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What is conventional oil?
I am about to get my car’s oil changed for the first time since I bought it, and I’m not sure what the difference is between the different oil types. Basic question, but what is conventional oil?
Jim Burg · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on the new car! It can be tricky to figure out what oil to put in your car with all of the options available.
Conventional oil is produced directly from crude oil extracted from the ground and processed in an oil refinery. It is cheaper than synthetic oil and has been around—in one form or another—since cars have been on the road.
Synthetic oil is artificially created in a laboratory from various chemicals. It is more expensive than conventional oil but offers superior lubrication, withstands greater temperature ranges, and has greater longevity.
There are also synthetic blends, or mixtures of conventional and synthetic oil, which give you some of the benefits of synthetic oil at a cheaper price than full synthetic.
Every car manufacturer has a
recommended
oil blend for its vehicles. If your car only requires conventional oil, you can still use synthetic oil for increased performance. If your car requires synthetic oil, though, do not put conventional oil in it, as it will decrease the life of your engine and harm its performance.
And if you have a question about your car’s insurance coverage,
Jerry’s
friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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