Oil Change in Fairfax: A Comprehensive Comparison of Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Faifax mechanic performing an oil change

Any worthwhile auto maintenance schedule will cover multiple services, and that should definitely include oil changes. When you take care of this task on a regular basis, you’ll reduce your engine’s risk of overheating, keep the moving parts in your engine lubricated, and enjoy many other benefits.

However, the type of motor oil you use will go a long way toward determining the results of your next oil change, not to mention affecting the cost of this service. If you’re planning to schedule an oil change in Fairfax, VA, here’s what you should know about conventional oil, full synthetic oil, and the factors that set these products apart.

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Conventional and Full Synthetic Oil: What’s the Difference?

Most motorists can safely use both conventional and full synthetic oil in their cars. But since these products offer unique advantages and disadvantages, you’ll want to know which is the best fit for your vehicle before choosing one or the other:

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is unquestionably the most popular form of motor oil, and it’s not hard to see why — this product is more affordable than any competing oil type. While it starts its life as naturally occurring crude mineral oil, conventional oil is partially refined to deliver enhanced viscosity and protective properties.

Still, this isn’t enough to help conventional oil outdo full synthetic oil in terms of performance. Additionally, conventional oil will need to be replaced more frequently than other oil types, complicating the cost-saving opportunities it provides.

Full Synthetic Oil

Full synthetic oil is an entirely artificial form of motor oil and can reach incredibly high standards for performance while lasting longer than any other oil type. Full synthetic oil can also withstand Fairfax’s summer heat with little to no difficulty, even when these temperatures could start to affect the performance of conventional oil.

There’s only one catch associated with using full synthetic oil: This product’s increased performance comes with a higher price. However, the fact that you can wait longer between car oil changes while using full synthetic oil should help in this regard, especially if your shop of choice provides oil change coupons.

Don’t Ignore These Alternative Oil Options

Conventional oil and full synthetic oil may be the two most well-known options for a Valvoline oil change, but they aren’t the only oil types worth considering. Before scheduling an oil change service, take a minute to think about alternatives such as:

Synthetic Blend Oil

Since conventional oil and full synthetic oil each have unique perks and drawbacks, it can be surprisingly difficult to choose one or the other. Instead, drivers can compromise by getting synthetic blend oil during their next oil change.

This oil type is a mixture of full synthetic and conventional oil, so it costs less than the former product while delivering more effective performance than the latter. You can also expect the service life of your synthetic blend oil to fall somewhere in between the two main oil types.

High-Mileage Oil

Has your vehicle been in use for over 75,000 miles? If it has, there’s a good chance that none of the oil types listed above will truly meet its needs. Instead, high-mileage oil is likely your best bet.

While the process of manufacturing high-mileage oil resembles the production of full synthetic oil, this product stands apart because of its intended usage. To protect older cars, high-mileage oil includes all sorts of cleansers, viscosity modifiers, seal conditioners, and anti-corrosion agents. As a result, it can easily help aging vehicles deal with corrosion, oil burn-off, and other common issues.

Why a Full-Service Car Oil Change Matters

Once you’ve decided what oil type is best for your car, you might think you’re ready to schedule an oil change. But first, there’s one more factor you’ll need to consider — where you’ll go to get this service in Fairfax. As part of your decision-making process, you should keep an eye out for local auto shops that offer full-service oil changes.

Like standard oil changes, full-service oil changes involve removing your car’s dirty oil and replacing it with up to five quarts of fresh oil. However, this service goes one step further by including several additional maintenance tasks. The mechanics handling your full-service oil change might:

  • Change your oil filter
  • Inspect and top off your fluids
  • Oil your fittings
  • Check your tire inflation
  • Thoroughly inspect your vehicle

Get a Great Oil Change in Fairfax, VA

Prioritizing Fairfax auto shops that provide full-service Valvoline oil changes is a great way to start narrowing down your options. Your next step in this process should be looking for businesses that deliver:

If you’re searching for the best oil change in Fairfax, VA, look no further than Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto. Our shop has been a part of the community for more than three decades, and our qualified technicians are more than capable of completing full-service oil changes (and any other maintenance or repair services your car might need). Get started by scheduling an appointment for an oil change service today!

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