Yes, full synthetic oil is an investment you want to make. Full synthetic motor oil offers enhanced performance and protection in modern, high-efficiency engines, especially as lower oil viscosities become more common.
Why Do People Think Synthetic Oil Is Too Expensive?
When you look at conventional oil next to synthetic oil on the shelf, you may be tempted to pass on paying more for premium oil.
But here’s what that comparison misses: you’re not paying the same price for the same thing. You’re paying more upfront for an oil that protects better.
According to a AAA survey, 44 percent of drivers either aren’t sure or don’t believe synthetic oil is better for their engine. That doubt is exactly why so many people leave real engine protection on the table every time they go in for an oil change.
Always follow your owner’s manual for the recommended oil specification and oil change interval that’s right for your vehicle.
True or False: Full Synthetic Actually Protects Your Engine Better
It’s true! AAA’s independent study tested synthetic and conventional oils across eight industry-standard evaluations covering shear stability, deposit formation, volatility, cold-temperature pumpability, and oxidation resistance. Synthetic oil outperformed conventional oil by an average of 47 percent.
What does that mean in the real world? It means:
Less engine wear at cold start. Synthetic flows to engine components faster when temperatures are low, before the engine reaches operating temperature. Cold starts are where most engine wear actually happens.
Better protection at high temperatures. Synthetic resists thermal breakdown longer, maintaining a consistent protective film even under heat stress from towing, highway driving, or stop-and-go traffic.
Cleaner engine internals. Advanced detergent packages in full synthetic oils fight sludge and deposit buildup that accumulates over time and restricts oil flow.
More stable viscosity. Synthetic holds its viscosity grade more consistently across a wide temperature range, so you get the protection you paid for from a cold January morning through a hot August commute.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) sets the quality standards that motor oils must meet, and the best full synthetic formulations exceed those minimum benchmarks by a wide margin.
The Real-World Benefits Beyond Cost?
Reading through this list will help you see how many benefits you can experience when you spend the extra money on synthetic motor oil.
Potentially fewer repairs. An engine running on quality full synthetic accumulates less wear on critical components. Less wear means longer time before costly repairs start appearing on service estimates.
Better fuel economy. A lower coefficient of friction helps improve fuel economy vs. conventional oil. Lower friction means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move its own parts, which translates to a modest but real improvement in fuel efficiency depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
Cold-start confidence. In cold weather, conventional oil thickens and flows slowly through oil passages until the engine warms up. Full synthetic maintains its flow at lower temperatures, protecting metal surfaces during those critical first seconds of operation. If you live anywhere with cold winters, this alone is a compelling reason to switch.
Engine longevity. For drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for 150,000, 200,000 miles or more, full synthetic isn’t a luxury, it’s an investment in the long-term health of the engine. The cumulative effect of better protection at every oil change adds up to significantly less wear over hundreds of thousands of miles.
Finding the Right Valvoline Full Synthetic
Valvoline offers specially-formulated synthetic oil that have benefits specific to your type of vehicle and its mileage.
Valvoline Advanced Protection Full Synthetic Motor Oil is a strong all-around choice for drivers who want full synthetic protection at their next oil change. It meets current API and ILSAC standards and is an excellent fit for most modern gasoline engines, including turbocharged four-cylinders and V6s.
Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic goes a step further - it’s engineered to actively remove existing deposits and works to prevent new ones. In fact, Restore & Protect removes up to 100% of piston deposits with continued use,* restoring your engine to run like new.
*When used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes and with continuous use. In Adapted Sequence IIIH testing. Piston Deposit Removal.
Don’t overlook the filter. Every oil change is only as good as the filter working alongside the oil. Pair your synthetic oil with a quality Valvoline Oil Filter to make sure your clean oil stays clean and your engine stays protected.
Full Synthetic Oil FAQ
Is synthetic oil really worth the extra upfront cost?
Yes, synthetic oil is worth it for high-mileage cars and for most drivers. When you compare cost per mile rather than per oil change, full synthetic is often equal to or cheaper than conventional and provides significantly better engine protection. An independent AAA study found that synthetic outperforms conventional by 47 percent in engine protection tests, at a difference of only about $64 per year for the average driver.
Can I switch from conventional oil to full synthetic?
Yes, it’s easy to switch from conventional to full synthetic. Modern full synthetic oils are compatible with conventional and synthetic blend oils. You don’t need to “flush” your engine before switching. Simply change to full synthetic at your next scheduled oil change and follow the interval recommended in your owner’s manual.
Does synthetic oil improve fuel economy?
Yes, full synthetic oil is known to improve fuel economy modestly, typically in the 1-3 percent range, by reducing internal engine friction. While that may sound small, it adds up over tens of thousands of miles and contributes to lower fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
Does full synthetic oil protect better in severe driving conditions?
Yes, full synthetic holds up better than conventional under severe conditions, extreme heat, extreme cold, towing, frequent short trips, and stop-and-go traffic all degrade conventional oil faster. In severe conditions, your car manufacturer may require shorter oil change intervals but synthetic oil will provide better protection throughout the entire interval than conventional oil would.
Is Full Synthetic Oil Worth It?
It’s true that full synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil. But when you break down the benefits, it’s well worth it.
Synthetic oil also delivers stronger protection, better performance in extreme temperatures, and improved resistance to breakdown over time. For many drivers, especially those with newer engines, turbocharged vehicles, or demanding driving conditions, the added protection can help reduce wear and support long-term engine health.
While conventional or synthetic blends may be sufficient for some vehicles, full synthetic oil is often a smart investment when you consider engine longevity. Checking your owner’s manual and factoring in your driving habits can help you decide whether the extra cost is worth it for your specific needs.
As America’s first motor oil brand, Valvoline has been protecting engines since 1866. Browse our full lineup of full synthetic motor oils and find the right formula for your vehicle at shop.valvolineglobal.com