Yes, You Can Put Synthetic Oil in a Classic or Just Plain Old Car

From Car and Driver

• Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-so-classics.

• The idea that synthetic oil could harm old engines probably comes from a time before synthetic oils had been extensively tested.

• Whether you use synthetic or conventional lubricant, be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for oil viscosity.

So, you have a classic car and you want to put synthetic oil in it, but something you read on the internet or something your dad told you 20 years ago or just plain old anxiety is staying your hand. Never fear. We're here to clear up any confusion you have related to your car's vital fluids. We'll start off slow. Yes, you can use synthetic oil in your classic car. Or your 20-year-old Taurus. Or really anything you've got on hand. Feel better?

If you're still skeptical, allow us to break it down. Synthetic oils are composed of chemically engineered molecules designed to provide higher performance and better protection for your engine than conventional oils, which are derived from crude oil without significant intervention from chemical engineers. Synthetic oils tend to offer better performance at extremely high or extremely low temperatures and retain their lubricating properties longer than conventional oils do.