What about conventional motor oil? This type of motor oil is derived from crude oil, and it's less refined than its synthetic counterpart. Conventional motor oil tends to be less expensive than synthetics and synthetic blends.

Conventional motor oil is refined from crude oil extracted from the ground. Synthetic motor oil, however, is engineered in a lab. As a lubricant, traditional oil features molecules of varying sizes, which means its viscosity index (its ability to flow over a range of temperatures) is less reliable.

Pretty simple. It is often the less expensive of the two options. An oil change service, however, is the changing of the oil; plus a safety inspection that examines the oil filter, cabin filter, a check of brake pads, tires, fluids, etc.

Synthetic oil molecules are more uniform in shape with fewer impurities and better properties than conventional oil molecules. In most cases, synthetic oil has better extreme high temperature and low temperature performance. Synthetic oils are generally formulated with higher performing additives.

The difference between synthetic oil vs. conventional oil is that conventional oil is crude oil, while synthetic is manufactured oil. Older vehicles benefit from conventional oil because it is thicker and lubricates the gaps between engine parts.

Reduced Breakdown – Synthetic oils don't break down as much, meaning that they don't need to be changed as often as conventional oils. While a synthetic oil change may be more expensive, you might not need it as often, which will save you money over time.

Full synthetic oil uses higher quality base oils than the less-refined oil used in conventional oils, making its molecules more uniform in size with much fewer impurities. While synthetic blends and conventional oil use crude oil as their base, which is found to have more impurities.

Conventional oil is better suited for older cars since it has a higher viscosity than synthetic oil. It results in better lubrication and a reduced chance of grinding gears and engine wear due to a slower flow. Conventional oil also performs moderately well under low temperatures.

An interim service will include basic fluid checks with top ups as necessary and a vehicle safety inspection, whereas a full service often includes more comprehensive checks of components like the suspension, battery, cooling system, spark plugs and brakes.

Maintenance is something that's scheduled – like an oil change – whereas service is when you need something specific fixed or tuned up that's outside of your regular maintenance schedule. It's a really tiny distinction but it's important.

Synthetic oils typically provide better protection than conventional oils, but switching back and forth between full synthetic and conventional oil will not damage the engine. Of course, this depends on the current engine condition and the quality of the conventional oil being used.

Does synthetic oil last longer than conventional oil? In general, yes, synthetic motor oil provides longer intervals between oil changes, but it depends on the brand of oil you use. Certain brands recommend you have your oil changed every 3000 or 5000 miles. Other recommendations range from 7500 to 20,000 miles.

3. How Often to Change the Motor Oil. The “every 3,000 miles or every three months” rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months for time.