Synthetic vs conventional oil comes down to your engine. Many newer cars need full synthetic, so check your owner’s manual first.
Conventional oil is refined straight from crude oil. Synthetic oil goes through more processing, so its molecules come out more uniform. It breaks down less in heat and fights sludge better.
Synthetic also flows more easily when it’s cold. That matters at startup, since that’s when most engine wear happens.
The catch is price. Synthetic costs more up front, but it lasts longer. One Canadian shop says conventional oil usually needs replacing every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometres. Full synthetic can go 10,000 to 16,000 kilometres.
Here’s a quick way to pick:
- Newer or turbo engine: full synthetic
- Older or high-mileage car: conventional can work well, if your manual allows it
- Somewhere in between: a synthetic blend
Using an oil your carmaker doesn’t recommend can void your warranty. Ask our parts counter which oil fits your car. For prices, read our guide to oil change cost in Vancouver.
Service desk The full guide
Oil change cost in Vancouver: the published prices, what a quote covers and how to compare quotes.