Close Synthetic vs Conventional Oil in Des Moines, IA
Deciding between synthetic and conventional oil is easy when you have a team of experts on your side! Use the Ask a Tech form on our website to get professional advice from us at Kia of Des Moines. In the meantime check out this overview.
Conventional
Since cars were invented, the engines that powered them required a form of lubrication. This is still the case today, which is why motor oil is used in all combustion engines. Conventional oil is refined from crude petroleum to make it last longer and perform better. Because of this, it can often be used for about a year or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. Whether you pilot a Kia K5, Sportage, or Seltos on Route 69, this fluid is good at keeping your vehicle’s engine cool and clean by circulating throughout the inner workings of the motor. Properly maintained powertrains are known to last much longer than those that lack regular service, so get your oil changed as soon as the warning light on the dashboard turns on!
Synthetic
While it is still made from petroleum, synthetic oil is more highly refined than conventional varieties. This substance also includes additives that boost its longevity and performance, allowing some cars to go up to 10,000 miles without needing to be changed at our Service Department. Not all cars are compatible with synthetic oil, such as older vehicles or those with high mileage. Be sure to check the Owner’s Manual of your vehicle. New models tend to recommend synthetic oil because of the durability and quality you will experience as you drive to and from Union Park.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision between synthetic and conventional oil will often come down to compatibility with your vehicle. Luckily, you can find such details in the Owner’s Manual and by chatting with our team members. Price is usually another factor, as synthetic oil is the more expensive option of the two. However, since it won’t need to be changed as often, you will be able to save cash on maintenance visits. If you select one of these oil types for your vehicle, you still be able to change it out at a different time. For that reason, you can rest easy knowing that your decision is not permanent.
How Long Does Oil Typically Last?
- Conventional motor oil usually lasts 5,000 to 7,500 miles, while synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 miles.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
“ Best car buying experience by far. Everyone was so helpful and made it super simple and fun! ”
“ Customer service was excellent. Shout out to, Gus! The gal in the service department was also excellent at explaining all the features to us as well! Overall great experience! ”
“ The salesman was very kind and courteous! He showed all options on the car. Gave us a good deal! ”
“ Had a great experience. They treated me with great professionalism and deliver of the car was in a timely matter. ”
“ We had a great experience getting into a lease with Kia of Des Moines. We were in and out quickly, had our paperwork done promptly, and everything explained to us. More importantly we got into a payment we could afford that was better than the competition. We considered Toyota and Ford. Toyota has struggled with inventory that fit our needs, and Ford has stopped producing Sedans. Regardless, we are pleased with Kia. ”
“ I recently purchased a 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid from Kia of Des Moines. I test drove the vehicle and obtained a quote for my current vehicle trade-in and within an hour we made a deal. It was a smooth process and there was no pressure from the salesman Jeff Davis. I didn't have a check or my current vehicle title with me, so they allowed me to make a wire transfer from my bank and I drove my new vehicle home that day. I returned the following day with the title for my old vehicle. It was a great experience not only with the sales staff, but also with Jim Voss in finance and with Jacob Kline in delivery who set up my new vehicle. I appreciated the fact that no one pushed an extended warranty program which a lot of dealers do these days. Kia already has an awesome warranty program. ”
“ Great place to buy a car. From start to finish, the KIA team provides excellent service! ”
“ Very professional and friendly service ”
“ We recently bought a new Telluride from them, and we enjoyed the experience. It was our first time buying a new car and they were very patient with us and weren't pushy at all. They didn't try any tricks with us and are very satisfied. We enjoyed our process working with them. ”
“ We came in and looked at a few cars, we were very happy with are sales rep and also the financial department. The gal that went over our new car and showed us stuff was great as well. This is our 3rd kia and we love it each time. Thank you again for the great service. ”
“ JR was very helpful in helping me make the right decisions!! I love my new car! ”
“ Best car purchase experience ever!!!! Joe made the process very easy and stress free. ”
“ Fantastic experience. Knowledgeable and quick. ”
“ Had a great experience at Kia of Des Moines buying my 2026 K4 GT-Line Premium. My salesman JR was good, honest, and patient through the whole process. He worked hard to get me the right car at the right price and rate, and treated me with respect. It was month-end and the dealership was really busy, so we didn’t get to take the traditional photo with the flower on top of the car. But that’s all good and totally understandable. Before we left, one of the managers came over, shook my hand, and thanked us for our business. That kind of personal touch meant a lot, especially on such a hectic day. JR and the whole team at Kia of Des Moines were professional from start to finish. If you’re in Des Moines looking for a Kia, ask for JR. Highly recommend! ”
“ I purchased a new Kia K5 GT Line from Kia of Des Moines after my daughter’s 2023 Kia K5 was rear ended by an uninsured motorist. I’ve purchased many vehicles in my lifetime and I have to say this was the easiest and unpressured car buying experience I’ve ever had. Thank You to Kia of Des Moines staff and or salesman JR. Best Always, Jeff ”
“ Excellent attention from the Kia staff and I recommend Bob Mercer's attention; he will take care of you very well ”
“ Excellent attention from the Kia staff and I recommend Bob Mercer's attention; he will take care of you very well ”
“ I had one of the best experiences at Kia. Zack was so helpful and attentive. He listened to what I was looking for and showed me every option that I had available to me. I have never had a car salesman work as hard as he did. He provided top notch customer service. But it didn’t end there. Signing the financial paperwork was quick and seamless. Also, the tutorial that I received at the end of the purchase was also a very pleasant experience. I highly recommend Kia of Des Moines if anyone is looking for a great vehicle and even better customer service. ”
“ Quick and easy. Fast quality service. Felt everything was transparent and helpful. ”
“ The salesman and other staff were attentive and worked with my wife and I to get not one, but two new vehicles at a price we could afford! The salesman went the extra mile literally as he had to pull several vehicles to look at until we found the one that had everything we were looking for. Definitely recommend Kia of Des Moines. ”
“ Great experience, in and out in 30 minutes! ”
“ Zack was very good to work with in on the sales team as was the finance lady! They weren’t pushy at all and gave me my time to figure out what I wanted. And Jacob was amazing at going over all the features of my new car with me so I understood them. ”
“ Thank you for everything very good service and very friendly everyone. ”
“ Great experience, great staff ”
“ Bob was really nice to work with and we love our KIA ”
“ Just picked up our new KIA Hybrid Telluride. The process was so slick. Everyone was so pleasant to work with. The staff is amazing. Jacob explained everything on how the car worked. Gus was a top notch salesman!! ”
“ Staff was courteous, ready to answer all questions, made it any easy process! ”
“ Very friendly staff! The whole transaction was smooth and went quickly. ”
“ We had a very good experience buying our new car at Kia of Des Moines. Their salesperson Gus was very pleasant, helpful and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend him to help you. We received a great discounted price on a service loaner with only 1800 miles, but with the full warranty which they extend to 200,000 miles, like any of their new cars. And it was SO nice to pick up the car and be in and out in less than an hour! We definitely recommend Kia of Des Moines to buy a new car! Be sure to tell Gus that Bob sent you! ”
“ Great customer service and answered all of my questions! Amazing experience! ”
“ We bought a Kia K5 from Kia of Des Moines and had an overall great experience. JR helped us through the entire process, and was wonderful to work with. He was very knowledgeable and took time to explain things but was never pushy. After our first visit, we left to think about things. We then texted JR and he was extremely responsive and worked with us to find exactly what we wanted and made our deal happen. We were very impressed and happy with our experience. ”
“ I went to Kia knowing I would either not be approved or get a used car. I have been working on my credit. Joe contacted me after I filled out the online pre approval. (While I was at another car lot.)He was amazing!!! He listened to what I wanted and did not try to put me in anything I didn’t want! Within 5 mins he came back with my dream car keys and said I was approved! He made the whole process smooth. He even let me punch the gas to see how she handled. I knew I loved Kia’s before but I will never go anywhere else!!! Joe Thank You!!! Kia team thank you! ”
“ I had a great experience here. The staff were polite, professional, and knowledgeable about the cars they were selling. They gave me a good feeling that I was getting the best price they could give. ”
“ Great experience. Zak was very informative and helpful. ”