Synthetic oil is oil that is man-made and consists of artificially produced chemical compounds. Generally, synthetic oils are typically created from chemically modified materials such as petroleum components. The base component of synthetic oil is generally crude oil that is diluted. With any other additives and the synthesis process for the creation of synthetic oil can vary. In fact, the creation of synthetic oil is considered a trade secret among many!
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History of Synthetic Oil
Developed in 1929, synthetic oil has been utilized in just about all aspects of driving and transportation. From high-performance jets and vehicles, to vehicles that are driven daily, synthetic oil is used in various machines. Back during World War II, as Allied Forces controlled and restricted oil access to Nazi Germany, there was a huge reliance on synthetic oil to fuel the German military. The American Energy Crisis propelled efforts to create better artificial oils back in the 1970s. This was deemed as a way of helping to improve fuel economy. Nowadays, aircraft jet engines and others now require synthetic oils. Even though synthetic oil was utilized in high-performance vehicles, many mainstream engines utilize synthetic oil in an effort for automotive manufacturers to achieve enhanced fuel efficiency.
Is Synthetic Oil Better For Your Car's Engine Than Conventional Oil?
Many auto professionals believe so. Even though conventional oil offers satisfactory lubrication, those conventional oils don’t compete with the protection that synthetic oils provide. Synthetic oils are also created with base oils. Those base oils offer a higher quality of oil than conventional motor oil. Thanks to the higher quality oil that synthetic oil is, this makes synthetic oil:
- More difficult to break down and lose its quality
- An oil that is far more chemically stable than conventional oil
- Less likely to oxidize and acidify
What Are The Differences Between Synthetic And Conventional Oil?
Conventional motor oil is oil that utilizes crude oil and is further refined. Synthetic motor oil is oil that is made by man and uses various chemical compounds- while including the most stellar aspects of crude oil. The end result, is an oil that utilizes various chemical compounds that feature the most stellar aspects of crude oil.
Less Risk with Synthetic Oil
Since synthetic oil has less contaminants, there is less risk of engine buildup and engine sludge. Synthetic oil is oil that is more refined and a lot cleaner than conventional oil too. You can also count on synthetic oil to flow a lot better than conventional oil, despite any fluctuations or extremes in the temperature of the engine. Another advantage that synthetic oil as over conventional oil, is that synthetic oil does not break down nearly as quick as conventional oil. So, for that synthetic oil change, you may be able to enjoy your entire oil change for 7,000 miles, as opposed to the 3,000 miles that many auto professionals recommend!
What Are The Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil?
Synthetic oils are crafted using a state-of-the-art and complex process, as the oils work to provide the most accurate and high-performing molecular qualities required for specialized applications.
The processes utilized in the creation of synthetic oils allows oil companies to extract the impurities otherwise detected and found in crude oil. Producers of synthetic oil can then tailor the oil to not only meet the demands of modernized engines, but in some instances exceed them. For many auto professionals, synthetic oil is far superior to conventional oil due to the level of protection it gives engines over conventional oils. Additional advantages of synthetic oil include:
Superior Engine Protection
Here is something to consider: the engine parts of a car move such high speeds, that they are sometimes far beyond our understanding. When you have extreme temperatures and environments, those engine parts can break down. So, your motor oil has to come to the rescue, to keep that engine lubricated, despite the very cold or very hot environment that your car is in. Your engine oil as to be the successful barrier between those constant and rapidly moving parts. Synthetic oil can get the job done and done well! If your car has a fully synthetic oil blend, then your car’s engine will have significant protection that can potential last as long as 250,000 miles.
An Engine That Is A Lot Cleaner
Another advantage to synthetic oil is an engine that is a lot cleaner. When your oil circulates throughout your car, the potential for deposits to form increases. Conventional oil can potentially form sludge from deposits. This can reduce the lifespan, effectiveness and efficiency of your engine. In contrast, synthetic oils have fewer impurities and a superior resistance to deposit formation and sludge.
Enhanced Viscosity
Another advantage to synthetic oils is better stability and viscosity compared to conventional oil or synthetic blended oil. Full synthetic oils flow quickly in colder temperatures and can stand against extreme heat. This will allow for a smoother running engine all year round, despite where you may live.
Excellent Protection for Turbocharged Engines
Many more vehicles are being built with smaller turbochargers and engines these days. So, you can count on synthetic oils to flow far quicker to those critical parts in those smaller engines and turbochargers. Conventional oils, by contrast, will break down far quicker under those turbocharged situations. Once you choose to use a full synthetic for your car, you’re more likely to experience a turbocharged vehicle that operates at the greatest performance ever.
How Much Does It Cost For A Synthetic Oil Change?
While a typical oil change will cost you about $30-$60, a synthetic oil change can cost you as much as $70 or $80, depending on your vehicle. Many drivers see no issue paying more for a synthetic oil change, as they reap tremendous benefits from a synthetic oil change.
The Synthetic Oil Change Intervals
Most synthetic oils can last up to 15,000 miles- or six months to a year. For many synthetic oils, the manufacturer rating is that of “normal driving”, instead of severe driving conditions. If your driving habits encompass less than ten miles a day, then you may need an oil change a bit more often, due to your engine not heating up enough to burn off any accumulated condensation in your vehicle’s system. This can lead to your oil breaking up quicker. This may require you to replace that oil far more often.
If this is the case for you, then you may want to change your oil, sooner than recommended.
Can You Use Regular Oil After Synthetic? Dispelling Synthetic Oil Myths
There are many myths out there about synthetic oil, that need to be dispelled. Let’s take a look at a few of these myths and unravel them one by one.
Myth One: Synthetic Oils Can Be Bad for Engine Seals
Synthetic motor oil does not and will not cause damage to engine seals.
Myth Two: Your Car Will Use More Oil if You Use Synthetic Oil
This is a false statement. When you use synthetic oil, you are not using nor paying for more oil, compared to conventional oil.
Myth Three: Synthetic Oil is “Fake”, not “Real Oil”
Synthetic oils are not fake; they are made by man. Additionally, they are oils that are derived from natural gas, crude oil and other natural chemicals. Synthetic oils are also processed at a higher quality than conventional oils and utilize different additives than many conventional oils. Synthetic oils offer better protection against shear and extreme temperatures.
Myth Four: You’ll Get More Sludge with Synthetic Oil
This is false. Many synthetics include additional detergents that help to keep an engine, while reducing the risk of sludge.
Myth Five: Synthetic Oils Are Very Thin and Cause Oil Burn Off and Blow-By In Older Vehicles
Not only do synthetic oils have no effect on seals- but they will not cause oil burn-off or blow-by in older car engines. Similar to conventional oils, synthetic oils are crafted with a precise viscosity grade. Specially crafted synthetic oils also contain added lubrication providing a higher heat dissipation and making the oil far stronger than conventional oil.
After Putting Synthetic Oil in your Car, You Cannot Switch Back to Conventional Oil
False. Both conventional oils and synthetic oils are compatible. Therefore, there is no harm in switching back to conventional oil after using synthetic oil.
List of Some Of The Best Synthetic Oils on The Market
Are you looking for a great synthetic oil, since you have a better understanding of them? Check out just three top picks below!
Mobil 1's 0W-40 Synthetic
This oil continues to be a top-rated synthetic oil due to its ability to extend an engine’s life better than its conventional oil counterparts. This oil can be used in a variety of vehicles. The oil is known for effectively preventing sludge buildup and deposits too. Mobil 1's 0W-40 Synthetic oil also provides stellar internal engine heat protection. Click here to learn more!
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40
The Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 is a full crafted rom natural gas, instead of crude. This oil also offers complete engine protection, offers better fuel efficiency and helps protect against loss of power. Click here to learn more!
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W-30
Not only does the Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W-30 oil help to minimize car engine deposits, but this oil is known for stellar capabilities for preventing rust corrosion and oxidization. The Motorcraft brand is a brand for delivering excellence and this oil is part of such. Click here to learn more!