Many of you have heard of synthetic oil and perhaps you have wondered whether your car or truck can benefit from it. The answer is yes; but before we look at the benefits, here’s a little about oil.
Regular (mineral) oil is refined from crude oil and during the process, impurities are removed and special additives put in.
Synthetic oil takes the process further: it is derived from mineral oil but is further processed on a molecular level to create a uniform oil molecule. The difference is: mineral oil contains a variety of different sized molecules whereas synthetic oil contains molecules of the same size. Picture two flat metal plates with ball bearings in between; using a sandwich analogy, the plates are the bread and the bearings are the meat. The oil is represented by the bearings.
Mineral oil has a large variety of different sizes which allows the plates to move but there is less contact because of the differing sizes of the bearings(molecules). In synthetic oil the bearings (molecules) are all the same size giving much better contact between the metal plates. This allows synthetic oil to offer superior lubrication and last longer than mineral oil.
Oil serves four functions in your engine.
1) Reducing friction between moving parts.
2) Removing heat to the cooling system.
3) Keeping the engine clean by moving dirt into the oil filter.
4) Creating a seal between the piston rings and cylinder walls.
Synthetic oil, because of its uniform structure performs all of these tasks much better and for far longer than regular oil. It also withstands greater heat than mineral oil and can act as an insurance policy against engine damage should your engine run too hot. Yes, synthetic oil costs more, but this cost is minimal, especially when compared to expensive engine repairs.
Advantages of Synthetic oil
Superior protection of your engine’s moving parts
Flows better when cold (when most engine wear occurs)
Reduces friction which saves money on fuel
Lasts longer than regular oil
Does not break down at high temperatures
Excellent protection for turbo charged engines