What is Synthetic Oil?

Drivers who keep up with the recommended maintenance know that the oil change is one of the most common forms of automotive service. It’s also one of the most important services to have performed on your vehicle because it allows your vehicle to perform at its best and most efficient. Newer cars take synthetic oil over the conventional oil that has been used over the decades. At Land Rover Albuquerque, we’re here to answer a question that drivers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and South Valley have asked us: what is synthetic oil?

We’re going to cover a few facts about motor oil, synthetic oil, and why your vehicle needs it over conventional oil.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is made from modified petroleum and artificial chemical compounds. Like conventional oil, it performs the basic functions of lubricating your engine parts and improving your vehicle’s performance. However, the modified compounds and chemicals that make up synthetic oil make it a stronger alternative to conventional oil because it can withstand more extreme temperatures and can last three times as long as conventional oil, which results in less oil changes. Synthetic oil even features properties that not only clean your components more, but it also has a positive effect on your vehicle’s fuel economy.

What Types of Oil Are There?

There are plenty of different grades and viscosities of motor oil, but as far as types, there is conventional and synthetic. Conventional oil has been used for generations. It’s derived from petroleum and extracted from the ground. It’s used for mostly older vehicles from before 2008. While it has been used for many years, it’s not the perfect oil. It can break down rather quickly and it needs additives to withstand the heat of some engines.

Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Car?

Synthetic oil was designed for newer vehicles as their engines are more equipped to be able to take this oil. Older vehicles tend to require conventional oil because synthetic oil wasn’t specifically used for vehicle engines until the last decade. If you’ve got a model from 2008 or later, your vehicle most likely uses synthetic oil.

The Function of Oil in Your Engine

While oil may seem pretty simple, it actually performs a variety of functions in your vehicle. It keeps the moving metal parts lubricated so they can continue performing fluidly. It even helps keep these parts clean by picking up the debris and particles that are flowing around your engine. Lastly, oil helps disperse the heat created by your engine from these moving metal parts. It keeps these parts cool so your engine can continue to run without the threat of becoming overheated.

Having Your Oil Changed

No matter the type of oil your vehicle uses, it’s always important to stay on top of the necessary oil change to ensure that your vehicle is performing at its best and most efficient. When you notice that you’ve got an oil change coming up, you can always schedule oil change service at Land Rover Albuquerque. Our team of technicians is here to help you keep your vehicle lasting throughout the years.

Schedule oil change service with us at Land Rover Albuquerque. We’re happy to serve drivers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and South Valley.