Get the Benefits of a Full Synthetic Oil Change
An oil change is one of the most frequently required services for your vehicle. Whether you get one every 5,000 miles, every four months, or just a few miles short of your manufacturer-recommended interval, an oil change is the easiest way you protect your engine.
Oil quality comes down to the oil’s ability to withstand the extreme conditions that exist inside an engine. The greater the resistance to deterioration, the greater protection of the vital engine components.
Synthetic oil is created artificially from chemical compounds that mimic the best properties of natural oil but tailor to the specific demands of modern vehicles. It has long been claimed that synthetic oil better minimizes engine wear and maintains its viscosity at high temperatures better than conventional oil.
AAA conducted testing to understand the differences between conventional and synthetic oil, and the industry-standard tests revealed that synthetic oil outperformed conventional oil by an average of 47 percent. While any oil that meets the vehicle manufacturer’s standards is safe to use, synthetic oil will offer better engine protection.
“With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA’s findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial to newer vehicles with turbo-charged engines and for vehicles that frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or operate in extreme hot or cold conditions,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.
Benefits of a Full Synthetic Oil Change
- Improves fuel economy
- Provides better engine start-up protection
- Keeps engine cleaner due to fewer impurities
- Is more resistant to motor oil breakdown
- Meets or exceeds vehicle manufacturer expectations
In addition to full synthetic oil, brands often offer a synthetic blend, which is a combination of synthetic and conventional oil. While the blend performs better than conventional oil alone, a semi-synthetic oil does not offer the same level of protection that a full synthetic blend does.
Many vehicles still do not require full synthetic oil, but its popularity is increasing with each new model year. One thing is certain, all vehicles can greatly benefit from it regardless of age. Next time you’re due for service, talk to a AAA Car Care representative about getting a full synthetic oil change, and do what’s best for the longevity of your vehicle.