{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil","text":"Discover the differences between synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil, their recommended uses, and what all those SAE viscosity grades mean with this guide.","links":[{"name":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1752549528528/cs20063-pz-gf7-synvsconv-988x624.jpeg","width":988,"height":624}},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"United States","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/"},{"name":"Education","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education.html"},{"name":"Know Your Oil","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil.html"},{"name":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blend vs. Conventional Oil","image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy.shellimg.jpeg/1752549546076/cs20063-pz-gf7-synvsconv-header.jpeg","alt":"Types of Pennzoil Motor Oil and Their Recommended Use","width":1279,"height":321}},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/text","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products.html\"\u003ETypes of Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMotor oil can be segmented into four basic varieties – synthetic oil, synthetic blend oils, high mileage oil and conventional motor oil. While there are several factors in comparing synthetic vs conventional oil and synthetic blend vs full synthetic, there are unique characteristics and specifications to help you determine \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/oil-selector.html\"\u003Ewhich oil is the best fit for your vehicle\u003C/a\u003E.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/full-synthetic-motor-oils.html\"\u003ESynthetic Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESynthetic motor oil has gone through a chemically engineered process. Synthetic oil molecules are more uniform in shape with fewer impurities and better properties than conventional oil molecules. In most cases, synthetic oil has better extreme high temperature and low temperature performance. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/full-synthetic-motor-oils.html\"\u003ESynthetic oils\u003C/a\u003E are generally formulated with higher performing additives.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/blends-conventional-oils.html\"\u003ESynthetic Blend Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe difference between synthetic oil and a synthetic blend is that a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/blends-conventional-oils.html\"\u003Esynthetic blend motor oil\u003C/a\u003E uses a mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils for added resistance to oxidation (compared to conventional oil) and provides excellent low-temperature properties.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/blends-conventional-oils/high-mileage.html\"\u003EHigh-Mileage Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EHigh-mileage motor oil is specially formulated for late model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles. High mileage motor oil, with its unique additives and formulation, helps to reduce oil burn-off, and helps prevent oil leaks that may occur in older engines. Pennzoil sells many kinds of high-mileage motor oil, such as \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/full-synthetic-motor-oils/platinum-high-mileage.html\"\u003EPennzoil Platinum\u003Csup\u003E®\u003C/sup\u003E High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/blends-conventional-oils/high-mileage.html\"\u003EPennzoil\u003Csup\u003E®\u003C/sup\u003E High Mileage Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/blends-conventional-oils/motor-oil.html\"\u003EConventional Motor Oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EConventional motor oils can be formulated in a range of viscosity grades and quality levels. Conventional motor oil is recommended for drivers with simple engine designs and regular (as opposed to severe) driving styles.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_957042794_copy_990048644","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EMotor Oil Grade Designations\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMotor oils use a rating system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), to classify oil by viscosity. Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow. Fluids that are thin (like water) have a low viscosity, and fluids that are thick (like honey) have a high viscosity. Motor oil also changes in viscosity measurement as it is heated or cooled. SAE viscosity grades\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMulti-grade viscosity motor oils are able to perform at a wide range of temperatures. For an oil with an SAE viscosity grade of 0W-20, the “0” is the cold-temperature viscosity rating (the \"W\" stands for \"Winter\"), and the “20” is the high temperature viscosity rating. Multigrade viscosity motor oil flows well at low temperatures, but still protects the engine at high temperatures\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFor comparison’s sake, SAE 5W-30 and SAE 0W-30 will flow better at colder temperatures than SAE 10W-30, while still providing protection at higher temperatures.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways follow the vehicle owner's manual to determine the correct motor oil specification, viscosity grade, and oil drain interval for your engine.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"StandaloneAsset","color":"inherited","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop_1918652976","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop_1918652976.shellimg.jpeg/1741764580510/api-01.jpeg","alt":"api","width":1920,"height":1080}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_957042794_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EThe API/ILSAC “Starburst”\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis symbol is shown on quality motor oils that meet current minimum industry requirements. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/what-you-need-to-know-about-api-sn-plus.html\"\u003EAPI\u003C/a\u003E is an acronym for the American Petroleum Institute. The institute’s Starburst stamp of approval—“American Petroleum Institute Certified”—was created to help consumers identify engine oils that meet minimum performance standards set by vehicle and engine manufacturers.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Starburst identifies engine oils recommended for a certain application, such as “For Gasoline Engines.” To carry this symbol on the container, the oil must meet the most current requirements of ILSAC, which is the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee, a joint effort of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers. The API/ILSAC Starburst is found on the front label of qualified motor oil bottles.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"StandaloneAsset","color":"inherited","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop.shellimg.jpeg/1741764509706/api-02.jpeg","alt":"api","width":1920,"height":1080}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_957042794","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EThe API “donut”\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother identifier on motor oil containers is the API “donut” typically found on the back label. The symbol is divided into three parts. The top half of the circle (2) indicates the API service rating, also called the performance level. The center of the circle (3) denotes the SAE viscosity, which we just discussed. The lower half of the circle (4) indicates whether the oil has demonstrated certain resource conserving or energy-conserving properties.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the top part of the donut, the words “API Service XXXXX” (5) indicate the type of engine and performance the oil provides. API Service SN the current rating means “S” for Service Station oil (for gasoline engines) and N the current level of service. Or it will say “API Service CJ-4.” API service CJ-4 means “C” for commercial engines (diesel engines) and J-4 where J is the current performance level and 4 indicates a 4-stroke diesel (a 2 will be used for 2-stroke diesel engines).\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck your owner’s manual for the recommendation for your vehicle. The API Service Ratings are backward-compatible, so older vehicles can use the current designation.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"StandaloneAsset","color":"inherited","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset.shellimg.jpeg/1741764557312/api-03.jpeg","alt":"api","width":1920,"height":1080}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_1517761461","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat is Multi-weight (or Multi-Grade) motor oil and what is the meaning of Viscosity Grade?\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen motor oil was first introduced, it was sold only in monograde varieties, such as SAE-X. Multi-weight engine oils were first introduced in the 1950’s to address the issues of varying temperatures and engine operating conditions.  The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter.  Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe second number is the viscosity measurement value at engine operating conditions. This viscosity number is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of your engine.  Thus, a vehicle that recommends using a SAE 5W-20 can use a multi-grade oil SAE 0W-20; especially in colder climate regions.  Using a lower “winter” weight can help with faster oil delivery, quicker engine warm up to operating conditions and give fuel economy benefits compared to a 5W or 10W motor oil.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"United States","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/"},{"name":"Education","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education.html"},{"name":"Know Your Oil","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil.html"},{"name":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil","text":"Discover the differences between synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil, their recommended uses, and what all those SAE viscosity grades mean with this guide.","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Pennzoil®"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-US"},{"name":"title","value":"Synthetic Oil vs. Blends And Conventional Oil | Pennzoil®"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Pennzoil website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. Accordingly, neither Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group endorses, adopts, certifies or otherwise validates the information and material contained on the linked web site. This includes its sponsor and any policies, activities or services offered on the site, by any advertiser on the site or linked to the site.\r\nThank you for visiting the Pennzoil website."},{"name":"themeMode"},{"name":"lastModified","value":"2025-07-15T03:19:06.085Z"},{"name":"themeName","value":"pennzoil"},{"name":"themePath","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-pennzoil"},{"name":"themeCss","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-pennzoil.ACSHASHc367c03a07637c52d1e5995f344e2c8e.css"},{"name":"alternate","children":[{"name":"en-CA","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_ca/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use.html"},{"name":"fr-CA","value":"https://www.pennzoil.com/fr_ca/information/connaissez-votre-huile/types-dhuile-et-usage-recommande.html"}]}],"image":{"src":"https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1752549528528/cs20063-pz-gf7-synvsconv-988x624.jpeg","width":988,"height":624}},"id":"/content/shell/business/pennzoil/en_us/education/know-your-oil/types-of-motor-oil-and-recommended-use/jcr_content"}