Oil pouring from a can

3 common oil change myths busted

Here at Matt Castrucci Kia we hear a wide variety of automotive myths and misconceptions. One of the most common automotive topics that garner so many myths are oil products. From conventional to synthetic oil, this automotive necessity draws a lot of attention and controversy. We are here to set the record straight and share some facts about automotive oil. Here are 3 of the most common oil change myths we hear, busted.

Can you change from synthetic to conventional oil?A person checking oil

Yes! You will not harm your vehicle if you switch from synthetic to conventional oil. This is because synthetic oil products are made using a combination of conventional oils. There is an important exception to this rule. If your vehicle specifically requires synthetic oil, then it’s essential to always use synthetic oil products. But if your vehicle doesn’t have a requirement then there is no harm in choosing either option.

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Should you change your oil every 3,000 miles?

The 3,000-mile figure has always been more of a recommendation than anything. The reality is you don’t need to change your vehicle’s oil that often. In fact, most vehicles can go 5, 7 or even 10,000 miles before an oil change is needed. The frequency you change the oil depends on your individual vehicle and driving habits. Vehicles that are used to tow, drive in extreme weather or are driven in severe stop-and-go traffic will need the oil changed more frequently. It’s always best to check your vehicle’s manual for details.

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Is conventional oil cheaper than synthetic?

For as long as we can remember, the myth has been that conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic. While conventional oil is indeed more expensive upfront, the American Automotive Association recently found that synthetic oil actually performs better and will save drivers money in the long run. In fact, in a series of industry-standard tests, AAA found that synthetic oil outperformed conventional oil by nearly 50 percent!


Do you have questions about automotive oil that we didn’t get a chance to answer here? Let us know in the comments below or contact our team of experts by phone. From all of us at Matt Castrucci Kia, we look forward to speaking with you. Thanks for reading!