No matter, today’s synthetic blends or fully synthetic motor oil often last two to three times as long as conventional motor oil. Keep reading to learn how often you need to change the oil in your car, the type of oil to use, the cost, and other tips about changing engine oil.
- Does synthetic motor oil provide longer intervals between oil changes?
- In general, yes, synthetic motor oil provides longer intervals between oil changes, but it depends on the brand of oil you use. Certain brands recommend you have your oil changed every 3000 or 5000 miles. Other recommendations range from 7500 to 20,000 miles.
- How long does synthetic oil last?
- How many months does synthetic oil last? On average, synthetic oil lasts from 6-12 months. Depending on viscosity grade, some synthetic variants are more thermally stable than others and may extend oil life by a few more months. Ultimately, it depends on the different factors discussed in this guide.
- How often should you change your engine oil?
- There is a permanent thickening of the oil. Some automotive manufacturers are backing down on oil change intervals to 5,000 miles or less and some advocate changing the oil at least every 6 months as well. I think this is because of the tendency for oils to thicken in very hot engines (not ambient conditions, just hot engines).
- How many miles between oil changes is normal?
- Most manufacturers and mechanics that use synthetic oils are saying that 7500 miles between an oil change interval is completely normal for just about every vehicle in which they are used. Depending on which type is being used, you may be able to go 10,000 miles (or about one year) before changing your synthetic oil.
Does synthetic oil improve fuel economy?
Synthetic oil allows for lower viscosity without compromising wear protection and better cold-flow, both of which improve fuel economy.
- What are the benefits of synthetic oil?
- Synthetics’ improved flow during cold starts also improves fuel economy. Since they don’t contain waxes, which are inherent to conventional oils, they don’t thicken as much when your vehicle sits overnight.
- Can synthetic gas improve fuel economy?
- “Normal” operating temperature for a vehicle can be up to 235ºF (113ºC). Anything below that is considered “cold” to your engine. So, even down south at the height of summer, synthetics’ improved cold-flow can still help improve fuel economy. Why pay more for gas? Switch to synthetics to maximize your mpg.
- Why do aircraft engines use synthetic oil?
- During World War II, when Allied Forces restricted oil access to Nazi Germany, the latter relied on synthetic oil to fuel the German military. In the 1970s, the American Energy Crisis drove efforts to create better artificial oils as a way of improving fuel economy. Today, certain engines, such as aircraft jet engines, require synthetic oils.
