Is Synthetic Oil Better For Your Car?
So, what is Synthetic Oil? In short, it’s a chemical compound produced artificially. Typically, synthetic lubricants are manufactured from chemically modified petroleum components, or from other raw materials. Among the advantages of synthetic motor oil are its improved viscosity performance, longer oil change intervals, and higher price. Read on to learn more. Synthetic oil is a better option for your car than conventional oil.
Better for your engine
If you’re looking for a better motor oil, you’ve probably wondered if synthetic oil is better for your car. After all, synthetic motor oils are made from synthetic compounds, and they have several advantages over their conventional counterparts. For example, synthetic oil improves the performance of your engine, protects your horsepower and fuel economy, and helps it run smoother at low temperatures. Plus, synthetic motor oil has less of an effect on your engine’s emissions.
Synthetic oils are known for their enhanced lubrication properties, and their effects on the lifespan of your engine are well documented. Various oil companies have also undertaken extensive testing to determine whether synthetics will work better for your car. In one study, Mobil 1 poured synthetic oil in a BMW 325i that clocked up one million miles. It was tested to see whether the synthetic oil changed with the car’s oil and was as effective as its conventional counterpart.
Costs more than conventional motor oil
Compared to conventional motor oil, synthetic oil is more expensive. It uses more advanced technology and equipment to ensure engine performance, which means it can be more expensive to produce and maintain. Many people opt to switch to synthetic blend oil, which is cheaper and performs better than conventional motor oil. Often, semi-synthetic oil is a stepping stone to synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oil has better performance and long oil change intervals.
Conventional motor oil is cheaper than synthetic, but offers fewer benefits. For drivers who live in hot climates, synthetic oil will prevent your engine from overheating and protect it against breakdown. Furthermore, synthetic oil will flow through your engine smoothly, even in cold weather. Compared to conventional motor oil, synthetic oil will last longer in your car. It also resists breakdown, making it more beneficial for cars with turbocharged engines or in colder climates.
Improved viscosity performance
A recent study has demonstrated that synthetic engine oils improve cranking viscosity. The study used five different types of engine oils, all in the 5W-30 viscosity class, which meet strict quality requirements of the car manufacturer. The code names of the oils are listed in Table 1. The choice of this class is based on recommendations from the car manufacturer and the popularity of the particular class among vehicle owners.
There are two basic types of synthetic engine oils: single-grade and multi-grade. Single-grade oils only meet one viscosity specification, and are therefore not suitable for modern engines. On the other hand, multi-grade oils fulfill two requirements and perform well at different temperatures. Multi-grade oils may contain additives and polymers to increase their viscosity, while others do not. Both types are good choices for the right engine, but the viscosity of the synthetic oil is ultimately determined by the engine manufacturer.
Longer oil change intervals
Why does synthetic oil have longer oil change intervals than conventional oil? Synthetic oil is more lubricating and slipperier than conventional oil, which reduces wear and tear on the engine. In addition, synthetic oils last longer than conventional oils, making them a good choice for older vehicles and those that undergo a lot of driving. However, the exact length of time between oil changes depends on the vehicle’s usage.
The average oil change interval for a car that uses synthetic oil is 8,000 miles. However, synthetic oil has longer intervals for engines that use a lot of unburnt fuel. In such a situation, the quality of the oil will deteriorate more quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that you change the oil more frequently if you drive a lot or if you often idle your car. Amsoil 0w20 is also important to take your car for regular maintenance and avoid extreme driving conditions.
Natural ingredients
Compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils outperform their counterparts by as much as 47 percent. This is based on a selection of important chemical, physical, and performance properties. Among these are oxidation resistance, deposit formation, volatility, cold temperature pumpability, and oxidation-induced viscosity changes. But synthetic oils are not without their flaws. Here are three of the most common examples of synthetic oil and what they do.
The base oils used in conventional motor oil are distilled from crude oil, which is made up of hundreds of different hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are then separated in the refinery’s process by pressure and heat. Synthetic oil contains fewer additives than natural oil. As a result, synthetic oils tend to have better viscosity properties, which is why it is often used in older engines. This means that synthetic oil is more efficient in older cars.