Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: Which is Better for Your Car?

Engine oil serves several critical functions in an engine, ensuring the engine operates efficiently and has a long lifespan. To add long life to your engine, engine oil also carries out the following roles in your engine:

• Lubrication: Engine oil provides a film between moving parts to minimize friction and wear. This reduces the heat generated by friction and prevents the engine components from grinding against each other, which can cause internal damage.
• Cooling: While the engine's radiator cooling system handles most of the cooling, engine oil also helps by carrying heat away from the hottest parts of the engine, such as the pistons, bearings, and camshaft.
• Corrosion Protection: Additives in engine oil help protect engine parts from corrosion and rust. The combustion process has by-products that can create acidic compounds, and the oil neutralizes these acids to prevent damage to metal surfaces.
• Cleaning: Engine oil contains detergents and additives that help to clean the engine by trapping dirt, debris, and combustion by-products. This prevents sludge and varnish from forming on engine parts, which can impair engine performance and longevity.
• Hydraulic Action: In some engines, oil is used to operate hydraulic actuators, such as hydraulic lifters, variable valve timing systems, and other components. The oil provides the necessary pressure to operate these systems effectively.