Choosing the Right Motor Oil for Your Vehicle: The Ultimate Guide to Synthetic vs Conventional Oil in 2024

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between synthetic and conventional motor oil. In 2024, synthetic oil continues to gain popularity for its superior engine performance and protection, but conventional motor oil remains a reliable, cost-effective option for many vehicles. Understanding the differences, benefits, and applications of synthetic and conventional oils is essential to making the right choice for your car.

Understanding the Basics: What’s the Difference?

Conventional oil is pumped out of the ground and refined, while synthetic is chemically modified petroleum that’s produced at a factory. Synthetic motor oil is chemically engineered to provide superior performance compared to conventional motor oil. Its refined molecular structure allows it to perform well under extreme conditions, making it a favorite for modern and high-performance vehicles.

Conventional Oil: Derived from crude oil and refined for basic lubrication needs. Synthetic Oil: Chemically engineered for optimal engine performance and protection. Synthetic Blends: A mix of synthetic and conventional oils, offering a middle ground in terms of cost and benefits.

The Case for Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil offers several compelling advantages that make it increasingly popular among vehicle owners. Among other things, AAA found that, on average, synthetic oils outperformed conventional oils by 47 percent in the conducted tests. Our Engine Oil Research study revealed that synthetic oil performs an average of 47 percent better compared to conventional oil in industry-standard tests.

Key benefits of synthetic oil include:

• Superior Engine Protection: Synthetic oil provides consistent lubrication, even under extreme stress, reducing wear on critical engine parts.
• Better Temperature Resistance: It flows easily in cold weather and resists breakdown in high heat.
• Cleaner Engine Operation: Synthetic oil contains fewer impurities, reducing sludge and deposit formation.
• Longer Oil Change Intervals: Many synthetic oils last 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or even longer with advanced formulations.
• Improved Fuel Economy: By reducing engine drag, synthetic oil helps optimize fuel efficiency.

Mobil 1 full synthetic oils are engineered to flow quickly even at low temperatures, and they start protecting your engine right after you start your vehicle. This is particularly important for drivers in extreme climates or those who frequently start their vehicles in cold weather conditions.

The Benefits of Conventional Oil

Despite the advantages of synthetic oil, conventional oil still has its place in the automotive world. Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, is refined from crude oil and has been the standard for decades. While it lacks the advanced properties of synthetic oil, it remains a dependable option for many vehicles.

Advantages of conventional oil include:

• Cost-Effective: It’s significantly cheaper, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Widely Available: Conventional oil is easy to find and works well for many vehicles.
• Great for Older Engines: Vehicles built before the 2000s often perform better with conventional oil.

While many mechanics and reviewers might extol the praises of synthetic oil over conventional, you won’t be hearing the same thing from the car manufacturers themselves – many of whom still recommend and use conventional oil on the factory line. This is based on a simple fact of reality: unless you’re driving a high-performance vehicle or in extreme conditions, your car simply doesn’t need synthetic oil.

Cost Considerations and Value

Higher Cost: Synthetic oil typically costs 30%–50% more than conventional oil. However, this upfront cost difference needs to be weighed against the longer service intervals. “The big difference is that synthetic oil tends to last longer than conventional oil between changes—up to 10,000 miles or more,” Ibbotson says. “Synthetic oil costs about 30 percent more than conventional oil, but you’ll only need to replace it half as often, offsetting its greater cost.”

Shorter Lifespan: Requires oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Less Effective in Extreme Conditions: Prone to thickening in cold weather and breaking down in high heat. These characteristics of conventional oil mean more frequent maintenance visits, which can add up over time.

Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle

The decision between synthetic and conventional oil depends on several factors. The manufacturer’s recommendation is the most important factor in determining which oil type to use. Your owner’s manual will include the manufacturer’s recommended oil type, oil specifications and oil change intervals.

Consider synthetic oil if you:

• Newer or high-performance vehicles.
• Drivers in extreme climates or those with long commutes.
• Towing or hauling heavy loads.

Now it’s the manufacturer-recommended engine lubricant in many mainstream vehicles, such as the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Camry. Because modern internal combustion engines have tighter spaces between fast-moving metal parts to help make them more efficient. That means these engines usually need lower-viscosity oil—oil that is “thinner” and flows more easily to form a cushion of lubrication between two parts. At lower viscosity, synthetic oil holds up better in high temperatures.

Professional Service Matters

Regardless of which oil type you choose, regular maintenance from qualified professionals is essential. For residents in the Triangle area, professional Oil change service Wake County providers like Derrick’s Mobile Auto Repair bring convenience and expertise directly to your location. 24/7 Auto Repair Services in Cary, NC. Call Derricks Mobile Auto Repair for expert mobile services including alternator replacement, brake repair, diagnostics, battery installation, suspension work, tune-ups, and more

Derrick’s Mobile Auto Repair is a premium mobile mechanic service that offers immediate road side service in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. This type of mobile service eliminates the hassle of visiting a traditional shop while ensuring your vehicle receives professional care with quality oil products.

The Bottom Line

“In a pinch, most any motor oil will do an adequate job and keep your engine from exploding,” says John Ibbotson, chief mechanic at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “But depending on the model you own and the conditions you drive in, some oils will perform and protect your engine much better than others. In the long run, choosing the right oil—and changing it at the correct intervals—will save you money and keep the engine from wearing out prematurely.”

In 2024, the choice between synthetic and conventional oil isn’t just about performance—it’s about matching your vehicle’s needs with your driving habits and budget. While synthetic oil offers superior protection and longer intervals, conventional oil remains a practical choice for many drivers. The key is following manufacturer recommendations and maintaining regular service intervals, regardless of which type you choose.

Whether you opt for synthetic or conventional oil, consistent maintenance is crucial for engine longevity. By understanding the differences and consulting with automotive professionals, you can make an informed decision that keeps your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.