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How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?
Modern engine lubricant technology has overturned the once-popular rule of thumb that a car’s oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.
Instead, motor oils and improved engine manufacturing practices have extended the standard oil change interval by several thousand miles, especially with synthetic motor oil.
The guide below explores how often synthetic oil should be changed based on the automotive manufacturer’s recommendations, your driving habits, and other key metrics.
What Is Synthetic Oil?
Lubricant manufacturers derive conventional motor oil from refined crude oil. While synthetic motor oil also stems from refined crude oil, it undergoes more extensive chemical modification than conventional oil. Synthetic oil typically has fewer impurities and a more uniform structure, improving performance in modern engines.
The best synthetic oils carry certifications from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) regarding purity, key protection characteristics, and compatibility.
Many manufacturers clearly display these certifications to demonstrate quality. API certifications appear in the shape of a donut, otherwise known as the API Service Symbol Donut, while ILSAC certifications appear in a starburst shape.
It’s best to use the type of motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, as noted in the owner’s manual. Most modern cars require synthetic oil based on improvements in engine designs that incorporate tighter tolerances.
However, you can typically upgrade to synthetic oil and enjoy greater benefits (albeit at a higher cost), even if the manufacturer recommends using conventional oil.
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?
Generally speaking, synthetic oil change intervals vary between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, but can sometimes extend to 7,500 to 15,000 miles. When speaking in terms of time-based intervals, perform a synthetic oil change every six months or once annually.
More specifically, exact oil change intervals depend on several key factors, including the following:
- Vehicle manufacturer recommendations: Modern engines feature tighter tolerances and demand more from even the most advanced lubricants.
- Driving conditions: Oil change intervals vary based on whether you typically drive around town on short trips, tow heavy loads, or live in climates with extreme temperature differentials.
- Oil type: Some synthetic oils last longer than others based on brand-specific formulations.
- Time: Any oil that sits too long can begin to absorb moisture and lose its lubricating qualities.
To clarify, these factors also affect oil change intervals for synthetic blend and conventional oils. However, synthetic oils are known for their enhanced performance and long oil life, which reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
Why Does Synthetic Oil Last Longer Between Oil Changes?
Like any motor oil available in your local auto parts store, synthetic oil reduces friction and suspends contaminants, thus helping with engine longevity.
In addition, a lower viscosity rating enables synthetic oil to penetrate tighter spaces to lubricate even the smallest essential engine components, even at extreme operating temperatures. Synthetic motor oils also last longer because they’re designed to withstand the harsh conditions that modern vehicles must endure, thanks to specifically formulated additive packages.
Specific synthetic oil additive blends are a closely guarded industry secret. However, common additives include anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and detergents.
These additives help reduce engine wear, decrease viscosity in freezing temperatures, maintain performance at higher temperatures, enhance engine protection, boost fuel efficiency, prolong oil life, and promote smoother engine operation.
What Are Some Signs You Should Change Your Synthetic Oil?
Adhering to the oil change intervals listed above (including mileage-based and time-based intervals) can help maintain your vehicle under normal operating conditions. However, paying attention to how your vehicle runs daily can also help you determine if it needs an oil change or further diagnosis.
Below are key signs it’s time to change your synthetic oil:
- Contaminated oil: Brand-new synthetic oil appears amber and thin, but thick or opaque oil signals contamination.
- Decreased performance: A fresh oil change can help a sluggish or rough-running engine achieve smoother operation with improved lubricity.
- Burning oil smell: The smell of burning oil can indicate that the engine is overheating, and you can verify this by looking at the temperature gauge. Alternatively, oil might have leaked out of the engine and spilled onto hot components.
Oil life monitoring systems will also alert you when it’s time to schedule an oil change. Read your owner’s manual to understand how these systems work and recognize any related warning lights that may appear. The owner’s manual can also help you figure out how to reset the oil life monitoring system.
How To Maintain Synthetic Oil Between Oil Changes
Whether you choose conventional, synthetic blend, or synthetic oil, proper maintenance requires visually inspecting the oil’s level and condition at least once a month. If you only drive short distances, tow or haul heavy loads, or operate in any other type of extreme condition, you may need to change the oil more frequently.
In addition, you can also perform an oil analysis to learn more about your engine’s condition and how well the synthetic oil performs.
Cadence Specializes in Motor Oil So You Don’t Have To
Sourcing superior synthetic motor oil for your personal car or fleet vehicles doesn’t have to be complicated. The experts at Cadence understand the significant impact high-quality motor oil can have on your life, which is why we partner with trusted brands to offer exceptional lubricating solutions.
Call us at 336-629-2061 to learn more about the synthetic oil brands we carry and explore bulk lubricant options with a friendly and knowledgeable representative.
Sources:
Refining crude oil - the refining process | U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
SP268-Q-Synthetic Motor Oils | The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service