“Why should I switch to synthetic?” is a question we are often asked. Many car owners don’t feel the need to use synthetic oils because they don’t think they’re using their vehicle enough to warrant a premium product. The truth is, synthetic oils aren’t just for high-performance drivers. Most, if not all, drivers should be using premium synthetic oils in their vehicle. 

If you’re the type of driver that wants to hold on to your vehicle for years to come, standard engine oil might work in the meantime, but it could wind up being costly in the long run. Through our ongoing research and development, we identified a need for a new premium full synthetic oil. Car owners are holding on to their vehicles longer and need them to last. That's why we developed Extended Protection to support engine longevity.

Valvoline’s Extended Protection Full Synthetic motor oil is the top choice for longterm engine care because it goes above and beyond industry standards. Extended Protection is 10 times stronger against oil breakdown* and has 50 percent better wear protection**.

If you’re unsure whether or not you should switch to a premium full synthetic motor oil, here are three reasons to help guide your decision.

You’re Making Shorter Trips and Using Your Vehicle Less

This one may seem counterintuitive. If you’ve been driving your car less, you might think that you’ve been taking it easy on your engine. And if you’ve heard of severe driving, you may think you’re in the clear there as well if you’re only making short trips.

But as the experts will tell you, severe driving is everyday driving—constant stopping and starting, sustained traffic jams, pausing at several traffic lights in a row, trips of less than 5 miles at a time (or driving less than 5,000 miles annually). Quick trips to nearby stores don’t allow your engine to fully warm up, which can cause moisture/water to build up in the oil. That’s an easy way to get sludge in your engine, which can increase wear and oil breakdown.

Modern engines are much more comfortable when you’re on the interstate and cruising at 60 miles per hour or greater. And in clear and moderate climates as well—blistering heat or a frigid freeze can contribute to wear and tear on your engine, along with dust from unpaved roads.

Naturally, the solution isn’t to cut back on short trips or to avoid backroads. As long as you outfit your engine with premium synthetic motor oils, you can enjoy your favorite local restaurants and events with peace of mind.

You’re Adding Heavy Loads to the Weight of Your Vehicle

Our cars were made for more than getting us from one place to another—especially if you’ve got a truck or an SUV. But you’d be smart to mind your mileage when hauling lots of luggage and supplies or going on an outdoor adventure.

Aside from the previously mentioned dirt roads, the main factor here is heavy loads. You could probably guess that towing anything behind your vehicle like a boat or a trailer contributes to extra strain on your engine, but a heavy load actually applies to any extra weight beyond the vehicle itself and a person in each seat.

So if you’re going on a family vacation and you forgot to pack lightly, or you’ve tied things down to the top of the vehicle (like bikes, kayaks, or canoes), you’re contributing a heavy load to your trip, which can be compounded if you’re driving a significant distance.

If you’re the type to hit the road often, or you treat your car like a closet, make sure you’re treating your engine to a premium synthetic oil to maintain performance and add protection.

You Recently Purchased a Vehicle With a Turbocharger

Many drivers aren’t exactly sure what’s under the hood of their car, but ever since 2012,  turbochargers have become commonplace with 60-70 percent of newer models featuring a turbocharger.

Turbochargers are a popular choice because they are designed to achieve an increase in horsepower while helping to minimize fuel consumption. Of course, because these engines are working harder, they need a higher level of protection to balance this out. The new ILSAC GF-6 engine oil performance standard includes tougher requirements for protection against deposits, oxidation, sludge, and wear. That means it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to meet these performance requirements by using a conventional motor oil, or even a basic synthetic blend.

In the likely event that a turbocharger is powering your car, a premium synthetic motor oil is your best bet for maintaining your engine. It may cost a few extra dollars, but the added protection could prevent breakdowns in the future, allowing you to keep your vehicle on the road for years to come.

Visit team.valvoline.com/EP-Full-Synthetic-Oil to learn more about Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic motor oil.

*As tested in Industry Sequence IIIH Test
**As tested in the Industry Sequence X Chain Wear Test


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