What Happens if You Use Regular Oil Instead of Synthetic? Know here

Oil is the life and blood of an automobile. It not only provides power to your car but also keeps other components working smoothly. The oil absorbs the excess heat and has additives, which clean out the harmful chemicals. After you have driven your vehicle for thousands of miles, the oil needs changing. Nevertheless, some still wonder as to what happens if you use regular oil instead of synthetic oil in their car.

Here you understand the effects of regular or synthetic oil on the performance of your car. You can also search online to get the best car maintenance tips to understand the effects better.

What Happens If You Use Regular Oil Instead Of Synthetic? 

Now, we will debunk the reasons as to what would happen if you were to switch to regular oil instead of synthetic oil for your car. Some vehicle owners might think that is it bad to switch from synthetic to regular oil. We will help clear the confusion.

1. The raw manufacturing

As compared to synthetic oil, regular oil gets distilled and refined from crude oil. Crude oil is a naturally occurring liquid fossil fuel. On the other hand, companies prepare synthetic oil artificially from chemical compounds with the goal of mimicking the properties of natural oil. They manufacture it as per the demands of modern-day vehicles. You can search online if you want the answer to what happens if you use regular oil instead of synthetic oil in your car.

Finding out What Happens if You Use Regular Oil Instead of Synthetic
Know What Happens if You Use Regular Oil Instead of Synthetic. (Photo: Siarhei Hivoin/iStockphoto)

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2. No engine cleanliness and protection

As regular oil moves through the vehicle’s engine, it degrades slowly thus leaving harmful deposits and even leading to the formation of sludge. It can affect the performance of your car’s engine and the life of the vehicle.

The synthetic oil comes with minimal impurities and is more sludge-resistant. It keeps the car engine cleaner and makes its operation smooth and long.

3. Regular oil = Bad choice for driving in extreme temperatures

Your car engine generates heat while you are on a long ride with your friends. It causes the oil to break down. Synthetic oil works better in extreme conditions as it is manufactured using precise engineering. It can easily resist heat allowing your car engine to last longer.

The regular oil would take longer to heat up to its ideal viscosity in cold temperatures. It might not offer the lubrication required when you are trying to start your vehicle.

4. The cost increases

Your car mechanic might charge you approximately $30 to $45 for a conventional oil change. The full synthetic oil costs around $70 to $100 depending on the vehicle. The full synthetic might cost you a bit more, but it increases the engine life by two to three times.

A regular oil change would cost you anywhere from $120 to $180. It is a bit more expensive than synthetic oil. You can also check online to get the best car engine oil-changing tips.

5. Lesser oil longevity

Do you want to know what happens if you use regular oil instead of synthetic? The synthetic oil requires changing after a minimal driving of 10,000 to 15,000 miles. The regular oil needs to change every 3000 to 5000 miles.

Finding What Happens if You Use Regular Oil Instead of Synthetic
Search for What Happens if You Use Regular Oil Instead of Synthetic. (Photo: bojan fatur / Getty Images)

What Should I Do After Using Regular Oil Instead Of Synthetic?

If you accidentally used regular oil instead of synthetic oil in your car, there are a few steps you can take to minimize any potential damage:

  • Check the oil level: Make sure that the oil level is correct and that there is enough oil in the engine. If the oil level is low, add more oil as necessary.
  • Monitor the engine: Keep an eye on the engine and listen for any unusual noises or performance issues. If you notice any problems, such as knocking or reduced power, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
  • Change the oil: If possible, it’s best to have the regular oil drained and replaced with the correct type of synthetic oil as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and protected.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil type and change intervals in the future to prevent any potential damage.
  • While using regular oil instead of synthetic oil may not cause immediate damage to the engine, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent any potential long-term damage. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

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FAQs

Why can’t you go back to regular oil after synthetic?

While it is possible to switch back to regular oil after using synthetic oil in your car, it’s generally not recommended. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Synthetic oil lasts longer: Synthetic oil is designed to last longer than regular oil, which means that it can go for longer intervals between oil changes. If you switch back to regular oil, you will need to change the oil more frequently.
  • Providing better protection: Synthetic oil is designed to provide better protection for your engine, especially in extreme temperatures or high-stress conditions. If you switch back to regular oil, you may not get the same level of protection for your engine.
  • Compatibility issues: Some engines are specifically designed to use synthetic oil, and switching to regular oil may cause compatibility issues or even damage to the engine.

Can you put synthetic oil in any car?

Although synthetic oil seems very good, it’s important to check your owner’s manual or consult with a qualified mechanic to determine whether synthetic oil is recommended for your specific make and model of vehicle. But generally, synthetic oil can be used in many vehicles that are designed to use conventional or mineral-based oil.

Does it hurt to mix synthetic oil with regular oil?

It is not recommended to mix conventional oil with synthetic oil. Although, in the short term, it can’t harm the car engine,  if you mix these types of oil for your car for a long time, it may cause some problems for the engine, affecting the performance of the vehicle.

Summing Up

We hope that you have got an answer to what happens if you use regular oil instead of synthetic oil in your vehicle. So, go ahead and read this when you want to discover the answer for your query.