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Should I use synthetic vs. conventional motor oil?

I decided to change the oil in my 2020 Honda Civic myself but a trip to the store just left me overwhelmed. Should I be using synthetic or conventional motor oil? Which is better?

avatar
Laura Salvas · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
With different ingredients, price points, and performance claims, knowing whether to choose synthetic vs. conventional motor oil can be confusing! Your cars’ user manual may explicitly state which oil you should use. But, if given the choice, synthetic motor oil has the upper hand.
Benefits of synthetic motor oil include:
  • More chemically stable, so protects your engine against corrosion longer
  • Evaporates less quickly
  • More fluid in extreme weather
  • Can last up to five times as long before an oil change
  • More environmentally friendly
Benefits of conventional motor oil include:
  • Lower cost
  • Much better option for older cars as it flows slowly, protecting aging engines
You can also buy mixed oils, which work fine and are cheaper than full synthetics.
Currently, 70% of new cars built, including your
Honda Civic
, use synthetic motor oil, and that percentage keeps climbing. Synthetic oil is made by humans, while conventional oil is made of refined crude oil.
Older cars were built when conventional oil was the only option, so you’re best to stick with it if that’s what you’ve been using.
Choosing the right oil can help protect your engine, and choosing the right
car insurance
can help protect your bank account. Insurance comparison app
Jerry
helps users save an average of $887 a month by comparing policies from top insurers and showing you the best deals. There are no long forms to fill out, and Jerry will even help cancel your old policy.
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