What happens if you put non synthetic oil

When faced with this question, it might seem easier to choose the cheapest route. Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil can have a slightly higher price tag. If synthetic motor oil makes a difference in engine performance, though, is it worth spending a little extra? The short answer is, yes. Changing to synthetic oil might be a good idea. Read on to learn why.

Should I switch to synthetic oil?

If your engine is equipped to handle it, switching to synthetic oil can be a smart move. Synthetic oil performs at a wide temperature range and is ideal for engines with direct injection, variable valve timing, turbochargers, or superchargers that operate hotter.

Unfortunately, there are many motor oil myths about switching from regular to synthetic oil that confuse drivers. To demystify synthetic oil, let’s look at the top benefits of switching to synthetic and some common myths.

Synthetic Motor Oil Benefits

• Synthetic oils can withstand colder temperatures than conventional, so you enjoy worry-free startups in freezing weather. (That's one reason changing from regular to synthetic oil in winter can be a good idea!)
• Synthetic oils can also withstand hotter temperatures, which reduces burn-off in the summer.
• Synthetic oils, such can help clean your engine, prevent sludge buildup, and improve fuel economy.
• Synthetic oils have fewer impurities than conventional oils, thereby increasing the overall longevity and performance of your engine. Less sludge means smoother operation from the get-go.

Synthetic Motor Oil Myths

• Switching to synthetic oil causes leaks: Generally, switching to synthetic oil does not cause leaks. It is true that synthetic oil is thinner than conventional oil and therefore flows more easily. If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional. However, synthetic oil would not cause the leak.
• You can't switch back to conventional oil: Once you switch to synthetic, you are not bound to it forever. You can switch back to conventional oil if you choose to do so and your vehicle manufacturer doesn't recommend otherwise. However, continuing to use synthetic oil may help prolong the life of your vehicle by taking better care of your engine.
• You have to break in a new car with conventional oil: Some people might think you have to break in a newer car by using conventional oil for a time before switching to synthetic. In reality, there are no recommendations for this procedure from any vehicle manufacturer. In fact, many new vehicles are now shipped out of the factory with synthetic oil.

How to switch from conventional to synthetic oil

Knowing what makes synthetic oil better than conventional is only the first step. The next step is to make the switch! Talk with your technician and consult your owner's manual. Synthetic oils are not all the same and not all engines are equipped to handle them. In the end, the best motor oil for your vehicle is the one your manufacturer recommends.

At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we trust Pennzoil® Synthetics to keep your engine in top condition. Not only does Pennzoil help your engine run more efficiently, it actively cleans it while you drive. So, if you want a cleaner engine and better peace of mind, stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to get a Pennzoil synthetic oil change.

Yes. There is no danger mixing synthetic and conventional motor oil. However, conventional oil will detract from the superior performance of synthetic oil and reduce its benefits. In this post, we’ll also look at if it’s safe to use regular oil after synthetic oil.

Let’s take a closer look.

Can I Mix Oil Types?

With synthetic lubricants continuing to grow in popularity, the question of whether synthetic and conventional oil can be safely mixed often arises.

I’m guilty of having mixed different types of motor oil with reckless abandon back in the day. A dash of synthetic-blend to top off my Buick Century one month and a shot of cheap conventional oil the next.

While oil performance probably suffered, my engine always remained in one piece.

That’s because you can safely mix synthetic and conventional oil. In fact, synthetic-blend motor oil is simply conventional and synthetic oil already mixed for you.

But, barring an emergency, it’s not a great idea to mix oil types.

Why It’s Not a Great Idea to Mix Synthetic and Conventional Oil

All motor oil, whether synthetic or conventional, is a combination of base oils and additives.

Synthetic base oils are manufactured using a process that removes the impurities inherent to conventional base oils. Synthetics typically contain higher-quality additives, too.

So, in the end, conventional and synthetic oils are comprised of the same, compatible components – it’s just that the components in synthetics are much higher quality.

While you can safely mix synthetic and conventional oils, you’re doing nothing more than diluting the performance of the synthetic oil.

What If You Have to Mix Oil Types?

You may not have a choice to mix the two in some cases.

If you’re traveling, for example, and suddenly find your engine low on oil, cheap conventional oil may be the only option at the gas station alongside the highway.

While it’s safe to top off an engine that normally uses AMSOIL synthetic motor oil with conventional oil, we recommend changing the oil at your earliest convenience. In fact, AMSOIL does not support extended drain intervals where oils have been mixed.

Find Out How to Switch From Conventional to Synthetic Oil

Can You Use Regular Oil After Synthetic?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to switch to regular conventional oil after using synthetic oil. As mentioned, both oil types are made of compatible components; it’s just that the base oils and additives in the synthetic oil are higher quality.

But, since synthetic motor oil provides improved wear protection, engine cleanliness, fuel efficiency and other benefits, why would you want to use regular oil again?

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by John Baker

AMSOIL Technical Writer and avid avid DIYer with 12 years in the synthetic lubricants industry, who enjoys making technical topics in the automotive, powersports and industrial markets easy to understand.

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