Mineral oil, or conventional oil, is an engine oil used for lubrication and engine protection. Oil that is manufactured from crude oil that has been refined is known as refined oil.
How is this done?
As crude oil is heated to various temperatures, a heavier oil is left behind, which becomes conventional motor oil’s base oil. The less refined base oil is then treated with various additives to increase performance and to protect the engine.
While conventional oil isn’t as refined as synthetic engine oil or synthetic blend oil), it is still used for a variety of purposes.
Included in these purposes are:
- Preventing engine wear and friction by reducing friction
- Maintaining the engine’s temperature
- Keeping the engine clean and free of dirt
- Corrosion and rust prevention of engine parts
What makes conventional oil so special?
How Does Conventional Oil Benefit Us?
In spite of the fact that most car manufacturers recommend using synthetic or synthetic blend oil, mineral oil has many advantages.
Here they are:
i) This Method is Highly Cost-Effective and Economical.
The cost of synthetic motor oil may be twice that of regular oil. Conversely, conventional motor oil is very cheap and readily available. By keeping a regular oil change schedule and by not practicing extreme driving habits, you won’t need to invest in expensive synthetic motor oil.
ii) Conventional Oil is Better Suited for Older Engines
The inner gears and moving engine parts of older engines (more than 75,000 miles on them) will experience more wear.
Compared to synthetic oils, conventional oils have a higher viscosity and are better suited for older vehicles. Due to a slower flow, it effectively lubricates and reduces gear wear and grinding.
The performance of conventional oil under low temperatures is also moderate. Furthermore, it’s likely that the conventional oil used in your vehicle’s engine when it was new.
Note:
For older engines, you may also want to switch to high mileage oil. Specialized oil for cars with over 75,000 miles is called high mileage oil.
Conventional oil has a number of advantages.
How do you know which oil to use on your car?
Does My Car Need Conventional Oil?
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There is no such thing as ‘bad’ motor oil.
Except for high-performance vehicles, mineral oil can always be used.
Oils with additives help to improve engine performance and provide protection against friction and sludge formation. They’re safe for your car and can be beneficial if they meet industry standards.
To determine whether conventional engine oil will suit your vehicle, you should also consult its manufacturer’s recommendations and manual.
With that in mind, let’s examine other related questions about traditional motor oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions regarding regular engine oil.
1. How Long Is Conventional Oil Good For?
Conventional motor oil can stay good for up to five years.
A motor oil’s shelf life can be difficult to determine.
Store your oil correctly – in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight – to get the most out of it.
The lifespan of conventional oil in your engine is up to 7000 miles under normal driving conditions.
People who follow a severe maintenance schedule – for instance, those who tow a lot, go off-roading, drive stop-and-go, or take short trips in extremely high temperatures or low temperatures – have a shorter interval.
The conventional motor oil in your engine will go bad faster than usual.
2. How Often Should I Change My Oil?
According to the manufacturer, the recommended oil change interval is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Conventional oil, however, is capable of traveling up to 7000 miles in some cases.
Depending on your driving habits and the model of your car, the cost varies.
Older engines and those driven in extreme conditions will require more frequent oil changes.
Conventional oil change intervals differ from synthetic oil change intervals. While the former can usually last between 5000 and 7000 miles, synthetic oil changes are generally required every 7000-10,000 miles (or more).
3. What Happens If I Wait Too Long For An Oil Change?
Symptoms of a long overdue conventional oil change include engine noise, sludge, and inefficiency.
The dipstick on your car can be used to check your conventional oil.
Here’s how you’ll know it’s time to change your conventional oil:
- Oil has changed color and appears dark and dirty
- A sludge layer and suspended particles have formed
- Oil in your engine has changed consistency, appearing slimy or thicker than usual
Furthermore, conventional oils will degrade the longer you wait to change them. Eventually, this can cause a total engine failure.
4. Conventional Oil Vs. Synthetic Oil: What’s The Difference?
Synthetic oil contains fewer impurities than conventional oil, despite both containing base oil and additives.
Synthetic motor oil is manufactured and refined in a factory.
Chemical compounds and synthetic additives make up its composition.
Synthetic engine oil has a better viscosity and is more resistant to extreme temperatures than conventional oil. The oil change interval is longer since it doesn’t break down very easily. In addition, it contains a base oil of higher quality with fewer impurities.
Conversely, synthetic engine oil costs more than conventional oil.
A synthetic blend of oil is commonly used in modern vehicles.
The base oil is of a higher quality than mineral oil and contains fewer impurities than synthetic oil.
Final Thoughts
Conventional motor oil has many benefits, but its greatest advantage is it is by far the cheapest of all the oils.
Maintain a routine oil change interval, and you’ll enjoy improved engine performance.
