What are the 3 types of oil?

All engines need to be lubricated, but the type of oil you use depends on a number of factors: whether it’s synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional. It also depends on the type of vehicle you have. At Tom's Auto Center, our mechanics can give you a consultation and recommend which type is best for your vehicle.

The 3 Types of Motor Oil

Synthetic

Synthetic oil is chemically engineered in a lab to be more consistent and able to withstand high temperatures. Buy fully synthetic diesel engine oil. It works to reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and increase horsepower. Synthetic oil is often recommended for cars that demand peak performance, but it can also be beneficial for people who want the longest-lasting oil (between 10,000 and 20,000 miles).

Semi-Synthetic

In a time when full-synthetic oil can be expensive, semi-synthetic is a good alternative. If you’d like to reap the benefits of synthetic oil but don’t want to spend the money, semi-synthetic oil is the solution. It’s cheap, but not cheaply made. Semi-synthetic oil helps resist oxidation and improves performance in high temperatures. Drivers can expect to go about 7500 miles between changes with this type of oil. And while it can also be used when transitioning to full-synthetic, it will never provide the same kind of performance.

Conventional

This type of oil is the most common and comes in various qualities. You will typically see "conventional" used for older vehicles with a less complex engine design. These vehicles often need to be changed at around 3,000 to 5,000 miles.