Some vehicle manufacturers use, recommend or require synthetic motor oils in their vehicles. Here are some differences between synthetic motor oil and petroleum-based motor oil for a better understanding:
Conventional oils are obtained through the distillation process of crude oil. Synthetics are chemically engineered and basically man-made. Mineral oil has things that don’t help with lubrication quality or are unrefined hydrocarbons, gases, and waxes.
Synthetics are designed in the laboratory to deliver performance. Conventional materials can tend to rust or deteriorate when exposed to temperature. Synthetics are more uniform and better controlled, they are thermally stable and that gives synthetics greater resistance to thermal breakage. Volatility or burning occurs when oil is heated. Synthetic motor oil has an extremely low volatility rate that helps control oil consumption and emissions due to volatility.
Longer life expectancy, higher temperature performance better and consumer best of all, overall engine protection, longevity, save time with fewer oil changes and that means more free time, less expensive than conventional oils based on extended drain intervals. and it’s good for the environment.
Synthetic motor oils work best in cold climates and this means better cold weather starts. It is also more slippery than conventional oil and gives your vehicle better performance, your gas mileage will improve, your engine will run cooler with less friction and that means longer life.
The shelf life of synthetic motor oils is also much longer. Some synthetics go as high as 25,000 miles or a year or more between oil changes and that’s a fantastic savings. Also, most synthetics are compatible with other oils, but will shorten the life expectancy of the oils, so try to use the same brand and grade of oil.
Know the facts and ignore the myths. Some of the myths include things like you can’t use synthetic motor oil in a new engine and you have to use conventional oil first for the break-in period. That is false. Some automakers use synthetic materials fresh off the production line.
Another myth is that synthetic motor oils damage gaskets. Fake. Why would a successful lubricant manufacturer process a product that would ruin the integrity of an engine’s seals? The additives are what control the swelling of the seals, shrinkage and hardening are required, whether it is a synthetic or petroleum product being produced.
You see, if knowledge is the key to a better understanding of synthetic motor oil, learn the facts and trust that synthetic lubricants are superior.