Conventional, Semi-Synthetic & Fully Synthetic Oil Change Services

Here at Germain Mazda of Columbus, we love Mazdas, but we still service and sell a wide variety of vehicles including the venerable Mazda brand of luxury automobiles. Over the years, we've learned a lot about the high level of craftsmanship and quality that goes into every Mazda we've worked on. One common question we get from our Mazda customers is 'what's the difference between the different types of oil changes?'

As a high-end brand of vehicle, Mazda can pack a few surprises under the hood, even when it comes to something as simple as an oil change. Most cars and trucks require a basic oil change. However, vehicles on the higher end of the spectrum are a bit more complex, and it is not uncommon for a Mazda to need a conventional oil change, a semi-synthetic oil change, or a full synthetic oil change.

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The Difference Between a Conventional, Semi-Synthetic & Full Synthetic Oil

At Germain Mazda, every oil change comes with a filter change and full service. Here are the differences between the various oil change types.

Conventional Oil Change

A conventional oil change is a motor oil replacement service where conventional petroleum-based motor oil is used. Most vehicles do well with this type of oil change and should have it done every 3,000 miles or every three months. Driving conditions and driving habits can shorten or lengthen the schedule, but on average- this is what we recommend.

Semi-Synthetic Oil Change

With a semi-synthetic oil change, the oil used is estimated 50% petroleum-based and 50% synthetic. Vehicles that take a semi-synthetic oil change can go a bit longer due to the fact that synthetic oil lasts longer. Semi-Synthetic oil change vehicles should be serviced every 5,000 miles or five months. These tend to be moderately higher performance vehicles.

Full Synthetic Oil Change

Full synthetic service consists of 100% synthetic oil. This type of oil change is recommended for high-performance vehicles and those which perform heavy-duty work. Because fully synthetic oil lasts much longer than conventional oil, this type of oil change need only be done every 7,000 miles or seven months.