When it’s time for routine maintenance on your Ford, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right oil type. Before it’s time for a Ford oil change, comparing synthetic vs. conventional oil can help you protect your engine, optimize performance, and even save money over time. This guide outlines what you need to know to make a confident decision for your life in San Jose.
Conventional or “regular” oil is a petroleum-based substance that has been used in internal combustion engines for many years to provide lubrication to internal parts and reduce engine wear. Motor oil is essentially distilled from crude oil that’s mined from the ground, and it also serves to protect your car’s engine from high temperatures. You may also hear it referred to as “mineral oil.”
Synthetic oil is petroleum-based like regular oil, but it provides enhanced lubrication properties and is more stable. Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils and are better at retaining protective properties. They’re chemically developed from petrochemicals in intense processes to provide pinpointed properties that make them superior to conventional oils, though this also means that synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional engine oil. Synthetic oils are less viscous at lower temperatures, offer enhanced engine cleaning properties, and protect critical turbocharger components (if equipped).
In addition to synthetic oils and conventional oils, there are synthetic blends. These, as you might expect, are mixtures of synthetic and conventional oils. While not as protective and long-lasting as full synthetic oils, synthetic blends are still superior to conventional oils and are cheaper than fully synthetic oils. To strike a balance between cost and performance, consider opting for a synthetic blend.
Synthetic oil is better for most Ford vehicles, particularly newer models, EcoBoost® engines, and trucks, as it offers superior lubrication, better protection against sludge, and longer oil-change intervals. While it may be more pricey, it provides better engine durability than conventional oil. Always check your owner’s manual whenever you’re in doubt.
At Capitol Ford, our trained technicians are ready to help you choose the right oil and keep your vehicle performing at its best in Santa Clara or Sunnyvale. Book your appointment online!
Service includes:
Up to 5 quarts of Motorcraft® Synthetic Blend oil. Diesel engines and disposal fees extra. Advertised sale price does not include any applicable taxes. Please present coupon at the time of write up. Discount not valid on prior service(s) or purchase(s). Discount(s) apply to parts and labor. See advisor for details. This offer cannot be combined with any other advertised specials or coupons.
Service includes:
Alignment for your car or truck can help prevent uneven wear.
Expert service technicians will restore your proper alignment, improving your handling and making your vehicle run more efficiently. Advertised sale price does not include any applicable taxes. Please present coupon at the time of write up. Discount not valid on prior service(s) or purchase(s). Discount(s) apply to parts and labor. See advisor for details. This offer cannot be combined with any other advertised specials or coupons.
Alignment for your car or truck can help prevent uneven wear.
Spend $100 – $199.99 and Save $10
Spend $200 – $299.99 and Save $20
Spend $300 – $399.99 and Save $30
Spend $400 – $499.99 and Save $40
Spend $500 – up and Save $50
Expert service technicians will restore your proper alignment, improving your handling and making your vehicle run more efficiently. Advertised sale price does not include any applicable taxes. Please present coupon at the time of write up. Discount not valid on prior service(s) or purchase(s). Discount(s) apply to parts and labor. See advisor for details. This offer cannot be combined with any other advertised specials or coupons.
Spend $100 – $199.99 and Save $10
Spend $200 – $299.99 and Save $20
Spend $300 – $399.99 and Save $30
Spend $400 – $499.99 and Save $40
Spend $500 – up and Save $50
When you need service, let us pick up, service, and return your vehicle. It’s complimentary and available at Capitol Ford.*
*Ford Pickup & Delivery is offered by participating dealers and may be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer-specified criteria. Does not include parts or repair charges. A nonoperational vehicle is not eligible and will require a Roadside event.
When you need service, let us pick up, service, and return your vehicle. It’s complimentary and available at Capitol Ford.*
Per-axle price on most vehicles. Advertised sale price does not include any applicable taxes. Please present coupon at the time of write up. Discount not valid on prior service(s) or purchase(s). Discount(s) apply to parts and labor. See advisor for details. This offer cannot be combined with any other advertised specials or coupons.
*Active U.S. Ford Employees and Retirees only. Generate up to 4 PINs at FordServiceDiscount.com from 4/15/26-9/7/26 for personal use or to share. Limit 1 PIN per VIN. Receive a $50 instant discount on eligible maintenance services with a minimum $100 customer-pay repair order. Eligible services include oil changes, The Works®, brakes, batteries, tires, wipers, and filters. Requires purchase and installation of genuine Ford/Motorcraft® Parts or select name-brand tires. Valid only on Ford and Lincoln vehicles at a participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present PIN at write-up; prior authorization required. PINs expire 60 days after generation. See Service Advisor for full details through 9/7/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane®, Motorcraft®, and The Works® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.
*To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Limitations apply. Earn Points for the purchase of Ford, Motorcraft®, or Omnicraft™ Parts and associated labor at participating Ford Dealers. See FordRewards.com for terms and FAQ. Motorcraft® and Omnicraft™ are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. †The Ford app is compatible with select smartphone platforms and available via download. Message and data rates may apply. Visit Ford.com for privacy notice.
*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. Nonoperational vehicles are not eligible and require Roadside Assistance. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
