Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: What’s the Difference?

Whether they’re here for an oil change or they’re buying a new vehicle, plenty of Raleigh drivers ask us about the synthetic oil vs. regular oil comparison. And what about full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends? It’s important to know what kind of oil you need to use to keep your vehicle in shape. The service center at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint covers synthetic vs. conventional oil basics and more below!

What is Conventional (Regular) Oil?

We’ll start with the oil you’re most familiar with: conventional oil. This is a petroleum-based substance that’s been a staple of combustion engines for years, providing essential lubrication to all your engine parts and regulating your engine’s temperature. It’s made by essentially distilling the substance from crude oil. Many Cary drivers may have heard this called “mineral oil” at some point.

Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Oil

Here’s the thing about synthetic oil vs. regular oil: they’re both still made from petroleum. The key difference is that synthetic oils are enhanced with other chemicals to be more effective, more stable, and less prone to problems. Synthetic oils improve the following:

  • Less viscosity at lower temperatures
  • Better engine-cleaning properties aided by extra petrochemicals
  • Better at protecting turbocharger parts

With all these properties, it’s no surprise that synthetic oils come with a higher price tag. But they also last a lot longer, so you won’t need an oil change as frequently as when you’re using regular oil.

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

Finally, there’s the full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends comparison that Chapel Hill drivers ask us about. As the name indicates, synthetic blends are a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils. The result is an in-between oil that’s more affordable.

Not all vehicles can use synthetic blends—some require full synthetic or just conventional oil. Your owner’s manual should tell you what your vehicle needs, but you can always schedule service with an expert if you’re confused!

Get an Oil Change at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint!

Whether you use synthetic or conventional oil, Durham drivers can get an oil change from an expert at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint! We pride ourselves on affordable, efficient, and dependable service. Contact us today to book an appointment or ask any questions about synthetic vs. conventional oil!

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*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T85816. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. 0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.8%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T85816. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. 0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.8%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T25859. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 8/31/26. **1.9% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $28.60 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 22%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 8/31/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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