Synthetic vs conventional oil change cost
Updated Sep 18, 2026Full synthetic oil is a more refined lubricant than conventional oil, and it typically costs more as a result.
What separates conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic oil
Conventional oil is refined from crude oil, full synthetic oil is chemically engineered for more uniform molecule size, and synthetic blend oil combines the two.
Why full synthetic costs more
Full synthetic oil is more expensive to produce than conventional oil, and that production cost is generally reflected in the price of the service.
Frequently asked questions
- Is full synthetic oil better than conventional oil?
Full synthetic oil is formulated for more consistent performance across a wider temperature range than conventional oil, though the correct oil type and change interval for a given vehicle should follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
- Do all three chains offer both options?
Take 5 Oil Change, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and Jiffy Lube each list a conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic option on their service menus.
Methodology
Every claim on this guide is labeled by how it was confirmed. Where a price is mentioned, it is stated only once it has been independently verified, together with the date it was checked, and left out of the sentence when it has not been. See the methodology page for the full explanation of how prices and other facts are verified.