Synthetic Oil
Want to know the benefits of using a synthetic oil?Compared to a mineral oil, the properties of a fully synthetic oil are much easier to control. Here's how it all works.
Why Choose a Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is engineered to do the job of a conventional lubricant, but better, as they can be specifically designed to fulfill particular needs. (see The Expert's section on THE BASICS). Though a bit more costly to produce and therefore more expensive to buy, synthetic oil can offer significant performance advantages because they remain stable in extreme temperatures.Basics about motor oil
All lubricants fall into one of three categories: liquid (oil), semi-liquid (grease), and solid (graphite). All three are derived from vegetable, mineral, or synthetic base stock. However, if raw materials alone are used to lubricate modern, high-precision machinery, they quickly overheat, catch fire, evaporate or emulsify. This allows fast moving parts to come into direct contact, and can result in irreparable damage to their surfaces. To guard against this, all lubricants are processed to remove impurities and are bolstered with chemical additives.
Synthetic oils, however, are manufactured specifically to stand up to the severe conditions under which conventional oils might falter. They possess viscosity characteristics superior to those of mineral oils. The resulting lubricants have a molecular structure that meet and often exceed manufacturers' criteria for high-performance engines.
Among the many performance advantages that synthetic oils offer is their ability to remain stable at high temperatures (under which conventional oils begin to break down) and remain fluid at low temperatures (under which conventional oils begin to thicken). This provides optimum lubrication at extreme temperatures, reducing wear for a cleaner, more efficient engine.
Synthetic Oil Grades
Synthetics are sometimes mixed with conventional mineral oils to produce a cost-effective middle ground between the two, referred to as a "semi” or “part-synthetic." However, while semi or part-synthetics and conventional mineral oils are both capable lubricants, fully synthetic oils provide the highest level of engine protection.In this section
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