You should change your vehicle’s motor oil every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on what type you use. With several options to pick from, how do you know what’s best? Understanding the differences between conventional vs. synthetic blend vs. full synthetic oil is important.

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil is derived from crude oil after it has been refined to work in the car engine. At the molecular level, there can be some inconsistencies with the structure of the oil because of the process.

This type of motor oil has been around since 1866 when John Ellis started the Continuous Oil Refining Company. As he was studying the potential for healing with the use of crude oil, he discovered how the oil lubricated, making it an ideal candidate for machinery use. At first, the oil was used for steam engines.

At one time, conventional oil was all that was used in car engines. Today, it’s mainly used on cars with high mileage because conventional oil flows slower than synthetic, giving the worn-out motor more protection.

What is Synthetic Blend Oil?

Synthetic blends and semi-synthetic oils are essentially the same thing. Both refer to a motor oil that uses a combination of synthetic and conventional formulas. Because no regulations determine how much synthetic base oil must be used, the types can vary greatly.

Overall, the synthetic blend is going to cost more and last longer than conventional. Yet, it may not be as good as full synthetic, but it should cost less.

What is Full Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil combines artificial additives and chemicals with crude oil to create a replica of petroleum. They were first created by a group of German scientists during the 1930s and 40s for use during the war. However, synthetic motor oils didn’t gain popularity in automotive applications until the 1970s.

Because synthetic motor oils are man made, they can include a variety of detergents and additives. For that reason, every company produces a different formulation, unique from others on the market. Some are better at reducing sludge, while others may have special anti-corrosion properties.