Synthetic motor oil: Is it better for your car?

RPM Automotive in Cambridge is a family-owned auto shop that offers a wide variety of automotive repair services. While most vehicle owners have come to understand the long-term benefits of regular oil changes, not everyone knows the advantages of using synthetic motor oil over conventional motor oil.

Both conventional oil and synthetic oil begin in the ground, but that’s where their similarities end. While both products are refined, synthetic oil is also distilled, purified and broken down into its basic molecules to remove impurities from the crude. Customized blends of synthetic motor oil are engineered to meet the needs of today’s high-performance engines. These synthetic blends are more effective at resisting breaking down, they can generally withstand the higher temperatures generated in today’s engines, and they remain fluid in colder temperatures, thereby reducing engine wear during start-ups in frigid Canadian winter temperatures.

The trained mechanics at RPM Automotive suggest there are times when using synthetic oil can actually help prolong the life of your vehicle’s engine. For example, if you’re a city driver prone to making a lot of short trips, you may want to invest in a synthetic oil change for your car. On short trips, conventional motor oil may never get warm enough for optimum performance, resulting in faster oil breakdown. Synthetic oils also outperform conventional oils in regions with extreme hot and cold seasonal temperatures. Although synthetic oils are more expensive, the fact that they won’t break down as quickly in extreme temperatures means they could be more cost-effective in the long run. Older engines prone to internal sludge buildup can also benefit from using cleaner synthetic oils.

Some new car manufacturers recommend the use of synthetic oils in their engines, so their use is often mandatory if you want to keep your warranty valid. Always check to see what type of oil is recommended for your vehicle before doing any DIY oil changes.

For top-quality oil changes, automotive services and repairs, put your trust in the mechanics at RPM Automotive at 225 Elgin Street North in Cambridge. Call 519-620-1774 to make an appointment.

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