Why You Can’t Go Back to Regular Oil After Synthetic
Synthetic oil has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its numerous benefits, such as increased engine performance, better fuel efficiency, and longer engine life, make it an attractive option for drivers. However, once you make the switch to synthetic oil, it’s difficult to go back to regular oil. In this article, we will explore why that is and highlight the negative consequences of switching back to regular oil.
The Benefits of Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil has several benefits when compared to regular oil. It is made from a combination of chemical compounds, resulting in a more consistent and cleaner product. This consistency and cleanliness result in increased engine performance, better fuel efficiency, and longer engine life.
Using synthetic oil reduces engine friction, which in turn reduces wear and tear on engine components. This reduction in wear and tear can significantly extend the life of your engine. Synthetic oil also maintains its viscosity better than regular oil, which means it performs better under extreme temperatures. It also reduces deposit and sludge build-up in your engine, which can lead to less maintenance and repairs over the life of your vehicle.
Using regular oil after synthetic oil would negate these benefits. Regular oils do not perform as well under extreme temperatures, and they do not maintain viscosity as well as synthetic oils. This means that your engine will not operate as well, reducing performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, switching to regular oil after using synthetic oil can lead to increased engine friction and more wear and tear on engine components, which can lead to costly repairs in the long run.
Understanding the Differences between Synthetic Oil and Regular Oil
Before we delve further into why you can’t go back to regular oil after synthetic, let’s take a look at the differences between the two types of oil. Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil or regular oil, is made from crude oil. It undergoes a refining process, which removes impurities, but leaves behind molecules of varying sizes and shapes. This inconsistency can lead to breakdown and deposit buildup over time.
Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is a man-made product that is designed to be more consistent and have fewer impurities. It is made by combining various chemical compounds to create a more uniform product. Synthetic oil molecules are also smaller and more uniform in size, which means they can better adhere to engine components and reduce friction. This means that your engine will operate more efficiently and will have less wear and tear over time.
The Consequences of Switching Back to Regular Oil
If you switch from synthetic to regular oil, you could be in for some negative consequences. One of the biggest is increased engine wear and tear. Synthetic oil provides better lubrication for your engine, which means that switching back to regular oil can cause increased friction and wear and tear on engine components.
Another downside to switching back to regular oil is increased maintenance costs. Regular oil is not as resistant to breakdown as synthetic oil, which means that you will need to change your oil more frequently. This can significantly increase maintenance costs over the life of your vehicle.
Additionally, switching back to regular oil can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. Synthetic oil is designed to keep your engine running smoothly, which means that it can provide better fuel efficiency. Regular oil, on the other hand, can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, which can mean more money spent on gas over time.
The Science Behind Synthetic Oil
There is a lot of science behind why synthetic oil is better than regular oil. One of the most significant factors is viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of an oil’s resistance to flow, and it is essential for proper engine operation.
Synthetic oil maintains its viscosity much better than regular oil. This means that it can continue to provide proper lubrication for your engine even under extreme temperatures or high pressure situations. It can also better protect engine components from wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.
Synthetic oil also contains fewer impurities than regular oil, which means that it creates fewer deposits and sludge buildup in your engine. This can lead to better engine performance and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Expert Opinions and Insights
Many automotive experts and mechanics agree that synthetic oil is the way to go when it comes to engine lubrication. They cite its numerous benefits and point out that switching back to regular oil can have disastrous consequences for your engine.
Tom Torbjornsen, an automotive expert and host of “America’s Car Show,” recommends sticking with synthetic oil. “We’re talking about keeping it lubricated, preventing wear and tear and preventing it from breaking down. Synthetic motor oil does all of these things better than conventional motor oil,” he says.
Another automotive expert, Mike Allen, recommends sticking with synthetic oil to avoid the negative consequences of switching to regular oil. “The more lightly loaded your engine is, the more you want a synthetic or a synthetic blend. You want something that lasts longer, that’s better lubricated,” he says.
Case Studies and Personal Anecdotes
There are several case studies and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of sticking with synthetic oil. For example, one car owner switched to regular oil after using synthetic oil and noticed a significant decrease in engine performance. “It sounded like I was driving a tin can,” he says. “It felt like my engine was struggling to stay alive.”
Another car owner noticed a significant increase in maintenance costs after switching back to regular oil. “I was changing my oil twice as frequently, and that was adding up to a lot of money,” he says.
Conclusion
In conclusion, synthetic oil has numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for drivers. These benefits include increased engine performance, better fuel efficiency, and longer engine life. However, once you make the switch to synthetic oil, it’s difficult to go back to regular oil without facing negative consequences. These consequences include increased maintenance costs, engine wear and tear, and decreased fuel efficiency. Stick with synthetic oil for the best engine performance and longevity.