Is Synthetic Oil Better for Fuel Efficiency?

Synthetic oil is quickly becoming a top choice for drivers who want the performance benefits it offers. While conventional motor oil still gives engines adequate lubrication, synthetic oil is specifically engineered with compounds that enhance engine capabilities. Among the possible effects of synthetic oil, fuel consumption is a hotly contested topic among vehicle enthusiasts and experts alike. Read on for our take on whether synthetic oil is better for fuel economy and what this means for your vehicle and driving habits.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is a chemically modified crude oil product used as an engine lubricant. Although all synthetics start with a crude oil base, chemical modifications in the process remove impurities and create performance-enhancing compounds. Synthetic lubricants break down and rebuild petroleum molecules to make a more controlled and homogenous product than traditional crude oils provide. Different synthetic oil producers alter the specific compound combinations but work from the same high-quality petroleum base.

When Should You Use Synthetic Oil?

It’s a good idea to follow your manufacturer’s instructions before making a decision about which type of oil to put into your vehicle. However, most new vehicles come straight from the factory with synthetic oil already inside the engine. Synthetic oil is also considered safe for older vehicles due to its enhanced lubrication properties.

If you drive in extreme heat or freezing conditions, synthetic oil is ideal. Because synthetic oils don’t thicken in colder temperatures or thin out in excessive heat, they offer a great solution for drivers living in these kinds of environments. Synthetic oil also gives drivers increased efficiency perfect for luxury and high-performance engines.

Some experts recommend using synthetic oil because of its longevity. Because conventional oils need to get warm enough to burn off condensation, they break down faster if not used frequently for driving. If you only drive occasionally over short distances, synthetic oil can actually protect your automobile more than traditional motor oil.

Is Synthetic Oil Better for Fuel Economy?

Experts in the car industry can’t seem to agree on how much synthetic oil impacts fuel economy in a vehicle, although most suggest at least a slight improvement. Car and Driver states that most vehicle manufacturers put synthetic oil in their automobiles to “achieve improved fuel efficiency.”

While some experts are quick to equate reduced engine friction to less fuel consumption, others suggest that synthetics actually perform better because they last longer than traditional oil and don’t degrade inside an engine. Synthetic oil flows quickly into smaller, turbocharged engines, a popular choice among new vehicles, making it more effective in lubricating engine parts. With less friction in your engine, you’re more likely to achieve maximum fuel economy based on your miles per gallon.

If you simply look at synthetic oil as a way to save gas money, the increased cost of synthetic oil may negate any major fuel-saving benefits. Synthetic oil typically costs double the amount or more than traditional motor oil with the added cost of labor, making an average synthetic oil change around $70.

Motortrend did a study using a specific brand of synthetic oil, calculating how a small increase in fuel economy impacted costs over the miles. They found that a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 20 mpg increased efficiency by 2 mpg, making the fuel cost savings about $150 over 12,000 miles (based on an average of $3 per gallon). Most drivers log a little over 13,000 miles per year, according to the United States Department of Transportation. While these savings aren’t astronomical, with the price of fuel on the rise, they matter to drivers who cover more miles.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Stable Viscosity

Synthetic oils retain an even viscosity more than traditional oils throughout their lifespan. Conventional oils contain additives that balance the product’s consistency during extreme temperatures. In colder temps, conventional oil tends to become thicker, while thinning in high heat. To maintain a balance, conventional oils add stabilizers that deteriorate over time. Synthetic oils maintain their viscosity in both cold and hot conditions because engineered chemicals within the product never break down. In synthetic oils, only minor thickening can occur over a long time due to tiny dirt particles or other debris from the engine.

Better Engine Protection

if you plan to keep your car for a long time, synthetic oil can add life span to engine parts because of its superior engine-coating capabilities. Since it doesn’t degrade like conventional oil, synthetic provides better protection as it circulates in your engine. Because synthetic oils retain their optimal viscosity, they prevent friction by cycling through the engine more efficiently.

Clean Engine

As conventional oil breaks down, it thickens and forms a sludge. It can also leave deposits as minerals in the oil degrade. Synthetic oil stays clean, resisting the breakdown that causes impurities to enter the oil. Even though the oil may darken with age and heat, it maintains its flow and chemical makeup inside your engine. Although conventional oils also contain additives, synthetics typically use higher quality additives that maintain a cleaner engine.

Fewer Oil Changes

The chemical makeup of synthetic oil makes it last longer than most conventional oils. This means fewer trips to the dealership or elsewhere for a change. It’s still best to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations, but with synthetic oil, the need is typically not as frequent depending on the brand and if you choose to use a synthetic blend or full synthetic product.

Protection Against the Elements

If you live in an environment with extreme temperatures, synthetic oil can offer your engine better protection than conventional oils. Synthetic products eliminate excessive thickening in freezing cold weather which leads to engine failure because the oil remains viscous enough to flow. In areas of high heat, synthetic oils act as a guard against overly thin oil that doesn’t provide enough lubrication in hot environments.

Whether you choose synthetic or conventional oil, we’re ready to help you care for a new or pre-owned engine. Shop online or come visit our experts for pre-owned options and new vehicles to find the perfect make and model to fit your driving needs. Contact our expert technicians to schedule an oil change and help decide if a synthetic product will benefit your vehicle.

The Mechanic by Tim Mossholder is licensed by Unsplash License