How Long Does Conventional Oil Last? The Truth About Oil [Explained]

The purpose of conventional oil, also known as mineral oil or regular oil is to provide lubrication and protect engines from damage. Engine oil of this type is made from refined crude oil.

In conventional motor oil, crude oil is heated to various temperatures to produce heavier oil. The less refined base oil is then treated with additives to improve performance and protect engines. 

The oil that is conventional is less refined than synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil, but it still serves a number of useful purposes.

The purpose of this article is to answer the difference between synthetic oil vs. conventional oil, and how long does conventional oil last?

Synthetic Oil Vs. Conventional Oil: How Is It Different? 

The difference between synthetic oil vs. conventional oil is that synthetic oil has fewer impurities since it is more refined. In addition to chemical compounds, synthetic additives are also used in it.

With synthetic engine oil, viscosity is higher and temperature resistance is better than with conventional engine oil. Oil change intervals are longer because it does not break down very easily. There are also fewer impurities in the oil, which makes it a higher-quality oil.

Compared to conventional motor oil, synthetic engine oil is much more expensive. Synthetic blend oils are typically used in modern engines in newer vehicles.

Conventional oil also has fewer impurities and is cheaper than synthetic oil.

Best Conventional Oils

Best Overall
Valvoline™ Daily Protection SAE 10W-40 Conventional Motor Oil

  • Minimize Everyday Wear
  • Optimize Power and Fuel Efficiency
  • Resist Oil Breakdown and Sludge
Best Overall
Pennzoil Conventional SAE 30 Motor Oil

  • Car, UTV, Truck
  • Prevent Sludge and other Damaging Deposits
  • Engines Clean and Responsive
Best Overall
Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil

  • Superior Protection Against Engine Sludge
  • Protection Against Viscosity And Thermal Breakdown
  • Minimize Oil Consumption

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

How long does Conventional Oil last?

Normal driving habits can extend conventional oil’s life up to 7500 miles but some say it can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The interval is lower for people who do a lot of towing, off-roading, stop-and-go driving, or short trips in extremely cold or extremely hot weather.

Over time, petroleum-based oils such as conventional oil will degrade or break down from the heat and pressure inside the engine. As this occurs, the chemical composition of the oil changes, and it becomes contaminated. After thousands of miles, conventional oils are unable to protect the engine and must be replaced.

Synthetic oil can provide longer oil change intervals than conventional oil. But this is often dependent upon the brand of motor oil and several other factors, such as driving style and driving conditions. Please follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual while your vehicle is under warranty.

Related Guide: Expert Opinion: How Long Does Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil Last?

When should Conventional Oil be Changed?

As far as concerned that when should conventional oil be changed, it used to be normal to change the oil every 3000-5000 miles. but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles but it is not recommended. The type of car you drive and your driving habits will determine the answer. 

Will Conventional Oil hurt my engine?

It is a myth that there is ‘bad’ motor oil. Mineral oil is always a good choice unless you drive a vehicle with high performance. The additives found in conventional oils contribute to better engine performance and prevent friction and sludge formation. You can use these oils if they meet industry standards and are safe to use.

To determine whether it is suitable or will conventional oil hurt my engine, you should better also consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Are Older engines and Extreme driving conditions requiring a more regular oil change?

Please note that conventional oil change intervals are likely to differ from synthetic oil change intervals. A synthetic oil change, on the other hand, may be needed every 7000-10,000 miles (or more), while a conventional oil change is usually good for up to 5000-7000 miles but it is not recommended.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long For An Oil Change?

In the event that your car has not been given a conventional oil change for some time, you will begin to notice symptoms such as greater engine noise, sludge, and inefficient performance. The conventional oil in your car can be checked with the dipstick.

When it’s time to change your conventional oil, follow these steps:

  • There is a change in color and a dirty appearance to the oil
  • It is evident that sludge is forming and suspended particles are present
  • If your engine oil is slimy or thicker than usual, it may be a sign that it has changed consistency

You’ll notice these signs, as well as deterioration in conventional oils as they age. The problem may eventually cause the engine to fail or cause other severe problems. 

Do older cars need conventional oil?

The inner gears and moving parts of older engines (more than 75,000 miles) will wear out more quickly.

Because conventional oil has a higher viscosity than synthetic oil, it is better suited for older cars. Due to a slower flow, gears and engines are better lubricated, and grinding gears and engine wear is reduced.

Low temperatures are also a good environment for conventional oil to operate. When you first purchased your vehicle, the engine probably used conventional oil. 

Changing to high-mileage oil could also be a good idea for older engines. Specially formulated high-mileage oil is available for cars that have logged more than 75,000 miles. The benefits of conventional oil are obvious.

What Are The Benefits Of Conventional Oil?

As far as it is concerned that what are the benefits of conventional oil, and the economic, and cost factor comes first. The cost of synthetic motor oil may be twice as high as that of regular oil. Comparatively, conventional motor oil is very inexpensive and readily available. Keeping your engine’s oil changed regularly and not driving extremes will prevent the need to use synthetic oil.

When refined, conventional oil produces valuable gasoline products as well as a reliable lubricant. Fossil fuel is a mineral formed by pressing organic matter that has been buried underground for centuries. This fossil fuel is a powerful energy resource when heated. Because of this, conventional oil can be used for both heating and cooking purposes.

The production of oil is fairly straightforward. An oil field can be tapped by drilling down into a natural oil reservoir once it has been discovered. Because of the earth’s weight, the oil flows easily out of the drilled escape because it is under natural pressure. Upon controlled pumping and packaging, the oil can be transported in millions of barrels for years. U.S., Middle Eastern, Brazilian, and Asian drilling points are scattered around the world.

A lack of conventional oil is a serious problem for a country and a community since it is such an integral part of transportation and industrial production. In order to maintain the flow of domestic oil into the U.S., the U.S. works to protect its foreign oil interests.

Unlike organic waste, oil cannot rot away and disappear as it does with organic waste. Recyclable oil can be used again after filtering. These processes, however, can be costly and difficult in many cases.

FAQs

How long can you go on a conventional oil change?

The average car can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before it needs to be oiled. In addition, synthetic oil allows you to drive 10,000 to 15,000 miles between oil changes.

2. Does conventional oil last longer than synthetic oil?

It depends on the brand of oil you use, but synthetic motor oil generally provides longer intervals between oil changes. Oil changes should be performed every 3000 to 5000 miles according to certain brands. A range of 7500 to 20,000 miles is also recommended.

3. Does conventional oil break down over time?

The heat and pressure inside an engine degrade or break down petroleum-based oils over time. Oil becomes contaminated as a result of this chemical change. It is necessary to change petroleum-based oils after thousands of miles because they can no longer protect the engine.

4. Is conventional oil better for high mileage?

Synthetic oil is recommended for most new cars. Older cars generally run well with conventional oil, unless your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on it, in which case high-mileage oil is recommended.

5. Is it bad to mix conventional oil with full synthetic?

Yes. There is no danger in mixing synthetic and conventional motor oil. However, conventional oil will detract from the superior performance of synthetic oil and reduce its benefits.

6. What are the disadvantages of conventional oil?

Conventional oil is more prone to degradation via oxidation, creating common engine hazards like extreme heat, corrosion, sludge deposits, and particulate matter. Conventional oils also don’t do well in cold conditions.

7. Will conventional oil hurt my engine?

Switching from synthetic oil to conventional (and back again) won’t cause any harm to your engine.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that conventional motor oil has many advantages, one of the most important of these is the fact that it is very inexpensive. A routine oil change will be able to improve the performance of your engine as it will ensure adequate lubrication.

As far as the concern exit that how long conventional oil last, conventional oil can last up to 7000 miles if driven normally. As far as oil changes are concerned, it is recommended that they be done between 3000-5000 miles.

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