Synthetic vs Conventional Oil near Woodland Hills, CA

Driving around Woodland Hills may be exciting, but it’s also important to tend to your car. Learn the difference between synthetic and conventional oil in this overview by Northridge Toyota! Then, contact us if any questions come to mind.

Conventional Oil

Ever since cars were invented, oil has been used to lubricate their engines. While the substance has come a long way, the purpose and composition of conventional oil has remained relatively the same. Crafted from refined crude, it will help to keep your vehicle’s engine in good condition by reducing the friction caused within it. In doing so, it also keeps the temperature low, allowing it to avoid overheating. As it passes through the inner workings, it also cleans the engine of dirt and other impurities. That way, the system will remain in good condition for the long haul. Swapping conventional oil out every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is wise, so visit us if you’ve exceeded that timeframe. 

Synthetic Oil

Many new Toyota models work best with synthetic oil. This fluid is more advanced than its predecessor, as it is more highly refined and formulated to last longer. It has longer chemical chains that are more difficult for the heat and friction in your engine to break down. With proper care and average driving practices, you may only need a new batch after 10,000 miles of travel on the Ventura Freeway. It is worth noting that not all cars are compatible with synthetic oil, so be sure to check your Owner’s Manual and contact us before committing to a purchase. You can always switch back to conventional oil later, so you won’t be locked into any one type of fluid.

Deciding

Choosing between conventional and synthetic oil doesn’t have to be a challenge! Since many cars are compatible with either one, the choice often comes down to your budget. Conventional options are usually less expensive than synthetic ones, even though the latter lasts longer than the former. Because you’ll have to get oil changes more frequently with conventional fluid, it is usually recommended that you get synthetic oil if your vehicle is compatible with it. However, older models often require conventional varieties. If you are unsure of which to select, we welcome you to reach out to the mechanics at our Service Department today.