'Change my oil WHEN?' Synthetic oil myths debunked
theweathernetwork.com
Friday, July 6, 2018, 10:07 AM - Ask the average person what the difference is between conventional oil and synthetic oil, and they’re likely to stare at you for quite a while. Even though synthetic motor oil has been on shelves for more than 40 years, many consumers still have misperceptions about the product.
Yes, both conventional and synthetic oils begin in the ground – but that’s where the similarities end. Synthetic oil is distilled and broken down into its basic molecules and put back together into larger molecules that better meet the needs of modern engines.
With that background, the information below debunks some of the synthetic oil myths and offers why synthetic oil should be your preferred choice of motor oil.
“I need to change my oil every 5,000 kilometres…right?”
The “every 5,000 kilometres” oil change is the most common myth for modern engines and one we’ve all been hearing for a long time. However, in the same way you may not use a cassette player in your car anymore, the technology behind oil has evolved as well. Therefore, a 5,000-kilometres oil change interval is simply no longer a hard and fast rule for modern vehicles.
Most automakers actually suggest changes between 12,000 and 16,000 kilometres, depending on the vehicle. If using a synthetic such as Mobil 1™ Extended Performance motor oil, many cars can even go up to 25,000 kilometres between oil changes.
“I heard switching to synthetic oil requires a “break-in” period?”
Actually, no “break-in” period for switching a car from a conventional to a synthetic oil is required – you may simply change from a conventional oil to a synthetic any time. High-performance synthetics are fully compatible with conventional oils, and in modern engines could reduce oil consumption when compared to conventional oil. No special preparation (such as flushing an engine) is necessary when switching.
“My vehicle isn’t new…can I even use synthetic oil?”
You sure can. Any vehicle can benefit from using a synthetic oil – it will only serve to enhance the protection and performance of a car’s engine.
Using products such as Mobil 1™ synthetic oils in older models can even help reduce engine sludge and harmful deposits that may have accumulated in a vehicle over time. Synthetic oils are more sludge-resistant than conventional mineral-based motor oils, and withstand the effects of high temperatures and oxidation better than conventional motor oils.
For more information on synthetic oil, visit here.
