Many motorists are unsure whether or not their car needs synthetic or regular oil. It all depends on the car’s mileage, age, and the recommendations made by the carmaker.

Cars that have high mileage and that are older tend to have a ton of engine wear that causes oil to leak internally. Synthetic oil is not recommended for these cars because it is thinner than regular oil is and it flows freely. Using synthetic oil can cause internal oil combustion.

Today, many carmakers use synthetic oil for their engines. This generally is the case for cars that have high performance engines with high temperatures of operation, tight engine tolerances, and high compression. If you are debating whether or not to switch to synthetic oil in your car and it is still under auto warranty, it is a good idea to consult with your dealer first.

In the right car, synthetic oil is smart to use. Consult your owner’s manual to see what kind of oil is recommended for your car. Even though synthetic oil will cost more than regular oil, it is worthwhile to buy because it lasts longer and will help to make your engine last longer as well. Lastly, using the right oil can prevent breakdowns due to engine problems and calls to roadside assistance.