The Best Synthetic Motor Oil F.A.Q. What type of oil does my engine need?

by Search for Parts – Updated May 19th, 2020

Thank you for visiting Search for Parts. Our goal here is to answer every question out there regarding synthetic oil on one convenient page. We will continue to update this FAQ as readers send in questions. We want to make this the best synthetic oil FAQ ever made on the net and we always cite sources which can be found at the very end of the faq to back up each answer.

image credit:https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/532/around-around-where-oil-goes-in-your-engine

1. Is Synthetic Motor Oil Better For Your Car?

Definitely yes! Synthetic oil is better for your car or truck. A study by AAA found that synthetic oil gives 50% better protection for your engine on a variety of industry-standard tests. This was a big debate before but  now we have proof that synthetic is way superior when compared to regular oil. See source at very bottom of page for original article where you can find the study. Any synthetic oil is much better than the best regular or conventional oil.

2. What is synthetic motor oil?

Synthetic motor oil consists of artificially made chemical compounds. Instead of using crude oil, petroleum is chemically changed or sometimes synthetic oil can be derived from raw materials. It can also be made in a lab.

3, How many quarts are recommended for my car or truck when changing the oil?

Every car or truck is different. Check your owner’s manual or use Search For Part’s car look up guide where you will find the recommended oil and transmission fluid capacity for your car or truck. Our look-up guide will specify the quarts needed for you vehicle, the type of oil, and the filter that works for your engine. Click here to look up your vehicle.

4. What is synthetic oil viscosity?

The best way to describe viscosity is the thickness of a liquid. For example, water would have a low viscosity while honey would have a high viscosity.

5. What are the benefits or advantages of synthetic engine oil/why use synthetic oil?

There are many benefits and advantages. Synthetic oils rarely cause harmful engine deposits and resist oxidation from extreme temperatures and the oil will flow better in extremely cold temperatures. Also you will have better lubrication which means less friction which reduces wear and tear on your engine and this extends the lifespan of your vehicle. Fewer oil changes because of the great intervals will lead to less waste which is better for the environment. Your engine will also be cleaner.

6. Does my car need or require synthetic oil?

High performance vehicles or turbo engines may require synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle needs synthetics. If it doesn’t then you can use conventional or regular oil, but consider the benefits and advantages of synthetic oil.

7. Synthetic vs conventional motor oil/what is the difference between synthetic and regular oil?

Regular oil is made from crude oil. Synthetic is modified oil as explained above.

8. what is a synthetic oil change?

An oil change where you or your mechanic will change the oil and filter to a synthetic oil and the filter will be compatible with that synthetic oil so that you can have a longer drain interval.

9. Difference between synthetic and synthetic blend oil/full synthetic oil vs synthetic blend?

Synthetic oil blends are composed of regular or conventional oil and synthetic oil. The proportions are not clear and the benefits are probably diluted. It would be like saying taking the best nutritious 100% fruit juice and diluting part of it with water.

10. Can you switch from synthetic oil to regular oil and regular oil back to synthetic oil?

You absolutely can. Switching to a synthetic will help your engine with many advantages. If you ever decide to switch back to regular or conventional oil, nothing bad will happen to your engine. You are not stuck with a synthetic forever.

11. Can you put synthetic oil in any car?

Yes, you can safely switch to synthetic oil in your car or truck but if your vehicle is older such as before 1990 then it is a good idea to ask your mechanic. Here is a good article on this issue: 

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-are-the-risks-of-switching-to-synthetic-oil-in-older-cars

12. When to change synthetic oil?

You should change your oil based on the oil interval specified. Top quality synthetics have higher intervals between oil changes. It also depends if you are driving under severe or normal conditions. See this chart here for some oil change intervals.

13 What are some brands of synthetic oil on the market?

There are many brands such as Mobil 1, Amsoil, Red Line, Royal Purple, Castrol, Valvoline, and Pennzoil. You can see test results for these synthetic oils with graphs by clicking the link.

If you have additional questions you can send them by using our contact form.

Search For Parts, the authority on Synthetic Oil,  backs up all information with reliable and trustworthy sources! 

Sources listed by question and source:

1 https://newsroom.aaa.com/2017/06/aaa-spills-truth-oil-changes/

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

4 https://bestsyntheticoilguide.com/synthetic/viscosity/

5 http://www.elf.com/en/advice-corner/synthetic-oil-faq/benefits-of-synthetic-oil.html

6 https://www.cars.com/articles/does-my-car-need-synthetic-oil-1420684417536/

7 & 8 https://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/what-is-the-difference-between-synthetic-oil-and-conventional-oil

9 https://blog.amsoil.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-semi-synthetic-oils-and-synthetic-blends/

10 https://www.cenex.com/about/cenex-information/cenexperts-blog-page/oil-and-lubricants/five-engine-oil-myths