Synthetic Motor Oil vs Conventional Oil: Which is best for your car's engine?

Oil Change: West Chester, PA | Reliable Auto Repair and Oil Change Service

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When you think about the many things that keep your car running smoothly, there’s a good chance that motor oil is the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason.

While you probably don’t think about the oil in your car much, it wouldn’t take very long for your car to break down without it. However, while you may already know just how important oil is, with so many different types to choose from, picking the right one for your vehicle can be a challenge. Luckily, our team of PA auto experts is here to help, whether you live in West Chester, Exton, or anywhere else in the Chester County area.

Our goal is to help drivers all over southeastern Pennsylvania make the best choice for themselves and their vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a trustworthy oil change service in the West Chester or Exton area, or just want to learn more about how to take better care of your car, our team of certified professionals is always here to answer your questions and provide the expert service you need.

Here is everything you need to know about all the different types of motor oil and which ones might be best for your vehicle.

What Does Motor Oil Actually Do?

Before we get into the specifics of what makes each type of motor oil different, it’s important to understand exactly what oil does for your car. No matter what type of car you have, the engine inside it relies on oil to perform a wide variety of essential functions, including:

Lubrication: Oil keeps metal parts from grinding against each other.
Cooling: Oil helps absorb and distribute heat to prevent overheating.
Cleaning: Oil prevents sludge from building up by trapping otherwise harmful contaminants.
Sealing: Oil helps create a seal between pistons and cylinder walls.
Protection: Oil prevents corrosion and damage from moisture and debris.

Sadly, the oil in your engine doesn’t last forever. Over time, it will break down due to exposure to high temperatures, oxidation, and contamination, causing the oil to be much less effective at performing these vital tasks. This makes keeping up with regular oil changes particularly important, as neglecting them can lead to reduced performance, lower fuel economy, and in extreme cases, pricey engine damage.

Conventional Motor Oil: The Classic Choice

For as long as cars have existed, conventional motor oil has been the go-to option for most vehicles. As you may have guessed, this type of conventional motor oil is made from refined crude oil that’s enhanced with key additives that improve lubrication and prevent engine wear.

Benefits of Conventional Oil

Conventional motor oil has been able to maintain its status as a top option for millions of vehicles because it offers a number of unique advantages, including:

Affordability: Conventional oil is generally the least expensive option, making it appealing for budget-conscious drivers everywhere.
Simplicity: It works well in older vehicles and those not designed for synthetic blends.
Accessibility: Conventional oil is available almost everywhere and is suitable for most standard engines.

Limitations of Conventional Oil

While conventional oil is a reliable choice, this type of oil tends to break down a lot faster than synthetic options. Because of this, it also leaves more deposits over time, which can cause sludge to form if you forget to change your oil regularly.

If your driving habits involve short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or long idling, this almost certainly guarantees that conventional oil will break down and degrade faster in your vehicle. However, the good news is that both of our Welsh Automotive teams in West Chester and Exton can help you set a proper maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle running at peak performance.

Synthetic Motor Oil: The Modern Advantage

Synthetic motor oil, on the other hand, is engineered in a lab to outperform conventional motor oil in almost every aspect. Instead of being refined directly from crude oil, synthetic oils are chemically tailored for better performance and longevity.

At the end of the day, synthetic oil offers exceptional protection and stability, which is why auto manufacturers recommend using it in most modern vehicles.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Longer Lifespan: Can last anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Superior Temperature Performance: Flows smoothly in cold starts and resists breakdown in extreme heat.
Cleaner Engine: Leaves far fewer deposits, reducing sludge formation.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: Further reduces friction, helping your engine run more efficiently.
Better Protection from Wear and Tear: This is especially important for high-performance or turbocharged engines.

Drawbacks of Synthetic Oil

Easily the most obvious drawback of synthetic oil is the price. Synthetic oil tends to be much more expensive than conventional motor oil. However, it is worth noting that its longer lifespan and superior performance drastically reduce this cost difference over time.

Synthetic Blend Oil: The Best of Both Worlds

If you still aren’t sure which type of oil is best for your vehicle, a synthetic blend might be the perfect middle ground for you. This type of oil is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a blend of both oil options that aims to combine the affordability of conventional oil with the superior performance of synthetic oil into one convenient package.

Synthetic blends are a great option for drivers who want improved protection under heavy loads and extreme temperatures, but don’t necessarily want to take the full step to synthetic oil. While the choice is ultimately yours, our expert oil change service team usually recommends synthetic blends for vehicles with moderate mileage or mixed driving habits that include short trips and the occasional longer commute.

How To Choose the Right Oil for Your Car

Every vehicle on the road has unique oil needs based on a wide variety of factors, including the vehicle’s age, engine design, and manufacturer. However, the easiest way to determine which type of motor oil is best for your vehicle is to look at the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

That being said, it’s still essential to consider local driving conditions when making your decision. Chester County, in particular, is no stranger to brutally cold winters and hot, humid summers. These drastic swings in temperature can have a big effect on how your motor oil performs, with synthetic oils handling these temperature changes much better than their more conventional counterparts.

When Should You Get an Oil Change?

Most modern cars that can use synthetic oil can go a lot longer between oil changes than older vehicles that can only use conventional oil. However, regardless of the type of vehicle you have or the oil in it, it’s still important to stick to a regular oil change service schedule.

Here are some general guidelines:

Conventional Oil: every 3,000 – 5,000 miles or 3 – 6 months (whichever comes first)
Synthetic Blend: every 5,000 – 7,500 miles
Fully Synthetic Oil: every 7,500 – 10,000 miles

Again, it is important to take the driving conditions and your habits into consideration. If you’re regularly stuck in traffic, have frequent short commutes, or spend lots of time on the highway, it’s probably a good idea to check your oil more often.

If you’re still unsure when you should get an oil change, all you have to do is stop by one of Welsh Automotive’s West Chester or Exton locations. We’ll happily inspect your oil and let you know if it’s time for a change.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

Besides sticking to general guidelines, your vehicle will also give you plenty of signs that it’s overdue for an oil change. Some of these signs include:

The oil change or check engine light comes on.
You notice dark, dirty, or gritty oil on your dipstick.
Your engine sounds louder than usual.
You smell burning oil inside your car.
Your fuel economy starts to drop.

If you notice any of these key signs, you should contact Welsh Automotive immediately to schedule an inspection and oil change. The longer you wait, the worse these signs will get and the more likely your car is to break down or require costly repairs.

What's Included in a Welsh Automotive Oil Change Service

When you visit Welsh Automotive for an oil change at our Exton or West Chester, PA locations, you’ll get a lot more than just new oil. You’ll get everything you need to ensure your car continues to run smoothly.

Every Welsh Automotive inspection and oil change service includes:

Oil replacement with premium oil and filter
Fluid checks (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, washer)
Tire pressure adjustment
Visual inspection of belts, hoses, and filters
Optional tire rotation
Optional multi-point safety inspection

Here at Welsh Automotive, we take great pride in providing comprehensive car care services that ensure your safety and your car’s peak performance. No matter what you’re coming in for, you’ll always be able to trust that our ASE-certified technicians will treat your car like their own.

Why Chester County Drivers Choose Welsh Automotive

We know that we aren’t your only option when it comes to automotive maintenance, but there is a reason that our customers continue to choose us over the competition. We offer a lot more than just automotive expertise. As a locally owned Chester County business, we want nothing more than to see our neighbors thrive, and we always promise to provide honest recommendations and professional service with a smile, but that’s not nearly all.

Our team of ASE-certified auto technicians is one of the best in the business and has decades of combined experience. When you choose Welsh Automotive, you’ll always be able to trust that you’ll get professional service tailored to the local demands of Chester County roads, as well as fast turnaround times, honest pricing, and convenient scheduling that make giving your car the service it deserves a breeze.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend road tripper, or someone who only uses their car every once in a while, our goal is always to make your car ownership experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Comprehensive Automotive Service Near You

While our oil change service is easily one of our most popular, we provide a lot more than just oil changes. In fact, we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer a comprehensive range of maintenance and repair services that make us your one-stop shop for all your automotive needs.

If you’ve been searching for “automotive service near me,” you’ll find everything your car needs right here, including:

Brake service and repairs
Tire rotation, balancing, and replacement
State inspections and emissions testing
Battery testing and replacement
Suspension and steering repairs
Engine diagnostics and tune-ups

With Welsh Automotive on your side, you won’t ever have to worry about juggling multiple maintenance and repair shops again. All you need to do is find the nearest Welsh Automotive location to you, and we’ll handle all the rest.

Visit Welsh Automotive in West Chester or Exton, PA

With two convenient Welsh Automotive locations in West Chester and Exton, PA, searching around for an oil change near me has never been easier. Both locations offer the same high-quality care, highly experienced technicians, and family-friendly service, so the only thing you need to think about before scheduling an appointment is which location is more convenient for you.

Can I change the oil on my own?

You can definitely change the oil on your own. However, getting a professional to do it is advised. The reason is that engine oil changes involve the risk of mistakes or damage. Professionals know their job precisely and are equipped with the right tools, which takes less time and ensures better efficiency.

Can I switch between various oils?

Usually, it is risk-free to swap between oil types; however, it is still suggested to check with your vehicle’s handbook or consult a specialist about the oil’s compatibility with your engine. Some vehicles have specific requirements or recommendations for optimal performance and engine protection. Some people also use oil change coupons to switch to different brands.

How much oil should be consumed between oil changes?

The oil consumption rate between oil changes can vary based on the vehicle’s make, model, and mileage. Typically, a vehicle consumes around one quart of oil per 1,000 miles/1600 km (metric and imperial units). If your vehicle begins to exceed this consumption rate, it is advised to have it inspected by a professional to identify potential issues or abnormalities that may require prompt attention.

How long can a car go after an oil change?

The miles a car may drive after an oil change varies depending on driving conditions, vehicle age, and engine health. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good standard for an oil change service, but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Contact Welsh Automotive and Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today

Does your vehicle need an oil change? Give us a call at (610) 524-5437 or request an appointment on our website, welshautomotive.com.

Our team of local automotive experts is always here to answer your questions and will happily help you schedule your next oil change at a time that’s convenient for you. Plus, with two convenient Welsh Automotive locations in Exton and West Chester, PA, if you live in southeastern Pennsylvania, there’s bound to be a location near you. So, don’t wait until the last minute to get an oil change when you don’t have to. Contact Welsh Automotive and schedule your next oil change appointment today!