As you already know, oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without oil, your gasoline or diesel engine would not be able to function properly, and you wouldn't be going anywhere. Using the right oil - and changing that oil on a regular basis - is one of the keys to automotive ownership.
In recent years, synthetic oils have become more and more popular, thanks to a number of advantages over traditional oil. In fact, many modern vehicles require the use of synthetic oil. So, what is so great about this kind of oil, and why should you consider it for your vehicle (if suitable)? Let's take a look at some of the main selling points below.
Of course, if you would like to get this information straight from a professional, please feel free to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to speak with our maintenance team about the right oil for your vehicle. We are always happy to help!
Cold Weather Flow
Here in Idaho, this is a big one, so it makes sense to start our list on this point. Synthetic oils tend to flow better when the temperatures drop, meaning they are the perfect choice in cold climates. Using your vehicle in cold weather is just a fact of life in Idaho, so it only makes sense to provide your engine with an oil that is up to the task. To help care for and protect your engine during the harsh winter months, a synthetic oil change is a wise choice.
Get It Started
Before you can worry about vehicle performance on the road, you have to get your vehicle started in the first place. That should be a little bit easier with synthetic oil. Basically, synthetic oil is slicker than 'regular' oil, which means it doesn't need to work as hard to make its way around the engine. When you fire up your engine, everything is cold and it can be tough for oil to get around until things warm up. Through the use of synthetic oil, you'll be able to start the engine with less trouble, meaning your vehicle should be more reliable in the end.
Improved Efficiency
While simply using synthetic oil is not going to turn a big V-8 engine into a fuel efficiency champion, you can experience some gas mileage benefits when you use this type of oil. Your engine should run smoother when it has been provided with synthetic oil, meaning it won't have to work as hard and it should use less fuel to get you from one place to the next. Don't expect to find huge gas mileage gains as a result of this one change, but it is another point which can be placed in the 'benefits' category.
More Horsepower
Everyone loves more power under the hood - well, almost everyone - and switching to a synthetic oil may deliver just that. Again, this boils down to efficiency. With an engine that is running smoothly, and at a cooler temperature, you should find more power being delivered to the wheels when you press on the pedal. Just as was the case with the previous point, you shouldn't expect a dramatic change here, but rather a minor one that can lead to slightly better performance out on the road.
Longer Intervals
Perhaps one of the nicest benefits of using synthetic oil is the fact that you won't need to bring the vehicle in as frequently for an oil change. If you have long-heard that an oil change should be performed every 3,000-miles, you are a little behind the times. Well, actually, that isn't quite true - if you still use traditional oil, you should head in for an oil change at roughly 3,000-miles (depending on make and model).
However, for vehicles using synthetic oil, that interval can be more than doubled. It is common for vehicles using synthetic oil to carry a recommendation of 7,000-miles or more between changes. For you as a vehicle owner, that means fewer trips to the dealership for oil changes, and more time spent out living your life.
On the Other Hand
Overall, there is a lot to like about using synthetic oil. As we have already shown with the points listed above, there are many benefits to using synthetic oil in your vehicle, and those benefits should not be overlooked. However, as is the case with just about any new product that comes on the market, there are pros and cons to be weighed. We believe the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to synthetic oil, but we feel the need to point one main drawback anyway.
As you might expect, the main drawback to be seen with synthetic oil is the fact that it is significantly more expensive than traditional oil. In most cases, you will pay between two and three times as much for synthetic oil as you will pay for a traditional oil, which can be a shock at first. If you are used to having quick and cheap oil changes performed on your vehicle, you might not like the adjustment to costlier changes. Of course, since you don't need to change the oil nearly as often, the difference in price works out to be roughly a wash in the long run.
There isn't much bad to say about synthetic motor oil. Sure, it is more expensive, but you aren't going to be coming in for an oil change nearly as often, thanks to the durability of the product. By working with a Chevrolet Certified Service expert here in Sandpoint Id at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you can pick out the right synthetic oil for your vehicle. Whether your vehicle requires a synthetic or you just want to do everything you can to protect your engine, we'll make sure your oil changes are performed properly each time you visit. Thank you for taking the time to stop by our site, and we look forward to serving you soon!