When do i need to change synthetic oil

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to keeping your car running smoothly. Since , Consumer Reports has been testing products and working to create a fairer, safer, and healthier marketplace.

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You can also show support by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. By Consumer Reports. Updated March 29, Photo: iStock. When to Change the Oil. Make sure you get your oil change soon after you receive such an alert. How Often to Check the Oil Level. Dark, Dirty Oil Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. Oil Smell Inside the Car If you smell oil inside the car, it can often signify an oil leak.

Change Oil Promptly Oil changes are simple and inexpensive, and one of the most important things you can do to keep your car from aging prematurely. About the Author Brandon Davis. Related Articles. Featured Videos. Atten2 S Oil Wear 2. Featured Whitepapers. Does water ingress have to be the end of your oil's life? Neural Network Detection of Machine Faults. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter.

Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. See Subscription Options Already a subscriber? Overall, full synthetic oils provide better engine performance and protection than conventional and synthetic blend motor oils. Synthetic oils are created through complex processes, including being chemically developed from petrochemicals, to have the exact molecular qualities needed for a specific application.

These processes remove impurities from the crude oil and enable individual molecules to be tailored to the demands of modern engines. These customized molecules in synthetic oils provide higher levels of performance and protection than conventional oils.

Engine parts are in constant contact with each other and moving at high speeds. In the extreme environment of your engine, components can wear and break down. Your motor oil is the only protective barrier between these components.

As conventional and synthetic blend oils break down, typically, their ability to prevent engine wear diminishes. But Mobil 1 full synthetic oils retain their wear protection properties for a much longer time, helping to increase engine life by keeping important engine parts in excellent condition for , miles. Tested in vehicles primarily in city and highway driving conditions with respective product recommended oil change intervals.

As oil circulates through your engine, it can pick up deposits. Over time, conventional oils can form sludge, which can reduce your engine's efficiency and, ultimately, reduce the life of your engine.

Mobil 1 full synthetic oils contain fewer impurities compared to conventional and synthetic blend oils and can better resist the formation of sludge and deposits in your engine. If your engine already has sludge, Mobil 1 motor oils clean up virtually all engine sludge in just one oil change. When your vehicle is not being driven, the oil settles.

But when you fire up the ignition, it begins flowing through critical engine parts to protect against friction. Conventional and synthetic blend oils take more time until they are able to flow smoothly through the engine.