Many motorists aren’t sure whether they should use regular or synthetic oil in their cars. The answer depends on the age of the vehicle, mileage, and the recommendations by the carmaker.

Vehicles with high mileage that are older often have excessive engine wear that allows oil to leak internally. Synthetic oil isn’t recommended on these vehicles because it is thinner than regular oil and flows freely. Using it often will cause internal oil combustion.

Many carmakers today use synthetic oil in their engines. This is often the case when the car has an engine that is high performance with high compression, high temperatures for operating, and engine tolerances that are tight. If you’re thinking of switching to synthetic oil and your car still has an auto warranty, make sure to consult your dealer first.

In the proper vehicle synthetic oil is a good idea (consult your owner’s manual). Although synthetic will cost you twice as much as regular, it is worth it because it lasts longer and can help your engine last longer.