Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil | Greenville SC | Serving Spartanburg, Anderson & throughout the Upstate

Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil

As car owners, we all know that oil changes are important. But not everyone knows why your car requires synthetic oil while some only need conventional oil. Why does your Audi model's fine-tuned, turbocharged engine require a specific type of synthetic oil? What's the difference between synthetic and conventional oil anyway? Keep reading to find out!

Synthetic Oil

The easiest way to summarize synthetic oil is that it's more refined than conventional oil. It undergoes additional processes like distillation and purification in order to remove impurities and tailor individual molecules to better suit the needs of modern engines. This type of oil can help your engine avoid overheating, enhance its durability and clean out residue deposits.

Synthetic blend motor oil is synthetic oil mixed with different conventional oils. It's recommended for engines that carry heavy loads and operate at a high RPM on a regular basis. If you tow trailers often or haul around a great deal of equipment or luggage, this may be the best option for you. Synthetic blend motor oil can also include high-mileage motor oil, which is designed to meet the needs of vehicles with 75,000 or more miles on the engine.

Conventional Oil

While conventional oil may not be as "refined" as synthetic oil, it does come in a wide range of viscosity levels and lubricant quality. If you just use your car for commuting to work or school, running errands and vacationing, conventional oil is typically enough to meet your engine's needs.

That said, many newer vehicles, or vehicles equipped with turbochargers or superchargers, may require synthetic oil. At the end of the day, it's always best to check with your user manual and mechanic to know for sure which type of oil to use for your engine. Here at Audi Greenville, we'll be able to tell you for certain which type your model needs.