When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most common questions drivers ask is whether they should stick with regular engine oil or switch to synthetic. Both have their advantages, but the right choice really depends on your car, your driving habits, and of course, your budget. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.
What’s the Difference Between Synthetic and Regular Oil?
Regular oil (also called mineral oil) is refined from crude oil. It does a good job of lubricating your engine and keeping things running smoothly. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is man-made in a lab. It’s engineered to be more consistent and durable, often lasting longer and performing better under extreme conditions.
Think of it this way: regular oil is like standard milk from the supermarket, while synthetic is more like almond or oat milk – refined, processed, and designed to meet specific needs.
Benefits of Synthetic Oil
One of the biggest drawcards of synthetic oil is how well it handles Australia’s hot summers. Engines work harder in high temperatures, and synthetic oil resists breaking down better than regular oil. That means less sludge build-up and longer engine life.
Synthetic oil also flows better at low temperatures. If you’re driving in colder parts of Australia, like Victoria’s high country in winter, your car will benefit from easier cold starts.
Another bonus: synthetic oil often lasts longer between changes, which can save you time and hassle, even if the upfront cost is higher.
Benefits of Regular Oil
So why does regular oil still exist? Mainly because it’s cheaper. If you’re driving an older car, especially one that’s not high-performance, regular oil can still do the job just fine. Many Aussie drivers with older utes or family runabouts stick with mineral oil because it suits their vehicle and budget.
It’s also worth noting that some older engines are designed with regular oil in mind, and switching to synthetic doesn’t always give noticeable benefits.
When to Choose Synthetic Oil
If you:
- Drive long distances regularly,
- Own a newer or high-performance car,
- Want to extend the life of your engine, or
- Often face extreme temperatures (scorching summers or cold winters),
…then synthetic oil is the smarter choice.
For example, a mate of mine drives from Melbourne to Sydney every couple of weeks for work. He used to use regular oil but found he was changing it too often. Since switching to synthetic, his car runs smoother on the highway, and he only needs servicing half as frequently.
When Regular Oil is Enough
If you:
- Have an older car that you only use around the suburbs,
- Don’t clock up big kilometres each year,
- Want to keep maintenance costs as low as possible,
…then regular oil will likely do just fine. For a lot of everyday drivers, especially those who plan to sell or trade in their car in a couple of years, spending extra on synthetic doesn’t always make sense.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Synthetic oil is great for performance, longevity, and tough conditions, but regular oil still has its place for older cars and budget-conscious drivers. The key is knowing what your car needs and how you use it.
And if your car is already guzzling oil faster than you can top it up, or the engine’s seen better days, maybe it’s time to think bigger. Sometimes the smarter move is to sell it off while you can still get cash for it. That’s where our team comes in – we buy cars in any condition, making it easy for you to upgrade to something newer (and maybe synthetic-oil-friendly!).
If you are in Mooroolbark, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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