Synthetic Oil Change Cost

There are two types of oils that are used in car engines, namely, mineral oil and synthetic oil. It is clear that both the types of motor oils are absolutely essential for any given car engine. Mineral oil is directly obtained from the crude oil, while synthetic oil is synthesized from the different oils, and is deemed to be more artificial. At very, very micro and detailed level, synthetic oil is more consistent and has more uniform molecules, than the usual mineral oil. Thus a convention has come into being that when the engine is young, un-set and does not have much of a running, then mineral oil is used as it refines the piston and engine block dimension. The synthetic oil on the other hand is more uniform and is used for more set and settled engines that have been used for a considerable distance and time. Thus synthetic oil is certainly 'worth it' but one should know the right volume and right time for its use.

Choosing the Right Synthetic Oil

There are just a handful of companies that have developed good synthetic oils till date. These include, Mobil, Castrol, Valvoline, Red Line and AMSOIL. The synthetic oil that is suitable for your car is mentioned in the manual of the car along with the synthetic oil change interval. These specifications are often derived on the basis of the specifications of the engine, its size and configuration.

The synthetic engine oils are recognized by a specified coding that has been established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These standards can range from 0W to 25W. The W is often followed by a number, example 5W-30. This standard works on the basis of the fact that oil thins down when heated and thickens when cooled. While changing the oil in your car's engine you will have to use a standard that is demanded by the engine, the standard is designated by the car manufacturer. Your synthetic oil change cost is largely affected by the standard and the volume of the oil. The higher the standard, and greater the volume, the higher is the cost going to be.

Cost of Synthetic Oil Change

It is better classify the cost and manufactures as per the viscosity standards allotted by SAE. Let's have a look.

The first one is 5W-30, that is used for all newer cars, and is also used for all the below 0° F temperatures. One of the best and also most expensive, 5W-30, is Mobil 1 94001 Synthetic 5W-30, which is an energy conservative oil available in a pack of 6, costing, $48.35. The Valvoline max life motor oil, which costs just $4.99, is a one pack product that agents and additives that tend to restrict emissions to a certain extent. Some other 5W-30, products include, Briggs & Stratton 32 Oz. 5W-30 4-Cycle engine oil ($5.98), Castrol GTX 5W-30 motor oil ($4.49), Royal Purple Multi-Grade 5W-30 oil ($47.99), Pro Honda GN4 4-Stroke motor oil 5W-30 32 oz ($6.49) and BMW 5W-30 Longlife ($7.68).

The next prominently used one is the 10W-30. This standard of oil is used for above 0° F temperatures. Some common products include, Castrol 06484 Edge ($53.96), Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic motor oil ($6.29), Pro Honda GN4 4-Stroke motor oil ($6.99) and Red Line 10W-30 Synthetic engine oil ($9.95). This standard is recommended for all turbo charged engines. These two oils, reportedly, substantially encourage and improve the fuel economy.

For the 10W-40, which is for above 0°F the recommended brand is Castrol Magnatec. Some other brands include, Castrol GTX High Mileage ($16.99), Pro Honda GN4 4-Stroke ($5.99), MOBIL 1 RACING ($13.99) and MOTUL 300V 10W-40 Chrono Race Oil ($29.95). This is multigrade lubricant and is principally used for wear and tear prevention of all auto parts.

The 20W-50 standard is typically used for high Rpm engines such as race car engines. Castrol GTX Extra which is used in the 20° F plus conditions is a very widely used brand. Some products include, the Castrol CST06470 GTX High Mileage ($33.89), FORMULA SHELL ($54.99), Valvoline VRI ($3.99) and Royal Purple Multi-Grade ($47.99). This kind of oil is known for sustaining high speeds and outrageous temperatures.

Thus the basic rule of thumb is that higher the standard, costlier is the synthetic oil and more is the volume of the oil, the more expensive it is going to get. However, always make it a point to check the recommended product on your manual as it is the best synthetic motor oil for your engine and serves the purpose best.