Can you use full synthetic oil after using regular oil

Q: How long should you run full synthetic oil?

Its recommended that you change synthetic oil every 7,500 – 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the brand of synthetic oil used. To ensure youre changing your oil at the proper intervals, always check your owners manual for more information.

Oil Change

Table of Contents Show

Should You Switch to Synthetic Oil?
Should I switch to synthetic oil?
Synthetic Motor Oil Benefits
Synthetic Motor Oil Myths
How to switch from conventional to synthetic oil
Can You Mix Synthetic Oil With Regular Oil?
Mixing Motor Oil
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
Synthetic Oil
Conventional Oil
Possible Negative Effects of Mixing Conventional and Synthetic Oil
Can You Use Regular Oil After Synthetic?
Choose Motor Oil From Hot Shot’s Secret Today
Can you use full synthetic after regular oil?
When should you not use full synthetic oil?
What is the disadvantage of synthetic oil?
How long should you run full synthetic oil?

Should You Switch to Synthetic Oil?

Oct 21,2019

“Would you like synthetic or conventional 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.

Top

Can You Mix Synthetic Oil With Regular Oil?

The short answer is yes, you can mix synthetic oil with regular oil. However, you should only use this combination as a temporary solution until you can receive a professional oil change. While mixing motor oils is safe, doing so will limit your oil’s performance.

Mixing Motor Oil

Because most motor oils comprise a combination of additives and base oil, they’re typically compatible when mixed. However, synthetic and conventional oils have different refining processes, impacting their quality and performance.

Synthetic oil is well-refined, meaning it contains higher-quality additives and minimal impurities, keeping your engine clean and lubricated for longer. Conventional motor oil is less refined than synthetic, resulting in increased residue buildup. Mixing these oils can dilute the synthetic oil’s beneficial properties by muddying it with less refined oil.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

You can better understand why mixing synthetic and conventional oils is discouraged by knowing how each motor oil is formulated.

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic motor oil comprises a petroleum-based base oil and evenly distributed high-quality powder additives. This mixture is designed to improve engine performance and protection for longer than other oils.

Due to its uniform properties, synthetic oil is highly effective across a wide temperature range, allowing for faster engine startups and longer running times between oil changes. Its low impurity levels allow for cleaner burning and slower thickening, reducing engine drag. Synthetic oil also produces fewer emissions by preventing gum and varnish buildup, promoting better fuel economy by reducing friction.

Synthetic oils are ideal for older cars that don’t receive regular oil changes, as this oil can fend off contaminants and deposits, even when the vehicle isn’t in use.

Conventional Oil

Conventional motor oil comes from natural crude oil drilled from the earth. This oil is refined through sedimentation, which removes waste products and impurities. Finally, the oil is heated and vaporized, leaving a base oil that is combined with various fluids, such as detergents, anti-oxidants, rust inhibitors and dispersants. Which liquids are added to the base oil depend on the manufacturer.

Regular oil is well-suited for newer vehicles used in light-duty applications and short-distance travel, as these tasks are less demanding for the engine.

Possible Negative Effects of Mixing Conventional and Synthetic Oil

Mixing synthetic oil with regular oil is safe but can have numerous disadvantages for your engine:

More frequent oil changes: Because conventional oil dilutes the beneficial qualities of synthetic oil, mixing them means you’ll need to get an oil change sooner.
Reduced efficiency: Conventional and synthetic oils feature different additives, chemicals and detergents that can destabilize your oil when mixed, impacting your engine’s performance.
Lower value: Combining regular oil with synthetic oil lowers the value of your synthetic oil investment, meaning you won’t get the quality or performance you paid for.

Can You Use Regular Oil After Synthetic?

Switching to conventional oil after using synthetic oil in your vehicle is safe. Because both oils compromise compatible fluids, switching to regular motor oil is okay if your car has used synthetic before. Modern technologies ensure that these oils are similar enough in their properties that no complications will occur when mixed, despite synthetic oil having higher-quality ingredients.

Choose Motor Oil From Hot Shot’s Secret Today

You can ensure optimal engine performance and longevity with oil from Hot Shot’s Secret. We’re known for creating problem-specific solutions for the automotive, trucking, RV and agricultural industries designed to increase equipment efficiency and service life. Our products are backed by science and our money-back guarantee.

Can you use full synthetic after regular oil?

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.

When should you not use full synthetic oil?

This being said, however, it is still not recommended to use synthetic oil in engines that have experienced significant actions – specifically, those that have reached around 75,000 miles on the odometer.

What is the disadvantage of synthetic oil?

Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.

How long should you run full synthetic oil?

It's recommended that you change synthetic oil every 7,500 – 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the brand of synthetic oil used. To ensure you're changing your oil at the proper intervals, always check your owners manual for more information.