General
Renew Car Insurance
9000+ Cashless Garages
96% Claims Settled (FY 23-24)
Difference Between Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil for Cars
Selecting the optimum oil for your vehicle is paramount for the engine's health and performance. The two major options are synthetic and normal oil. Synthetic oil delivers better performance. It is manufactured for maximum lubrication, designed for higher heat resistance, and lasts longer before it needs to be changed.
Conversely, normal oil is much cheaper and works for most vehicles, especially older engines. The differences between synthetic and normal engine oil will help you choose which type would work best. You can also understand which is most appropriate for your car based on your driving style and maintenance temperature.
Table of Contents
What is Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is a high-performance lubricant specifically engineered to deliver superior protection and efficiency for car engines. While conventional oil comes from crude oil, synthetic oil usually comes from chemical reactions that change petroleum components or use synthesised compounds.
This makes a more consistent molecular structure, which provides better stability and lubrication. It also has fewer impurities than conventional oil, preventing sludge buildup and engine problems. As a result, the engine runs efficiently, and fuel economy is improved, extending the engine's life.
However, at a higher price, synthetic oil provides a much more prolonged service that justifies the high cost, particularly for those with a performance-oriented engine that needs maximum protection.
What is Normal Oil?
Normal, or conventional oil, is the most common oil used for engine lubrication. It is obtained from crude oil and may be refined according to most cars' lubrication requirements. Unlike synthetic oil, normal oil is a more basic and natural lubricant that works well for everyday driving in standard engines.
Normal oil reduces friction between the various engine parts and protects the engine from overheating. This also accounts for the relatively lower price of normal oil, so traditional oil is probably best suited for car owners concerned about their cars on budgets.
However, it will deteriorate quickly under heavy use and high temperatures, so oil must be changed more regularly.
Key Difference Between Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil
Knowing the primary difference between synthetic and normal oils, you will know what to choose for your car. Here is the difference between the two:
| Aspect | Synthetic Oil | Normal Oil |
| Performance | Works well in extreme temperatures. Suitable for high-performance cars. | It thickens in the cold and breaks down in the heat, which reduces its effectiveness. |
| Engine Protection | Prevents deposits, reduces wear, and resists sludge. | It provides basic protection but allows more deposits and sludge. |
| Lifespan | Lasts longer with fewer oil changes. | Breaks down faster, requiring frequent changes. |
| Viscosity Stability | It remains stable at any temperature to ensure the engine's smooth running. | Thickens in the cold, thins in heat. |
| Friction Reduction | Reduces friction, making the engine run smoother. | Causes more friction, increasing wear and tear. |
| Oxidation Resistance | Resists oxidation and thermal breakdown, extending engine life. | Oxidises faster, leading to sludge and engine deposits. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Enhances fuel economy due to lower friction. | Increases fuel consumption due to higher friction. |
| Detergent Properties | Additives that keep the engine clean and free of buildup. | Less effective in preventing dirt and sludge buildup. |
| Shear Stability | Maintains its structure under high pressure and stress. | Breaks down under stress, reducing protection over time. |
Advantages of Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil for Cars
Synthetic and normal oils have many advantages, as shown in the table below. Knowing the pros of each oil will help you decide whether or not it is suitable for your vehicle:
| Aspect | Advantages of Synthetic Oil | Advantages of Normal Oil |
| Engine Protection | Better lubrication reduces wear and tear, increasing engine lifespan and ensuring smooth operation. | Good enough for older engines without modern seals, as it would be sufficient to protect without leaking. |
| Performance | Performs exceptionally well in extreme heat, preventing engine overheating and maintaining top efficiency. | Suitable for normal driving, It's ideal for low driving and normal application. |
| Fuel Economy | Improved lubrication reduces friction, allowing the engine to run more smoothly and eventually save on fuel. | Lower up-front cost makes it budget-friendly, especially for frugal automobile owners. |
| Longevity | It lasts longer than other oils, meaning there are fewer replacements, saving time and money. | Requires more frequent replacements than synthetic oil, sufficient for vehicles with standard maintenance schedules. |
| Extreme Conditions | This ensures protection under extreme climatic and temperature conditions, thus making it suitable for harsh environments. | It has fewer compatibility issues with many engines and less need for overextended checks before use. |
Disadvantages of Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil for Cars
Synthetic oil has many advantages, but it also has several disadvantages. Knowing the cons will help you decide whether or not it is suitable for your vehicle.
| Aspect | Synthetic Oil | Normal Oil |
| Price | Costlier than normal oil and, hence, costs more money in the long run. | Cheaper compared to synthetic oil. Reduces your extra pocket expenditure. |
| Compatibility Problems | They may not support older engines, leading to technical problems. | Older motors can support most of these older engines, resulting in fewer compatibility problems. |
| Slippery Nature | Leaky in older engines; for this reason, the gaskets and O-rings suffer. | High chance of leaking in older engines since it's of low viscosity. |
| Longevity | Decomposes slowly, making oil change intervals longer. | Degrades at a faster pace, thus requiring more regular checks and changes. |
Synthetic Oil vs Normal Oil - Which is Right for Your Car?
Synthetic oil contains additives that improve its performance by providing constant lubrication at extreme temperatures and minimising frictional engine wear. Therefore, it's suitable for high-performance engines or cars running in harsh conditions.
Normal oil is less expensive and good enough for older engines or used in vehicles not under extreme conditions. Yet it will still need to be replaced regularly and can also easily seize if too much stress is placed on it.
Choosing synthetic or normal oil for your car depends on your type of vehicle engine, driving habits, and environmental conditions. A wise choice for easier engines or budget-conscious owners is to read the car manual to weigh your driving needs to get the best option.
In conclusion, synthetic oil and normal motor oil have their benefits. Synthetic oil is better for high-performance cars or where driving conditions are severe. Conventional oil is less costly, and best serves day-to-day driving, especially in older vehicles.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your car's age, driving habits, and living standards. Whichever oil is used, changing it regularly will keep your engine safe and provide services at their peak levels.