Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blend Oil (What’s the Difference?)
The motor oil section at the auto parts store can be pretty overwhelming. Not only do you have to decide between different oil weights, but you also have to consider the difference between traditional full synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil.
How important is engine oil?Motor oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle because it is essential for your engine to operate. Your engine cannot run for more than a few seconds without oil, causing permanent damage. If the red or yellow oil light comes on while driving, stop and check the oil immediately. The oil pressure may be too low. If the oil level is low, add oil until it reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick.
The Difference Between Full Synthetic Oil and Synthetic Blend Oil
When you check out the motor oil aisle, take a close look at each bottle to make sure you know what type of oil you’re buying. Here are three common types of oil you’ll see:
1) Full Synthetic Oil
Full synthetic oil (often called “synthetic”) is an engine lubricant that is created in a laboratory. As the product is manufactured, the shape and size of the oil molecules become more uniform.
Synthetic oils tend to break down slower than conventional oils and last longer in your engine. Change intervals for synthetic oils range from 5,000 to 20,000 miles for long-term use.
2) Synthetic Blend Oil
Synthetic blend oil is a combination of synthetic and conventional oils. Different synthetic blends contain different percentages of each type of oil.
Varying the ratio of synthetic to conventional oils will favor the properties of one synthetic blend over the other, reducing the drawbacks of this type of oil. Synthetic blends are said to be less expensive than full synthetic blends and last longer than conventional oils.
3) Conventional Oil
Conventional motor oil, also known as mineral oil, is an engine lubricant made from natural crude oil. Traditionally, people have used conventional motor oil to lubricate the components of their engines, and this type of oil has been around for the longest time. Conventional oil is often much less expensive than synthetic oil. This type of oil tends to break down a little faster than full synthetic oil. Typical oil change intervals for conventional oil are around 3,000 miles.
How often should I change my oil? Every vehicle and every engine oil has different intervals at which you should change your oil. Not sure where to start? Here are some common oil change intervals for different types of oil and applications.
Synthetic blend oil has a life span of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. For those who are hesitant to extend their oil change intervals, this can be a great way to save money on oil compared to full synthetic oil.
Perform a Used Oil Analysis
Used Oil Analysis
A used oil analysis (UOA) from a company such as Blackstone Laboratories can give you the most accurate oil change interval recommendation for your vehicle based on your vehicle, engine, environment and usage.
Blackstone will send you a container to take your oil sample. To take a sample, collect a small amount of oil from the oil pan into the container provided. You should try to catch the oil midstream. The test is most accurate when the engine oil is at operating temperature. This allows any fuel that got in during the cold start to burn. Do not immerse the container in the oil pan as this can contaminate the sample.
When you pay for a Total Base Number (TBN) test, Blackstone will provide you with an estimate of how many miles you can get with that particular oil and vehicle.
Why is my oil dark?
This is engine oil from an unused engine.
As the oil absorbs and suspends the hydrocarbons from the engine, it changes color from amber to black. This is a good thing and means the oil is doing its job. The oil will start to turn brown immediately after an oil change. Just because your oil has turned brown doesn’t necessarily mean you need to change it again. If your oil has turned pitch black, it may be time for an oil change. Unless your vehicle is significantly past due for an oil change, it’s usually difficult to determine the need for an oil change just by looking at or smelling the oil.
Which oil should I use? There are many options at the auto parts store, but don’t overthink your choice for your car. As long as you meet the recommended oil viscosity and the oil meets the required American Petroleum Institute (API) certification, this choice will work fine.
Different oils have different additive packages, but in terms of protecting your engine from detonation, most aftermarket oils will do the job well.