Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - If you’re like most drivers, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, you use the motor oil the vehicle manufacturer recommends or rely on the service technician for its oil selection.

Lately, more and more manufacturers and other car care experts are recommending synthetic motor oil for new and luxury models.

Facts And Myths

To help you decide what’s best for your car, consider some common myths and facts:

Myth: Using synthetic oil will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Fact: The engine does not know what the oil is composed of and “cares” only that enough protection is provided. As long as the oil meets the API/ILSAC specs, and any applicable OEM oil specification, the oil will be warranty compliant.

Myth: Once you start with a certain kind of oil you can’t switch between synthetic and nonsynthetic oil.

Fact: High-quality, reputable synthetic engine oils do not adversely or permanently affect seals, gaskets or metal.

Myth: Synthetic oils cause older vehicles to leak.

Fact: Premium synthetic oils have a natural detergency that cleans engine deposits. Older or higher-use engines sometimes have seals and gaskets that are not in good condition. If an older engine has degraded or damaged seals and gaskets, removal of engine deposits may expose existing leak paths. A quick rule of thumb is to inspect the engine, transmission and so on for leaks before a switch.

Myth: I can’t justify paying for premium synthetic motor oil.

Fact: It may even help you save money. High-quality synthetic engine oil such as Royal Purple can go two to three times the typical oil change interval. The reduced oil changes will usually make up for the difference in purchase price by itself. (Fewer oil changes can also save you time, which can be priceless.)

Perhaps the biggest benefit of using high-quality synthetic lubricants, however, is that the engine gets better protection. That means it will not only last longer but perform better over the extended life.

According to a study by Kline & Co., synthetics accounted for about 22 percent of global car oil consumption. In Europe, synthetic motor oils account for most of the market, though the cost is dramatically higher than in theUnited States.

Learn More

You can find further facts about synthetic oil at www.royalpurple.com.