Keep Your Car Running Smooth with the Best Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is a product that is made from crude oil, providing lubrication at high temperatures. Internal lubrication is an important part of your engine’s upkeep. Without it, your engine would wear down quickly due to metal-on-metal contact. With that in mind, you are probably wondering what the best conventional oil is. The best conventional oil for you depends on several factors you should consider before you make a purchase.
Continue reading to see our recommendations.
Why use conventional oil instead of synthetic oil?
There are many benefits to using conventional oil compared to synthetic oil.
Save money
Synthetic oils can cost up to four times as much as conventional oil. As long as you accompany conventional oil with regular oil changes, you may not need to spend extra on synthetic oil, and your car will perform just as well. That said, make sure you check the owner's manual. If your vehicle's manufacturer specifies synthetic oil, it's not a good idea to use conventional oil just to save a few bucks.
Availability
There are many options available when it comes to conventional oil, and you'll find them in stock at your local auto parts store, gas stations across the country, and even big retailers like Target or Walmart.
Better for older engines
Synthetic oils offer better performance under less-than-ideal conditions, but they're not suitable for every engine out there. Older engines tend to develop odd issues when synthetic oil is used, including hard-to-trace oil leaks or oil starvation in extreme cases. If your vehicle was designed to operate using conventional oil, stick to that instead.
Things to consider when buying conventional oil
With so many products on the market, choosing the best conventional oil might seem like more effort than it’s worth. However, with our help, you are sure to find the best-suited conventional oil for you. There are several factors you should consider when choosing the best conventional oil.
Check them out below!
API or SL rating
Look for a conventional oil that has an API (American Petroleum Institute) rating. This ensures that the oil meets the minimum standards set out by auto manufacturers.
The API rating will also tell you if the conventional oil you're considering is suitable for gasoline or diesel engines. Ratings that start with an S (for spark ignition) are for use with gasoline engines. The second letter in the rating will tell you the age of the oil technology. For example, oil with an SA label represents the oldest standard on the market, though we'll guess that you're probably not shopping for an oil for a pre-1930s automobile.
An API rating of C (compression oil) means that the oil is suitable for a diesel engine. The same rules apply for the second letter following the C in an API rating.
Additives
Look for conventional oils with a strong additive package that is resistant to sludge. Most modern conventional oils also come with plenty of cleaning additives and friction-reducing additives to extend your engine life.
Multi-grade or single grade oil
There are two types of conventional oils, multigrade and single grade oil. The latter is used almost exclusively in lawn equipment and generators, and you'll have trouble finding it outside of hardware stores. Do not use single grade oil in an automobile engine - the best case scenario is decreased performance and rough operation. Worst case? Let's just say replacement engines aren't cheap.
To get the right viscosity for your engine, you should read your owner’s manual. It should tell you what is recommended for your specific engine.
Disposal
Before purchasing any oil, make sure you know how to dispose of it correctly. Many cities have a service that collects your waste oil and disposes of it in a way that won't harm the environment. Don’t pour your oil down the drain or put it in your regular trash can; not only will this create a huge mess, but it's also highly illegal and can potentially result in both state and federal charges.
Conventional oil price range
When buying conventional oil, you should judge the price per quart. It's a good metric to figure out if you are getting the best value for your money. In most cases, you can expect to spend about $7-$9 per quart.
FAQs
Can you switch between conventional and synthetic oils?
While it won't damage your engine to swap between synthetic and conventional oil, you may find that one suits your engine better than the other. It's always best to stick with what the manufacturer recommends.
What are some good motor oil brands?
There are many motor oil brands available that offer both synthetic and conventional oil. Some of the more common brands in the US include Mobil, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Shell, and Quaker State. In addition, there are many more brands available outside of common retail channels such as auto parts stores.
How often should I change the oil in my engine?
You should change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles with conventional oil. Some people have found that conventional oil can potentially last much longer, but we don't recommend you try this.
What happens if you don’t change your oil?
If you don’t change your oil when needed, it can become sludge and stop lubricating your engine. Once it becomes sludge, there's the possibility of irreversible and catastrophic internal damage.