Synthetic vs Conventional Oil near Capitol Heights, MD

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil near Capitol Heights, MD

It's safe to say that nearly every driver out on the road knows oil changes must be performed on their ride, but less are aware of the fact that there is more than one type of fluid to pick from. That's where the Pohanka Automotive Group comes into play, because our skilled staff from each location can assist with this topic!

Role of Oil

Before we dive into the differences between conventional and synthetic oil, let us first talk about the purpose this fluid serves. Its primary role is to act as a lubricant to the many in-engine components that are constantly moving to make your vehicle operate. Like any two or more parts that rub together on a regular basis, friction and heat buildup are inevitable. This can lead to damage to the powertrain, so oil is incorporated to prevent such occurrences. Also, you can count on this liquid to collect any dirt, debris, and micro-particles that make their way into the engine. Over time on your drives down Addison Road, this additive will get grimy and dematerialize, thus requiring a fresh batch. 

Synthetic vs Conventional

Before heading to one of our many Service Departments for your upcoming oil change, let us tell you about the difference between synthetic and conventional. The former is true to its name, as it is a man-made fluid that serves its purpose for a longer period of time. While this alternative is pricier, it tends to dissipate at a slower rate, which can be beneficial for those who frequently cruise throughout Capitol Heights. If you're in a financial pinch or own an older set of wheels, conventional works just fine! It is the more natural liquid of the two, and doesn't cost as much. If you are still undecided about which to go with, our devoted mechanics can answer any questions you may have!

Our Services

With nearly two dozen dealerships under the Pohanka name, we're readily able to help you with all of your vehicle-related needs. Each location is prepared to assist with all makes and models, as well as accommodate those who walk in without appointments. Our dedication continues by providing plenty of specials and coupons that can help you save a sizable amount of cash when the time comes to pay. Along with oil changes, we take care of tire rotations, brake care, multi-point inspections, and more. And, if you desire taking on projects yourself to be prepared for your cruises to Park Berkshire, seek assistance from our knowledgeable Parts Department

 

How Long Does Synthetic Oil Last?

How Long Does Conventional Oil Last?

  • Between 7,500 and 15,000 miles
  • Between 3,000 and 5,000 miles

Sales Hours

240-788-4231

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Testimonials

Aseel Ferman
Aseel Ferman
GOOGLE
1-24-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Jeanette Ark
Jeanette Ark
GOOGLE
1-22-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

The sales team was knowledgeable and kind. The process was easy and we drove home in our new car the same day! Thank you to Jack for all the support!

Jason
Jason
GOOGLE
1-21-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

When I first called I wasn't sure if I would use this dealership. The lady I spoke with about the Corvette didn't want to give me a price on the car and was pressuring me to come to the dealership. However, she did a great job pivoting when she knew I wasn't coming in. She put me in touch with Johana, your Corvette expert. Johana was amazing from the start. We talked price over the phone and he gave me the rundown of no fees other than taxes, title, and doc fee. He answered all my questions about the car and you could see he really cared about the buying experience. Then when it came time to finance the car I met Steve. Steve was also great. He was kind and there was no pressure to buy the add-ons. He presented them and explained them all, but he never tried to force it on me. I felt like I was making the choices on what I wanted. It's this experience that will have me come back again. I'm glad I didn't give up after the initial call.

Shaunda Fleming
Shaunda Fleming
GOOGLE
1-21-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jonah was amazing and super helpful!

Tim Joseph
Tim Joseph
GOOGLE
1-20-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Adam in customer service was very helpful. My car had issues and they were able to get back to me in a day. He was able to get me in even though they had multiple customers. Was able to get my car back quick.

Typical stellar performance in the Pohanka service

SC703
DEALERRATER
1-20-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Typical stellar performance in the Pohanka service department. We received state inspection and tire balance and rotation. In and out quickly! Thank you!

A H
A H
GOOGLE
1-19-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Mr Juan, Mr Hunter, Mr Muhammad Khan was amazing to complete the deal smoothly

Neby S.
Neby S.
GOOGLE
1-17-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Five star service.

Paul G
Paul G
GOOGLE
1-17-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Informative and timely, best service department in the area

Sayan Joshi
Sayan Joshi
GOOGLE
1-16-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Just bought my first car, a 2021 Lexus ES 350, from Sachin, and the experience couldn’t have been better. The process was super quick and I was in and out in no time with the car titled and registered. Sachin made everything so easy, and I felt confident every step of the way.The car is amazing—smooth to drive, comfortable, and has all the features I wanted. Big thanks to Sachin for making my first car-buying experience such a great one!

Charles Lowery
Charles Lowery
GOOGLE
1-16-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Bryant in the service department was excellent at communication from start to finish. Haven't had service that excelled this much from a dealer in a long time! Recommended A+++

Debbie Gelfand
Debbie Gelfand
GOOGLE
1-14-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Had unusual incident with my Bolt EUV..driving along 495 near Tysons when I ran over a pylon after someone cut over divider between express and regular lanes sent it into lane I was in. Truck had no problem avoiding but it did get caught underneath my car. Had to drive like that till got to a place to be able to pull over to dislodge. Decided to bring here to have undercarriage checked. Gentleman that checked me in was very understanding of my issue and said absolutely they would check out. Luckily all ok but did throw off alignment so they did do that. Was great being able to walk in and wait as was nervous driving...did have to wait awhile but peace of mind worth it. So thank you to service department.

Jaffer
Jaffer
GOOGLE
1-13-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I recently purchased a Chevy Silverado, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Jonah was absolutely fantastic to work with. From the moment I walked into the dealership, he made the process smooth and stress-free.He was incredibly understanding of my needs and went above and beyond to ensure everything was convenient for me. He explained everything thoroughly, answered all my questions with patience, and never once made me feel pressured. His professionalism, combined with his friendly demeanor, made the entire experience enjoyable.If you’re in the market for a vehicle, I highly recommend reaching out to Jonah you’ll be in great hands!

Jag Chandrasekaran
Jag Chandrasekaran
GOOGLE
1-13-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Avinash Reddy
Avinash Reddy
GOOGLE
1-8-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Overall It was a great experience and everything was squared out in an hour to 90 minutes. Even though I'm 600 miles away to take this delivery, they made this process smooth and easy.

maryana rizqallah
maryana rizqallah
GOOGLE
1-7-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I had great customer service experience and I always take my car there to make sure my car is getting what it needs. They even provide uber if needed. Thank you Adam for taking care of me and my car.

Omar Ramos
Omar Ramos
GOOGLE
1-6-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Excellent service from the staff. Especially great service from Bryant. 100% recommend great work.

Susan
Susan
GOOGLE
1-6-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
david yokum
david yokum
GOOGLE
1-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Outstandingt

Hillary Sheehan
Hillary Sheehan
GOOGLE
1-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

It was great working with the staff at Pohanka Chevrolet! They do everything they can to make the customer happy with their purchase. We worked with Jonah and he was great about accommodating our many needs with our new 2025 Tahoe!

Isam Ghannam
Isam Ghannam
GOOGLE
1-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great service. Bryant was exceptional. Highly recommend.

Taylor G
Taylor G
GOOGLE
1-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Proud new owner of a Z71 Tahoe, with every spec we were looking for. Thank you to Jonah for making this happen! The process was smooth and efficient; Jonah was quick with communication and we’d be happy to work with him again.

Sv K.
APPLE
1-2-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Vernon Bock
Vernon Bock
GOOGLE
1-1-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great experience…Tate was an excellent service provider.

Wathen montgomery
Wathen montgomery
GOOGLE
12-31-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great service at your facility. My Don recommended your service to me.

Moises Mejia
Moises Mejia
GOOGLE
12-30-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great service

Judy Wengender
Judy Wengender
GOOGLE
12-28-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Larry Pierson
Larry Pierson
GOOGLE
12-28-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great experience!

Louis S
Louis S
GOOGLE
12-27-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Made the trip to Pohanka to look at a few of the new vehicles on the lot. I was met by Sachin, one of the sales consultants. Sachin listened to my needs, was very knowledgeable on the features of the car and offered great insight into and vehicle. There was no sales pressure and Sachin made the process easy to purchase the vehicle! Definitely would recommend Sachin and Pohanka Chevrolet if you are looking for a new ride.

Myrna Osner
Myrna Osner
GOOGLE
12-27-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

We were stuck in Virginia and needed to get to New Jersey in our car would not start. I called up the dealership and they said bring it in right away and they took care of it. Very pleased. Very pleased with their service department on the prompt action they took. We would recommend them to anyone.

Tom Meier
Tom Meier
GOOGLE
12-27-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

First time getting service from this brand at Pohanka. Made appointment online. Logged in quickly and on time by Jeffrey. He gave me a completion time estimate window, which they beat. They kept all their promises about first-time free tire rotation and manufacturer safety checks, complimentary car wash, and free state inspection. Couldn’t have been better. One-time free oil change was a moot point for my Bolt EUV :-)

Eric Slingerland
Eric Slingerland
GOOGLE
12-27-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Louis S.
APPLE
12-27-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
richard simard
richard simard
GOOGLE
12-26-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

All of the work was done as expected and in the forecasted time-frame. When I went to pay, a discount had been applied to the quoted price that saved me $70.

Heywood Hebert
Heywood Hebert
GOOGLE
12-26-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Recently came in looking at the 2024 silverado's, I was very fortunate to have Jonah kemp. Very professional and easy to talk with and very clear on the ins and outs of the truck and the process of the dealership. Jonah and the entire Chevrolet team were absolutely the best in helping me with any additional questions I had and more importantly through the entire process there was never any pressure into buying, but did everything in their power to get me the truck I was looking for and they absolutely crushed that goal. I absolutely LOVE my 2024 silverado and would absolutely recommend the location and Jonah to anyone and everyone.

Rose Poston
Rose Poston
GOOGLE
12-25-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Waiting area was comfortable

Brian Anger
Brian Anger
GOOGLE
12-25-2024
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great 10/10. Repeat customer!

Dan H
Dan H
GOOGLE
1-16-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star
Denise S.
APPLE
1-7-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star
Mary Osullivan
Mary Osullivan
GOOGLE
1-5-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star

Always receive a sweet loaner and excellent service at Pohanka dealerships.

I initially never got a call back for updates on the

Kenrick C Hamilton
CARS
1-3-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star

I initially never got a call back for updates on the service of my vehicle, I had to call, to find the work needed after 20:00. The vehicle was looked at 17:00. I knew this because my alarm on my vehicle sends updates, like if my vehicle was moved. What saved you, the dealership from a bad review, one Christian, service adviser, kept me updated. Thanks.

KC “HAMMER” HAMILTON
KC “HAMMER” HAMILTON
GOOGLE
1-1-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star

I initially never got a call back for updates on the service of my vehicle, I had to call, to find the work needed after 20:00. The vehicle was looked at 17:00. I knew this because my alarm on my vehicle sends updates, like if my vehicle was moved. What saved you, the dealership from a bad review, one Christian, service adviser, kept me updated. Thanks.

Bruce Zehr
Bruce Zehr
GOOGLE
1-13-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star
Darlene Mabrey
Darlene Mabrey
GOOGLE
1-10-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star

I love the promptness of service, always a friendly staff associate to greet you! Going forward calling an update on vehicle would go a long way. My car was @ dealership Friday before Christmas to Tuesday Christmas Eve, before I knew the results of diagnostic report & estimates, I was never called. I missed a week of work & if I hadn’t kept calling it could have been another week.

Scott Farrell
Scott Farrell
GOOGLE
1-4-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star

Long story. Sales manager chose to sell a truck that I had put a deposit on. Did not tell salesman nor me until I had driven 40 miles to take possession. Replacement next day but not equivalent. Price adjusted for factory option not included in Replacement. Sales manager would not approve compensation for dealer options provided in original truck. Only reason 3 stars and not 2 is the sales guys were great and I do like the truck. Sales management really left a bad taste. I should have walked away from the deal.Follow up: The sales manager has reached out to me with promises of looking into my issues.

Daudi Angatia
Daudi Angatia
GOOGLE
1-1-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star

Very average dealership. Attentive when they sense an opportunity to close a deal. Once that is done, you had better be all 100% done otherwise, you will wait a while to get any communication. Bought a car from them. Minor work was needed. Key also needed some fixing. I'm the one who has to keep following up with them. They told me they're swamped (aka, we are too busy for to think about you right now. Compared with the abundance of communication we got when we first expressed interest in one of their cars, we feel justified in giving a 2.5 - 3 rating.

Cindy G
Cindy G
GOOGLE
1-1-2025
Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star

Picked up my car after general maintenance. The guy who pulled up my car after I paid didnt even acknowledge me and walked away with my key . He only walked back because I said I wanted to make sure of something. My oil reading wasn't reset even though the receipt confirmed an oil change. He said, "I don't know why it's not reset. I wasn't the original advisor." He was really defensive about it as if I was accusing him of something when all I was looking for was for it to be reset. He did reset it & I would have done it myself if I'd known how. His attitude was really juvenile and off-putting. It's also not the 1st time that my oil reading hasn't been reset and it makes me wonder if the oil is even really being changed.

Brian Hall
Brian Hall
GOOGLE
12-30-2024
Full Star Full Star Empty Star Empty Star Empty Star

My family has ONLY bought vehicles from here for 30+ years, and ONLY has had them serviced and inspected here, knowing it will be more expensive, but loyalty goes both ways, right? I've watched this for the last 20 odd years and have expressed my disapproval. Now that my mother is divorced and coming in alone, they take advantage of her. Will not be coming back. $65 for a tag light and no more car washes... When folks spend $5k plus on new and "factory" maintained vehicles, just because you say they need it.

Courtney Range
Courtney Range
GOOGLE
1-4-2025
Full Star Empty Star Empty Star Empty Star Empty Star

Horrible experience. I hate that there are no appointments for service. But on top of that, our rep failed to update us when our car was done and was OOO the next day. Take your time off but don’t leave me in the lurch when you said you’d let me know. I didn’t get a printed quote initially which also felt scammy. And when they called to give me an update, there was talk of an extra charge to remove locking nuts from our wheels? I asked to be provided with the nuts they removed and was not. When I went to retrieve my car after calling the dealership Twice, the cashier didn’t have my paperwork and there was a question if my vehicle was even ready (after I was told it was). THEN I had to wait for them to locate the old tire they replaced so I wouldn’t be charged extra. How am I responsible financially for something you lost? All in all, it took me 30 mins to pick up my car and was an all around crappy experience. Stay away if you can.

Service was horrible.

Jerrell G.
CARS
12-26-2024
Full Star Empty Star Empty Star Empty Star Empty Star

Service was horrible. There was no communication from the service tech during the repair. My car sat for 3 days before anyone looked at it. I had to keep calling to get updates and was mislead during the while process. My car was there for a whole month and I was told I didn't qualify for a loaners vehicle.

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