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Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil For Cars: Which One To Choose?

Published on 8 Mar, 2022, 1:50 PM IST
Updated on 3 Jun, 2025, 7:09 AM IST
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Engine oil is one of the most essential fluids in a car. Without it, the engine cannot function properly. This is why changing the engine oil regularly is a critical part of vehicle maintenance. The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reduce friction and wear, and keep the internal components clean. There are two main types of engine oil: synthetic oil and normal (conventional) oil. Choosing the right type of oil is important for engine performance and longevity. This article discusses  Synthetic oil vs Normal oil to help determine which is better suited for a vehicle.

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What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic engine oil is a type of lubricant designed using artificially engineered chemical compounds. These compounds are created by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules, resulting in a more uniform molecular structure. This uniformity helps reduce friction between engine parts, improving overall performance and efficiency.

Synthetic oils are further classified into fully synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil, each offering different levels of protection and performance. Synthetic engine oil offers better stability and performance than regular oils, making it a reliable choice even for everyday cars that need enhanced engine protection and smoother operation.

What is Conventional Oil or Normal Engine Oil?

Conventional or normal engine oil is a lubricant derived from crude oil. The crude oil is refined to give it lubricating properties. Since this process is natural, the oil contains molecules with varying sizes and structures. These inconsistencies result in increased friction between engine parts and cause the oil to break down more quickly. As a result, conventional engine oils don’t last as long or perform as efficiently as synthetic oils.

Synthetic Engine Oil vs Normal Engine Oil

Refer to the table below to know the main differences between synthetic oil and conventional oil:

ParametersSynthetic engine oilNormal engine oil
Manufacturing processPartially man-madeDerived naturally
AdditivesIt comprises artificial chemical compounds.Normal oil does not contain any additives.
Molecular size and structureUniformInconsistent
FrictionLess friction due to the uniform size and structure of the molecules.More friction due to the irregular size and structure of the molecules.
PerformanceOffers better performance, especially in extremely high and low temperatures.Normal oil may not withstand extremely low/high temperatures and can break down.
Engine efficiencyHigher than an engine using normal oil.Lower than an engine using synthetic oil.
Wear and tear protectionHighLow
CostHighLow

What is The Price of Synthetic Engine Oil For Cars?

The synthetic engine oil price for cars can vary depending on the brand, as different brands use different manufacturing technologies. So, there’s no fixed cost for synthetic engine oils. Fully synthetic oil costs almost two to three times more than regular engine oil. It may give you an idea about the cost difference between the oils.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Synthetic Engine Oil?

Synthetic engine oil is engineered from high-quality chemical compounds and designed to offer superior lubrication and protection compared to conventional oils. It performs exceptionally well in extreme temperatures, reduces engine wear, and extends oil change intervals. However, like any product, it comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Below are the benefits of synthetic engine oil:

  • Synthetic oil reduces friction better than regular oil, offering longer-lasting protection even under extreme conditions.
     
  • It has fewer impurities, preventing sludge buildup and even cleaning existing deposits for better engine health.
     
  • It flows quickly at low temperatures, ensuring immediate lubrication during cold starts.
     
  • It resists breaking down or evaporating at high temperatures, maintaining protection during intense heat.
     
  • It handles the high heat of turbocharged engines efficiently, protecting critical turbo components.

Drawbacks of Synthetic Oil

Below are some of the drawbacks of using synthetic engine oil:

  • One of the most significant disadvantages of synthetic oil is the cost. It is more expensive than conventional engine oils.
     
  • Synthetic engine oils are prone to additive separation during cold storage conditions. The additives may completely separate from the oil. Without additives, the oil may not perform as it should.
     
  • Synthetic oils may lead to slightly lower fuel economy at highway speeds.

Also, read: How to check the engine oil level in a car? A 6-step guide

Benefits and Drawbacks of Conventional Oil

In this section, let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of normal engine oil.

Benefits of Normal Oil

Here are some benefits of normal oil.

  • One of the biggest benefits of using regular engine oil is the cost. Conventional engine oils cost way less than synthetic oil.
     
  • Normal engine oils are easily available.
     
  • Regular engine oil helps in smoothing the rough surfaces of a brand-new engine with its uneven molecules.

Drawbacks of Normal Oil

Below are some cons of normal oil.

  • Normal oils do not offer good protection in extremely high or low temperatures.
     
  • Regular oil comprises impurities that may lead to sludge formation.
     
  • Conventional oil does not last long as the molecules break down easily.
     
  • Lastly, regular oils do not offer superior protection against engine wear and tear.

Which Engine Oil Should You Choose, Synthetic Or Normal?

To begin with, synthetic engine oil and regular engine oil, also called mineral oil, do the same job of lubricating the engine components. Both oils reduce the friction inside the engine and prevent excessive wear and tear. Moreover, both oils are derived from refining crude oil. However, what differentiates synthetic from conventional oil is the level of refinement.

Regular engine oil cannot match the performance and protection offered by synthetic engine oil. That’s because the production process involves the addition of artificial chemical compounds. Hence, it is partially artificial, and the additional artificial compounds enhance its performance and protection abilities.

Now, answering the question, synthetic engine oil is better than normal engine oil. But it is more expensive than regular engine oil due to the advanced manufacturing process. But the performance and protection it offers are worth the additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Synthetic Oil Vs Normal Oil

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Can I mix regular and synthetic engine oil?

Yes, you can mix synthetic and conventional oil, and it will not damage the engine. However, instead of mixing the oil yourself, you can opt for semi-synthetic engine oils. It is nothing but a mixture of normal and synthetic oil, but they are professionally mixed.

How do I know if I can use synthetic engine oil in my car?

You can refer to your car's owner's manual to know whether you can use synthetic oil or not. If you don't have the owner's manual, you can consult an expert mechanic from the authorised service centre to confirm the same.

How often do I need to change the synthetic engine oil?

The oil change interval depends on the make and model of the vehicle. You can refer to your car's owner's manual to know the exact oil change interval.

Can I switch from synthetic oil to conventional oil?

Yes, you can switch from synthetic to conventional engine oil. Since both oils are compatible with each other, you can go ahead with the switch. You need not flush the engine when changing from synthetic to conventional oil.

Does synthetic engine oil increase mileage?

Yes, synthetic engine oil can help improve mileage. Its uniform molecular structure reduces friction between engine components, allowing the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently. This reduced resistance means the engine doesn't have to work as hard, which can lead to better fuel economy, especially during long drives or in stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Which engine oil is best for a car?

For optimal fuel economy, fully synthetic engine oil is generally considered the best choice. It flows more easily at low temperatures and maintains stability at high temperatures, reducing engine drag and improving overall efficiency. Many modern engines are specifically designed to perform best with synthetic oils, making them ideal for drivers who want to get the most out of each litre of fuel.

Does synthetic oil increase engine life?

Synthetic oil does contribute to longer engine life. It offers superior lubrication, better protection against heat, and greater resistance to breakdown compared to conventional oil. By minimising wear and keeping the engine cleaner over time, synthetic oil helps reduce the chances of premature engine damage and extends the engine’s operational lifespan when used consistently with proper maintenance.

How often is a synthetic oil change needed?

A synthetic oil change is needed less often than a conventional oil change due to its longer-lasting performance. While conventional oil typically needs changing every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometres, synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres. However, the exact interval depends on the vehicle, driving habits, and manufacturer guidelines. Regular synthetic oil changes help keep the engine healthy and extend its lifespan.

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