car is a few years old, chances are that conventional motor oil will do the trick; however, newer cars often require synthetic oil. Bottom line: if you use your car normally (i.e. no hauling, infrequent stopping and starting) and are on a tight budget, there’s nothing wrong with using conventional oil.

Out with the old, in with the new at Auto Value

Regular oil changes are essential to protect your car’s engine. For irreproachable results every time, trust our experts! Need advice on which type of motor oil to use in your car? Visit one of our Certified Service Centers: our trained mechanics will be happy to analyze your situation and help you make an informed decision between synthetic and conventional oil. We look forward to meeting you!

Service is the difference. We get it.