Is Full Synthetic Motor Oil Worth it? 6 Tips for Overcoming Myths (and Objections)
Full synthetic engine oil is the best choice for almost any vehicle.
When you offer customers a full synthetic oil change, do you get shot down like a barfly with a bad pickup line? If so, you’re not alone. Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil, but convincing vehicle owners can be tricky.
Benefits of full synthetic motor oil
Most service advisors don’t fully explain the benefits of full synthetic oil. Instead, they just throw the option on the table, hoping customers will bite. But thrifty vehicle owners aren’t going to pay double for motor oil without good reason.
Explaining the benefits of full synthetic will help convince even the most frugal to switch. Share the following attributes with your customers to increase your synthetic oil change sales.
Better protection
Motor oil is designed to lubricate and cool internal engine components. While traditional, mineral-based oil does a decent job of this, synthetic is substantially better. It’s composed of a unique base stock and robust additive package. This formula alleviates friction and reduces operating temperature. The result? An engine that runs better and lasts longer. Remind your customer that an engine replacement costs upwards of $5,000. Using full synthetic oil is cheap insurance.
More cleaning power
The inside of an engine is a dirty, nasty place. Over time, contaminants such as soot and carbon buildup. Full synthetic oil contains a unique additive package that defends against these impurities. Consequently, internal engine components remain cleaner and perform better.
Easier starting
Conventional motor oil turns to a thick, nasty goo at sub-zero temperatures. Synthetic, on the other hand, continues to flow freely. This fluidity allows the engine to start more easily in cold weather. So, for customers living in places like Minnesota, moving away from regular oil is a smart choice.
Better performance
Everyone’s trying to save a buck at the gas station these days. Because it’s more slippery, full synthetic can help make that happen. It increases fuel mileage and reduces power loss due to friction, while also helping the engine run cooler.
Longer service life
Nobody likes visiting repair facilities – even ones that serve free coffee and doughnuts. Full synthetic oil resists oxidation and breaking down, which give it a long service life. As a result, customers can have their oil changed less frequently and visit the shop less. And that’s what people want. Plus, extended service intervals help offset the higher price of a synthetic oil change.
Full Synthetic motor oil myths and objections
Some customers believe synthetic oil can be harmful to their engine. To change this train of thought, you must provide a formidable, yet polite, argument. Next time you have a vehicle owner who insists synthetic oil is destructive, use the following points for a rebuttal.
1. You can’t switch between conventional and synthetic engine oil
One of the most prevalent fallacies is that once you convert to synthetic oil, you can’t go back to conventional. The truth is, it’s completely safe to use synthetic and then exchange it for the traditional stuff. In fact, you can go back and forth between the two formulas as often as you’d like.
2. Synthetic engine oil leads to excessive consumption
Another myth is the slipperiness of synthetic oil allows it to sneak past the piston rings to be burned. Of course, this is not true. Customers may perceive the engine as consuming more oil because they go longer between services when using synthetic. All engines burn some oil, and the longer you wait to refill the crankcase, the more the level will drop. This is true no matter what type of oil you’re using.
3. Synthetic engine oil can cause leaks
Another tall tale is that full synthetic damages engine seals and gaskets, causing leaks. In reality, it lubricates rubber components, keeping them supple.
4. Conventional and synthetic oils can’t be mixed
Oil and water don’t mix. But synthetic and conventional oils – they’re just fine together. That’s the idea behind a synthetic blend, which is a common oil type found at every auto parts store.
5. Synthetic engine oil is only used in high-performance vehicles
Approximately 70% of all modern vehicles use full synthetic motor oil. That includes everything from exotic sports cars to economy vehicles. All of the common grades are available, such as 0W-20 synthetic oil, 5W-20 synthetic oil, and 5W-30 synthetic oil.
6. Using synthetic engine oil voids a vehicle’s warranty
Once again, many modern vehicles ship from the factory with synthetic oil. Using it will not void the manufacturer’s warranty. That is unless you’re talking about a Mazda with a rotary engine. And let’s face it – how many of those are still around?
Is synthetic oil worth it?
Full synthetic oil is worth it for anyone who wants to keep their engine running better, longer. Arm your customers with the knowledge they need to make the right choice during their next service.
Find out more about CPI's exclusive full synthetic oil training programs to help your Service Advisors present this product!
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