371 W. Patrick St. | Frederick, MD 21701

371 W. Patrick St. | Frederick, MD 21701

Frederick, MD Why Use Synthetic Oil?

Why Use Synthetic Oil?

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Why Use Synthetic Oil?

Every car owner has options when it comes to putting oil in the vehicle. They can choose conventional motor oil, which is a lubricant that is derived directly from crude oil. They can choose semi-synthetic oil, which is a lubricant that has a mineral oil base mixed with synthetic oils. Or, drivers can fill their cars with full synthetic oil, which is a man-made lubricant consisting of artificially made chemical compounds. Here at Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions, we recommend filling your vehicle with full synthetic oil, and here’s why. 

 

Why Use Synthetic Oil

 

It Resists Oil Breakdown

Full synthetic oil is resistant to oil breakdown. As the oil in your vehicle is heated, pressurized, and used, it will begin to degrade. When oils degrade, their lubricating abilities are impaired. Because oil is used to lubricate your vehicle’s engine, you want to ensure that the oil you choose is able to do its job properly. If the oil can’t lubricate your vehicle’s engine properly, it can lead to costly repairs. With synthetic oil, you never have to worry about it breaking down. 

 

It Withstands Higher Temperatures

Synthetic oil can withstand higher temperatures than conventional oil, which helps keep the engine running longer. Motor oil can withstand up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, while synthetic oil can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Having an oil that can withstand higher temperatures is important since the inside workings of your vehicle can become very hot. You need an oil that can continue lubricating the engine when it is extremely hot without breaking down. 

 

It Can Withstand Colder Temperatures

Even when it’s cold outside, synthetic oil keeps working. Although motor oil doesn’t typically freeze, its viscosity is still impacted. As temperatures get colder, motor oil gets thicker and therefore cannot circulate properly. Synthetic oil, however, has a naturally higher viscosity index, which means it’s more stable in various temperatures. You don’t have to worry about synthetic oil becoming thicker in the winter and not properly lubricating your car’s engine during startup. 

 

Lasts Longer

While manufacturers’ recommended synthetic-oil changes vary greatly, in general, synthetic oil provides longer intervals between oil changes. Depending on the brand, synthetic oil can last anywhere from 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles before needing to be changed. It lasts longer than motor oil because it doesn’t become as thick when exposed to extreme temperatures. Because the oil in your engine lasts longer, your engine can last longer too.

 

Sludge Fighting Capabilities

A great advantage of synthetic oil is its sludge-fighting capabilities. Synthetic oil is good at fighting off sludge because of the high-performance additives it contains. These high-performance additives are usually some form of detergent or dispersant. They keep sludge and other contaminants suspended in the oil so that it doesn’t cause gunk buildup inside your engine. 

 

We’ll Help You Choose the Right Oil

Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions is here to help you choose the best oil for your vehicle. As a leading Frederick, MD auto repair shop with over 50 years of five-star service, we know what to look for when selecting an oil and will take the time to explain why your car should have a certain oil. 

 

Schedule an appointment now by giving us a call at (301) 662-5100, or click here to schedule an appointment.