SERVICE BASICS

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Every internal combustion engine relies upon oil for lubricating critical internal parts. Changing that oil periodically is crucial for helping to ensure a long engine life and optimum fuel efficiency. But there are many choices when it comes time to change your oil. Why is that? What’s the difference? Is synthetic oil or conventional oil right for you and your car?

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oils are much more refined than conventional – and are made from higher-quality, extensively processed base oils. This allows a synthetic oil to withstand high engine temperatures, friction, and combustion byproducts better to help avoid oil breakdown and engine protection loss during the oil change interval. Synthetic oils often contain premium additives that help improve engine performance, protection, and heat resistance.

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, on the other hand, is made exclusively from less refined, petroleum base stocks, which help provide adequate protection capabilities. Increasingly, many engine manufacturers require synthetic oil for engine protection.

What’s the Difference Between Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil?^*

Synthetic oils and conventional oils both lubricate engines. The difference lies in how well the different oil works for your particular vehicle and driving conditions.

Valvoline Full Synthetic oils have advanced anti-wear additives to combat engine wear and heat, as well as extra detergents to help reduce deposits, sludge, and the formation of varnish. It flows easily in cold temperatures to help give your engine better cold-start protection. Further, it’s specifically formulated to help maximize fuel efficiency and protection under severe driving conditions.

What Oil Does My Car Take?

Your car’s manufacturer defined the type of oil that should be used to properly protect your engine. Always refer to the owner’s manual when it’s time for an oil change, as the manual will indicate specific viscosity requirements. Some cars will have varying viscosity and oil change interval recommendations based on driving conditions – for example, frequent driving in stop-and-go situations, dusty areas, or extreme hot or cold might necessitate considering a different oil viscosity or more frequent oil changes.

Many auto manufacturers are now requiring synthetic oils in their engines, as newer engines are built to tolerances that require the viscosities, additives, and protection only available in synthetic oils. This is especially true in GDI, turbo and other modern engine technologies, where high engine stress can cause additional heat, friction, and deposit formation. Synthetic oils are more resistant to breaking down under the stress of these operating conditions.

If you have any questions about selecting the right oil for your car, contact to your local Goodyear Auto Service store to help choose the right Valvoline motor oil.

What Type of Oil is Available?^*

Your Goodyear Auto Service store has a variety of Valvoline oil change options to meet the needs of you and your car. Make sure you discuss the type of driving you do with your Goodyear service advisor so you can be sure of selecting the right option.

Your best option is Valvoline Full Synthetic motor oil, which helps to give protection against heat, wear, and internal engine deposits. Valvoline Full Synthetic is formulated with long-lasting anti-wear additives that offer enhanced engine protection at high engine operating temperatures and cold conditions.

If your car has over 75,000 miles, a good option might be Valvoline High Mileage oil with MaxLife technology. This is a blend of synthetic and conventional oils that has additives that help to fight the problems typical to aging cars and trucks – specifically oil leaks, oil consumption, loss of fuel economy, and reduced power. Valvoline High Mileage with Maxlife Technology has seal conditioners that can rejuvenate aging engine seals to help prevent oil leaks, and extra detergents to help reduce sludge and deposit formation. The detergents actually bond with and can remove sludge and deposits – so your engine can be cleaner after an oil change.

For dependable daily engine protection, Valvoline motor oils are formulated with advanced additives to help protect your engine all year long. Valvoline motor oils resist oil thickening by controlling oxidation over time. Further, they contain durable anti-wear additives that remain in the oil longer to improve engine protection.

Oil Change Steps

Changing your oil typically involves draining the old oil out of your engine, alongside a replacement of the oil filter. The old oil and filter have contaminants that have built up over time and removing them from the engine minimizes the risk of damage should those contaminants continue to flow through the engine. Further, changing the oil replenishes the critical additives and detergents in the engine oil, so your engine can continue to reap the benefits and run like new for longer.

How Do You Get Your Oil Changed?

It’s easy – just call or schedule an appointment online with your local Goodyear Auto Service location. Your Goodyear Auto Service location offers premium oil change services, alongside several other services that can be completed at the same time.

Importantly, your local Goodyear Auto Service location will properly dispose of your used oil.

A comprehensive Oil Change Service from Goodyear Auto Service includes:

Your choice of the premium Valvoline oils compatible with your vehicle and an oil filter replacement
Lubrication of all fittings
Checking all fluids
Checking the air filter
Inspecting your engine for leaks
Inspecting your belts and hoses
Checking the tire pressures and tread depth
A thorough under-car inspection

Should these checks indicate a need for additional service, your Goodyear Auto Service advisor will suggest the services needed to keep your car in its best possible condition.

* Service offerings and recommendations based upon information provided by Valvoline Inc. Visit Valvoline.com to learn more.