Introduction

If you are anything like us, you’re probably thinking, what in the world is the difference between full synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil? No worries, we’re here to help you out and find which is best for your vehicle! 

Let’s start with the basics and learn more about each individually before we begin to compare them.

Starting with full synthetic. This is motor oil that has undergone a chemically engineered process that aims to provide better protection to your engine. Synthetic oils tend to have less impurities and will have a stronger base. As well, they will last longer between oil change intervals. 

Synthetic blend oil is different because it uses a mixture of synthetic and conventional based oils. Synthetic blend oil offers less protection than full synthetic oil and needs to be changed more often.

While that is just a basic introduction to our topic, it should give you a good idea of what the difference between the two are. Let’s delve deeper into this debate and compare the two further and answer the question: Which one is best for my vehicle?

Which Oil is Best?

Synthetic blend oil contains full synthetic oil but also contains conventional oil. Which means it won’t offer as good protection compared to a full synthetic option.

So what are these differences? Synthetic oil will help your vehicle’s low temperature performance. As well, it can help with your vehicle’s oil shear stability and possesses higher heat resistance and thermal stability. Most importantly, full synthetic will provide better oil burn performance. Which means full synthetic oil is much less likely to leak into your combustion chamber. As well, full synthetic oil is less likely to evaporate or change unpredictably. 

Full synthetic oil contains stronger base components. Which in turn will provide better performance versus a synthetic blend oil. Full synthetic tends to break down slower as well, so you won’t have to change your oil as often compared to synthetic blend oil. 

Which oil you should use will differ depending on your vehicle. Keep reading and we will cover what types of vehicles require specific oil types. 

Which Oil Should I Use For My Vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations

First, we recommend reading over your owner’s manual for your vehicle. See what your vehicle’s recommended viscosity rating is. Now, what is viscosity? Good question. Viscosity is an oil’s ability to flow at certain temperatures. The most common are SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30. There are others so make sure to get the one that is recommended for your vehicle. As well, look for performance specifications. An example would be (GF-5). Most owner manuals will also recommend which oil to use in your vehicle. 

As mentioned, follow your owners manual recommendation or you may find it on your oil cap. Other factors will play a part as well. 

First, the age of your vehicle. Vehicle’s over 75,000 miles will require high mileage oil. 

Second, your driving consistency and style. Do you just drive a few miles through your town to run errands? Or are you commuting 50 plus miles a day on the highway?  City driving puts more wear and tear on your vehicle due to all the stopping and going. If you are only driving short distances, it is also a safe bet your vehicle will be running below its ideal temperature. With this, we recommend synthetic oil as it will be higher performing. 

Third, would be the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, full synthetic is recommended. It will provide the best protection. Viscosity is important in extreme winter conditions. You don’t want your oil to be too thick, where it won’t flow as this will cause engine damage. Summer weather conditions don’t have too much of an effect as your engine regularly operates over 200 degrees.  

Long story short, full synthetic is the best choice. But make sure to buy the correct viscosity grade if you are performing your own oil change. 

Do Different Types of Vehicles Require Different Oils?

As mentioned in the previous section, which oil your vehicle takes will be based on manufacturer recommendations. 

European vehicles can be different from vehicles made in other parts of the world. Can European vehicles use synthetic oil? Yes. As long as the product you’re using meets European vehicle standards, then it is safe to use. 

High performance cars almost always exclusively take full synthetic oil. 

Certain older model vehicles will not be compatible with full synthetic oil, so make sure to do separate research if you drive a vehicle made in the 1990’s or before. Now, I know I probably sound like a broken record, but, check your owners manual!

What Happens If I Use The Wrong Oil?

If you’re still reading this, hopefully you now know what oil is best to use in your vehicle. But accidents do happen, so let’s talk about the consequences of using the wrong oil. Cars are expensive, so you want to take the best possible care when maintaining them. So if you do use the wrong oil it can cause damage to that expensive piece of machinery we call a car. 

There are a few tell tale signs that you used the incorrect oil. First, your car won’t start in the cold. This means you most likely bought the wrong viscosity for your vehicle. 

Second, there is a burning smell. This will also be due to buying the wrong viscosity for your vehicle. This will tend to happen in hot climates. It can lead to long term damage to your vehicle that will be very expensive to fix. 

Next would be if your car starts to leak oil. If you use full synthetic oil on an old vehicle, it may lead to leaks. While it most likely will not damage your vehicle, you will have to get gas more often than regular. With these prices, no one wants that!

Noises coming from your engine may also point to the fact you used the wrong oil. This is also usually due to using full synthetic on older vehicles. 

If you continually use the wrong oil, it is most likely you will experience these effects and then some. So please, do your research and make sure that if you are changing your own oil, that you are buying the correct oil, at the correct viscosity and and performance specifications as found in your owner’s manual.

Now these are just a few of the signs. There may be other consequences to using the wrong oil in your vehicle. If you do experience any of these problems, we recommend taking your car to your local mechanic to prevent further damage. If these effects are extreme, do not drive but instead have your car towed to your local mechanic.

Analysis

While full synthetic may be more expensive, it will be stronger and provide better performance. As well, It will last longer, so you don’t have to get your oil changed as often. Synthetic blend oil is more affordable but will not provide the same great performance that comes with full synthetic.

No matter what vehicle you drive, it is almost always compatible with full synthetic or synthetic blend oils. Some exceptions do exist, mostly with older cars. So be sure to check your owners manual. 

So, if your car takes both, what is the better option? If price isn’t an issue, then full synthetic will always be the best choice. If you are on a budget then synthetic blend would be best for you. 

While full synthetic is more expensive. Full synthetic oils do not degrade as fast as synthetic blends. Full synthetic will need to be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles depending on your vehicle. While synthetic blend needs to be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. So synthetic may be more expensive, but it is often worth it as it offers better protection and will last longer. The longevity of synthetic oil can make the amount you’re spending in a year very similar in the long run and will most likely be worth it to use full synthetic. As it will take care of your engine more than a synthetic blend could.

As well, full synthetic will help your engine run longer. It offers more protection to your engine in harsh weather conditions. With high performance sports cars or trucks and SUV’s the engines tend to undergo a lot more stress. Full synthetic oil will provide the best protection to ensure your engine is at optimal performance and that your engine lasts as long as possible. 

With economy cars that do not undergo heavy stress, synthetic blend oil may be a more viable option. Full synthetic will provide better protection for these vehicles but it is not a necessity. The benefits may not be as visible as they would be in a supercar or truck/SUV. But your car will definitely perform better. So really, it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of whether it is worth the price for you. 

Conclusion

Synthetic blends tend to be used more often than full synthetic oil. However, full synthetic oil is gaining popularity and is starting to be used almost as often as synthetic blend oils. Most people are making the switch because they are intrigued by the longevity and improved performance of full synthetic oils. 

So in conclusion, if you’re still wondering what oil we recommend or think is best for your vehicle, we will almost always say full synthetic. As long as it’s compatible with your vehicle. Which in most cases it will be. When you use full synthetic you have to get your oil changed less often and it provides better protection for your vehicle.

In the end, it is really up to you. Both full synthetic and synthetic blend oil will both offer better protection than conventional oil, which we didn’t even mention. Because we don’t recommend using it. Full synthetic and synthetic blend oils will always be your best options. With full synthetic being the best option. I hope now you know which oil is best for your vehicle!

As well, you can use http://oilchangers.com/services/ to find the correct oil for your vehicle.

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