Oil is nothing new, and neither is synthetic motor oil. Some love it; some hate it. Some think “Synthetic is so much more expensive”, “I just don’t understand the difference”, or “how do I choose the best option”. This article will focus on some facts from my experience. It is not designed to be opinion based or to sell anyone on a particular product. It’s simply written to work through the thought process and break down some common misunderstandings about Synthetic vs. Conventional oil.
“I just don’t understand the difference”
Conventional Motor Oil
You may be very familiar with oil, yet some reading this article may be new to the differences. So to balance the field and keep this interesting: What is Conventional Motor Oil? Conventional oil is a refined product from crude oil extracted from the earth. Simply stated- it’s a product that happens to work for the intended purpose of lubricating the main moving parts of your internal engine. It has its drawbacks though. What are they? For one, the molecules are not consistent in size. Second, the viscosity (ability to flow based on differing temperatures) is not super reliable. Please don’t misunderstand: it does a job, has done a job, and will continue to do the job of lubricating motors for years. It even does this job well.
Synthetic Motor Oil
It is said that Synthetic Motor oil was developed in 1929. What is Synthetic Motor oil? It is man made synthesized products to achieve a specific purpose. Some of the benefits are, first, it is more consistent in molecular size for the intended purpose of lubricating the main moving parts of your internal engine. Second, the viscosity (ability to flow based on differing temperatures) is more reliable. With this consistency and other factors, some have seen improved fuel efficiency.
“Synthetic is so much more expensive”
Many say “Synthetic is more expensive”. Comparing a quart of Conventional oil to a quart of Synthetic = YES. Conventional is cheaper. Comparing having your oil changed by your local mobile mechanic like Craig’s Mobile Mechanic Conventional vs. Synthetic = YES. Conventional will be cheaper every time.
So what is left to discuss? Perhaps nothing if you only want to look at the here and now. But if you are interested in $aving, it may pay to investigate the long haul and you may want to look into synthetic a little further.
So, for you long haulers: some are interested in price, some in longevity of equipment, some are interested in both. We will keep this as brief and clear as possible. Volume by volume comparison and change for change comparison, conventional wins in the $avings department. But what do you lose? Often, conventional oils need to be changed more frequently. That means more time down and more labor costs. Also, they are not as specific for your engine’s needs on the molecular side, meaning it COULD be more wear and tear in the long run.
What does synthetic offer for the higher prices? Longer drain intervals = less time down and potentially more $avings. For example: Most conventional oils will suggest 3,000-5,000 mile drain intervals (they don’t tend to back their products). AMSOIL XL series (a synthetic oil) offers a robust 20,000 mile drain interval (and they stand behind their product). Let’s say you drive 20,000 miles on average per year. If you use conventional oil, you will be changing the oil 4 times (4x the cost of oil, 4x the cost of filter, 4x the cost of changing and 4x your time in having it changed). If you choose to use something like the AMSOIL XL, you will be changing 1 time per year. Enough said. For hard numbers, look at this on these simple charts.
| Cost per change | Number of Changes per year | Total Cost in one year | |
| Conventional | $63.10** | 4 | $252.4* |
| AMSOIL XL Synthetic | $121.01 | 1 | $121.01* |
| Cost per change | Number of Changes per year | Total Cost in one year | |
| Conventional | $106.36** | 4 | $425.44* |
| AMSOIL XL Synthetic | $209.55 | 1 | $209.55* |
That doesn’t capture the time you will spend on each oil change. To see this in further detail, see our page “Oil Cost Analysis”
“How do I choose the best option”
This can be a difficult decision. No one can make the choice for you. Hopefully, with this article and the figures to consider, it can help you make a decision that works best for you. Yet, there is still more to consider. For example, what is the age of your equipment, and what wear already exists?
When you make the best decision for your circumstances, why not reach out to Craig’s Mobile Mechanic and Schedule your oil change if you are within the Bedford KY or Madison IN area? If you wish to DIY and choose AMSOIL, feel free to use this link for AMSOIL.
