It is a common misconception that synthetic oil can only be used in vehicles specifically designed for it. In reality, synthetic oil can be used in any vehicle, although it may not last as long as the manufacturer recommends. Synthetic oil is designed to withstand higher temperatures and pressures than conventional oil, so it can actually improve the performance of older vehicles. However, because it is so much more effective, synthetic oil will break down faster in newer vehicles that are already running at peak efficiency. For this reason, most manufacturers recommend using conventional oil in new vehicles and switching to synthetic only when the engine starts to show signs of wear.