AAA Spills the Truth on Oil Changes

Synthetic oil performs nearly 50 percent better than conventional oil in AAA’s tests

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 6, 2017) – AAA is urging drivers to consider a switch to synthetic oil at their next oil change service to protect their vehicle’s engine, particularly those that operate in extreme conditions. AAA found that synthetic oil outperformed conventional oil by an average of nearly 50 percent in its independent evaluation, offering vehicles significantly better engine protection for only $5 more per month when following a factory-recommended oil change schedule.

“Oil protects critical engine components from damage and AAA found that synthetic engine oils performed an average of 47 percent better than conventional oils in a variety of industry-standard tests,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA’s findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial to newer vehicles with turbo-charged engines and for vehicles that frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads or operate in extreme hot or cold conditions.”

Survey Says…..

At an oil change service, many drivers are offered a choice between conventional or synthetic oil. While only a limited number of vehicles specifically require synthetic oil, all vehicles can benefit from using synthetic oil. In a companion AAA nationwide survey of U.S. drivers:

• Nearly one-quarter of U.S. drivers are unaware of what oil is used in their vehicle.

• Nearly one-third (30%) of U.S. drivers typically use conventional in their vehicle, while 45 percent use synthetic oil.

• 44 percent are either unsure (27 percent) or do not believe (17 percent) that the more expensive synthetic oil is better for a vehicle’s engine. Reasons cited for regularly choosing the cheaper, conventional oil include feeling that synthetic oil is too expensive, offers no benefit, that the upgrade to synthetic oil is an unnecessary up-sell by a repair facility, or they are simply not offered the choice.

• The vast majority (83 percent) of service professionals select synthetic oil for their personal vehicles.

   

Oil Change$

Switching from a conventional oil to a synthetic oil will cost the average driver $64 more per year, or an extra $5.33 per month. A survey of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair facilities reveals that the average cost of a conventional oil change is $38, while a synthetic oil change is $70. For those that change their vehicle’s oil themselves, the average cost of 5 quarts of conventional oil is approximately $28, while synthetic oil is $45.

“It’s understandable that drivers may be skeptical of any service that is nearly twice the cost of the alternative,” continued Nielsen. “While a manufacturer-approved conventional oil will not harm a vehicle’s engine, the extra $30 per oil change could actually save money in the long run by protecting critical engine components over time.”

The hesitation to select a synthetic oil may stem from American distrust in repair facilities. Another recent AAA survey found that two-thirds of U.S. drivers do not trust repair facilities, with most citing concern over the recommendation of unnecessary services. Visit your local AAA Car Care Center for expert diagnosis, repairs, and maintenance, or a AAA AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) location.

Before You Go…..

The summer driving season has arrived and many Americans will be hitting the roads heading to a favorite vacation spot or looking for a new adventure. Before the rubber meets the road, travelers should be sure to check their vehicle’s oil level, either under the hood or through the vehicle’s onboard computer system.

AAA’s engine oil research focused on eight industry-standard ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) tests to evaluate the quality of both synthetic and conventional engine oils in terms of shear stability, deposit formation, volatility, cold-temperature pumpability, oxidation resistance and oxidation-induced rheological changes. At the time of testing, all tested oils were licensed by the American Petroleum Institute and advertised to meet the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee’s GF-5 specifications. When selecting an oil, it is critical to reference the vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure that the oil meets the exact specifications for that particular engine.

AAA’s full research report, fact sheet and additional supporting materials can be found at www.NewsRoom.AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.