Should I Use Regular or Synthetic Oil for My Ford’s Oil Change?


Regardless which Ford model you drive, routine maintenance is important. And unless you drive an EV like the Focus Electric, oil changes are one of the most common services your Ford will require. You have an option when it’s time for an oil change. You’ll need to choose between regular oil and synthetic oil. What’s the difference, and which one is the best choice for you?

Why Oil Changes are Crucial Car Maintenance

Everyone knows that engine oil is absolutely critical to keep internal engine parts well lubricated. But there’s much more to it than that. Having clean engine oil also:

  • Promotes engine cooling as engine oil performs around 40 percent of the cooling duty.
  • Prevents corrosion inside the engine from high humidity.
  • Reduces wear as oil creates a cushion between moving parts.
  • Improves fuel economy from lower friction inside the engine.

All things considered, you can see why regular oil changes are considered the most important maintenance you can perform on your car.

The Difference Between Regular and Synthetic Oil

What’s the difference in engine oil options? Is synthetic truly superior to conventional or regular oil?

The base for regular engine oil is crude oil that has been refined. Impurities have largely been removed, then additives are mixed in. They include friction modifiers, detergents, and other additives that enhance protection in heat and cold.

Synthetic oil is made from the same base crude oil, surprisingly. However, it’s refined further to ensure molecules are more uniform in size, and even more impurities are removed from the oil. Then, higher-quality additives are mixed in to create the best protection against oxidation, heat, and friction. Synthetic oil also maintains its pour point and breaks down less while in use.

Which One Should You Choose?

When you’re trying to decide which engine oil is best for your Ford, there are a few questions to ask that can narrow down the options.

What Does the Owner’s Manual Recommend?

For all Ford vehicles, the minimum oil type and viscosity is detailed in the owner’s manual. It will say whether you can use conventional oil or if you must use synthetic oil. Keep in mind that you can always upgrade to synthetic, but you should never downgrade to regular oil against your owner’s manual specifications.

What Are Your Driving Conditions Like?

If you tend to drive aggressively, idle your engine for a long time, or you drive in stop-and-go traffic often, you may want to think about choosing synthetic engine oil. It offers excellent protection in severe conditions and may prevent undue wear over the years.

How Well Do You Maintain Your Vehicles?

Do you tend to stretch your maintenance intervals longer than recommended? While synthetic oil doesn’t extend your car maintenance intervals, it can provide extended protection for your engine if it does occur.

Every Ford model has the required oil specification listed in the owner’s manual. High performance cars like the Mustang as well as turbocharged engines across the Ford lineup typically require synthetic engine oil. If your car doesn’t require synthetic oil, the choice is yours to make.

If you would like advice for choosing between synthetic and regular oil, or if you want to schedule your next service visit, your Southern California Ford Dealers can help. Contact your local Ford service center to get information or to book an appointment.

Resources:

https://mobiloil.com/en/article/car-maintenance/learn-about-motor-oil-facts/synthetic-oil-vs-conventional-oil