Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: Which is Best for Your Vehicle in Grand Rapids?

Tom Ham • March 19, 2025

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Choosing the right oil for your vehicle can be a confusing decision. Many drivers ask us whether synthetic or conventional oil is better for their cars. It's a common question at our shop, and the answer depends on several factors.

Synthetic oil offers superior performance, longer intervals between changes, and better protection in extreme temperatures, making it the best choice for most modern vehicles despite its higher cost. We understand that price matters, but synthetic oil's benefits often justify the extra expense. It provides better engine protection and can actually save you money in the long run.

We see many customers who are unsure about which oil to choose. Your vehicle's make, model, age, and your driving habits all play important roles in this decision. Conventional oil works well for older vehicles with simple engines, while newer cars often benefit more from synthetic options.

Key Takeaways

Synthetic oil provides better engine protection, performance in extreme temperatures, and typically lasts 7,500-15,000 miles between changes.
Conventional oil costs less initially but requires more frequent changes (typically every 3,000-5,000 miles) and offers less protection.
Your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations, age, and your driving conditions should guide your choice between synthetic and conventional oil.

What Is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil is the traditional motor oil that has been used in vehicles for decades. It's made from crude oil that undergoes a refining process to create the lubricant that protects engines.

Benefits Of Conventional Oil In Grand Rapids

Conventional motor oil offers several advantages for drivers in Grand Rapids. The most obvious benefit is its lower cost compared to synthetic alternatives. We find that many of our customers appreciate saving money on regular maintenance.

For older vehicles with higher mileage, conventional oil sometimes performs better. These mineral oil formulations have the right viscosity characteristics for engines with more wear, helping to prevent leaks in worn seals.

During Michigan's varying seasons, conventional oil provides adequate protection for most standard driving conditions. It's particularly suitable for drivers who follow regular maintenance schedules and don't put extreme demands on their vehicles.

What Vehicles Use Conventional Oil?

Many vehicles on the road today still use conventional motor oil as their recommended lubricant. Older models manufactured before 2010 were typically designed with conventional oil in mind. These engines often have wider tolerances and don't require the enhanced properties of synthetic options.

Standard commuter cars with basic engines usually perform well with conventional oil. We see many economy cars, mid-size sedans, and older pickup trucks that continue to run smoothly on conventional mineral oil.

Vehicles that operate in moderate conditions without excessive heat, cold, or heavy loads are good candidates for conventional oil. If you don't do much towing or high-speed driving, conventional oil likely meets your needs.

However, manufacturer recommendations are evolving. Many newer vehicles now specify synthetic blends or full synthetic oils. We always recommend checking your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific requirements for your model.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant created from chemically modified petroleum components. It offers superior performance in extreme temperatures and provides better engine protection than conventional oils.

Benefits Of Synthetic Oil In Grand Rapids

Synthetic oil performs exceptionally well in Grand Rapids' varying climate conditions. During harsh Michigan winters, synthetic oil flows more easily at startup temperatures as low as -40°F, while conventional oils may thicken and struggle to circulate.

We've seen that vehicles using full synthetic motor oil typically experience less engine wear. This happens because synthetic base oils have uniformly sized molecules that create less friction between engine parts.

Synthetics also last longer in Grand Rapids driving conditions. While conventional oils need changing every 3,000-5,000 miles, most synthetic oils can safely go 7,500-15,000 miles between changes.

For Grand Rapids drivers who face stop-and-go traffic, synthetic oil resists breakdown better. It maintains its protective properties longer when engines repeatedly heat up and cool down.

Synthetic oil also helps keep engines cleaner. Its advanced formulation resists sludge formation, which is particularly helpful for older vehicles in our area.

What About Blended Synthetic Oil?

Blended synthetic oil, often called synthetic blend oil, offers a middle ground between full synthetic and conventional oils. We find that these products combine some synthetic base oils with conventional oil to create a hybrid formula.

Synthetic blends typically cost less than full synthetic oil but more than conventional oil. This makes them an attractive option if you want some synthetic benefits without the higher price tag.

These blends provide better protection than conventional oil, especially in extreme temperatures. They offer improved resistance to oxidation and can protect your engine during cold starts better than conventional options.

Many drivers choose synthetic blends when transitioning from conventional to full synthetic oil. We've seen that trucks and SUVs often benefit from synthetic blends, particularly when used for towing or hauling.

Most major oil brands offer synthetic blend options. Look for terms like "synthetic blend" or "semi-synthetic" on the label to identify these products.

Synthetic blends typically need to be changed more frequently than full synthetic oil. However, they generally last longer than conventional oil. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals.

For vehicles with higher mileage that don't specifically require full synthetic, synthetic blends can be a practical choice. They provide enhanced protection while remaining more affordable for regular maintenance.

Synthetic Vs. Conventional Oil: Which Is Best?

Choosing between synthetic and conventional oil depends on several factors including your vehicle type and driving habits. Synthetic oil offers superior engine protection due to fewer impurities and more uniform molecules.

Synthetic oil performs better in extreme temperatures. It flows more easily in cold weather and resists breakdown in high heat. This consistent performance helps protect modern engines that run hotter than older models.

Conventional oil costs less upfront but requires more frequent changes. We typically recommend changing conventional oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Synthetic oil can last 7,500-15,000 miles between changes.

For high-performance or turbocharged engines, synthetic oil provides better lubrication and protection. These engines run hotter and put more stress on motor oil.

Your owner's manual will specify the recommended viscosity levels and oil type. Following these guidelines ensures proper lubrication and longevity for your internal combustion engine.

We find synthetic oil often improves gas mileage slightly due to reduced friction. The superior lubricant qualities of synthetic oil help engine parts move more efficiently.

What Vehicles Use Synthetic Oil?

Many modern vehicles now use synthetic oil as their recommended lubricant. High-performance cars, luxury vehicles, and newer models often require synthetic oil to function optimally. Manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche specifically recommend synthetic oil for their vehicles.

Turbocharged and supercharged engines typically need synthetic oil because these engines run hotter than conventional engines. Vehicles that operate in extreme temperatures—either very hot or very cold climates—also benefit from synthetic oil's superior performance range.

Here's a list of vehicle types that commonly use synthetic oil:

Sports cars and high-performance vehicles
Luxury vehicles
Newer model cars (especially those built after 2015)
Turbocharged or supercharged engines
Diesel engines in passenger vehicles
Many European imports

We've noticed that many people in our community change their oil every 6 months or every 10,000 miles using synthetic oil. Their vehicles consistently show excellent performance and longevity. These regular maintenance habits help prevent engine problems before they start.

Some vehicles can use either synthetic or conventional oil, but may perform better with synthetic. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. Following these guidelines helps ensure your warranty remains valid and your engine stays protected.

Get An Oil Change At Auto Centric In Grand Rapids

When it's time for your next oil change, consider visiting Auto Centric in Grand Rapids. We provide professional service with both synthetic and conventional oil options for your vehicle.

Our skilled technicians replace your old oil filter during every service. This helps remove harmful particles that could damage your engine over time.

At Auto Centric, we complete oil changes quickly and efficiently. Most customers can get back on the road in under an hour, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.

You can easily book an oil change service with our team. We’re located at 5355 Plainfield Ave NE, in Grand Rapids. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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What Happens if You Don't Change Your Engine Oil in Grand Rapids?

By Tom Ham • March 26, 2025

Have you ever postponed an oil change, thinking it's no big deal? Many Grand Rapids car owners delay this simple maintenance task without realizing the consequences. Regular oil changes aren't just a recommendation—they're essential for your vehicle's health and longevity. Simply put, if you don’t change your car's oil regularly it leads to engine damage, reduced performance, and potentially costly repairs that could have been avoided. When oil becomes old and dirty, it can't properly lubricate engine parts, causing increased friction and heat. This extra stress accelerates wear on critical components. The effects aren't always immediate, which is why some drivers ignore this maintenance. However, over time, dirty oil creates sludge that clogs passages in your engine. This restricts oil flow and can ultimately lead to engine failure—a problem far more expensive than routine oil changes. Consequences of Irregular Oil Changes Skipping regular oil changes creates a chain reaction of problems that can severely impact your vehicle's performance and lifespan. These issues often start small but quickly compound into serious problems. Accelerated Engine Wear and Tear Engine oil naturally breaks down over time, losing its lubricating properties. Extreme temperatures such as Grand Rapids winters don’t help. When oil ages, it becomes thicker and forms sludge that clings to engine components. This sludge prevents proper lubrication between metal parts, causing them to grind against each other. The resulting friction generates excessive heat and damages vital engine components like pistons, cylinders, and bearings. These parts develop scoring marks and begin to deteriorate rapidly. Contaminants like dirt, metal shavings, and combustion byproducts accumulate in old oil. These particles act like sandpaper, further abrading internal engine surfaces with every mile driven. Reduced Fuel Efficiency Dirty oil makes the engine work harder to perform its normal functions. When engine components encounter greater resistance due to inadequate lubrication, they require more energy to operate. This increased resistance directly translates to higher fuel consumption. Drivers may notice they're filling up more frequently than before, sometimes seeing a 1-2% decrease in fuel economy with very old oil. The engine's decreased efficiency comes from multiple factors: Thickened oil creating more resistance Sludge buildup restricting oil flow Increased friction between moving parts Poor heat dispersion requiring more energy Potential for Engine Failure Continued operation with degraded oil significantly increases the risk of catastrophic engine failure. As oil breaks down completely, metal-on-metal contact can cause parts to seize or warp under extreme heat. The oil pump may struggle to circulate thickened oil, leading to oil starvation in critical areas. This can result in sudden bearing failure or connecting rod damage. Engine overheating becomes more common as old oil fails to transfer heat properly. This can lead to warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, or even cracked engine blocks. The repair costs for these severe issues often reach thousands of dollars, far exceeding what regular oil changes would have cost over the vehicle's lifetime. Best Practices for Oil Maintenance in Grand Rapids Maintaining consistent oil changes keeps your engine running smoothly and extends the life of your vehicle. This is the key that can save you from costly repairs down the road. Understanding Oil Change Intervals Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for syntheic oil. However, this interval can extend to 10,000-15,000 miles with high-quality synthetic oils like Mobil 1 or Shell's fully synthetic options. Driving conditions significantly impact these intervals. Vehicles operated in "severe" conditions need more frequent changes. Severe conditions include: Short trips (under 10 miles) Extreme temperatures (very hot or cold) Dusty environments Stop-and-go traffic Towing or hauling heavy loads Modern vehicles often have oil life monitoring systems that track your driving habits and alert you when an oil change is needed. These systems are quite reliable and can help optimize your maintenance schedule, so don’t ignore them. Choosing the Right Oil for Your Engine Selecting the proper oil type impacts engine performance. Always refer to your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended viscosity grade and specifications. Conventional oils are less expensive but require more frequent changes. They work well in older engines with simple designs and moderate driving conditions. Synthetic oils offer superior protection across temperature extremes. Mobil 1 and other premium synthetic oils provide better flow in cold weather and maintain stability in high heat conditions. The viscosity rating (like 5W-30) indicates how the oil flows in different temperatures. The first number shows cold-weather performance, while the second indicates hot-weather performance. How Important is it to Replace the Oil Filter? Very important. Oil filters should be replaced with every oil change. They trap harmful particles and contaminants that would otherwise circulate through your engine. A quality filter from brands like Mobil or FRAM can capture particles as small as 25 microns – smaller than half the width of a human hair. This level of filtration prevents premature engine wear. As filters collect contaminants, they gradually become clogged. A clogged filter restricts oil flow, potentially leading to: Reduced engine lubrication Increased engine wear Poor performance and fuel economy Engine overheating Using a premium filter designed for your specific vehicle ensures proper fit and optimal filtration. The small additional cost compared to budget filters pays dividends in engine protection and longevity. If you have any questions or need an oil change, stop by Auto Centric. We're located at 5355 Plainfield Ave NE in Grand Rapids .