Why Use Synthetic Oils

by Carolyn Stevens
(USA)

Synthetic oil has been around since 1972, however, in the past few years there has been a remarkable interest in the benefits of this oil. Below I have listed some of those benefits.

The conventional type of oil is refined from crude oil. This crude oil is made of different types of molecules, each having a different set of properties. On the other hand, synthetic oil is made by combining specific chemicals with a catalyst (chemical that accelerates a chemical reaction). The results that come from this mixture of chemicals and catalyst are a better performing vehicle, reduction of friction and wear, and better fuel economy. In addition, the car performs much better in extreme temperatures with synthetic oils than with conventional oils.

Synthetic oils are also better for the environment. High quality synthetic oils will last up to eight times longer than conventional oils. This results in less waste oil to dispose of. Please remember that synthetic oils need to be disposed of in the same way as conventional oil. In addition to fewer oil changes, there is also the issue of volatility. Most of the petroleum-based oils will experience a significant amount of boil off during high temperature engine operation. That boil off is emitted into the air. It is the thicker oil left behind that contributes to sticky piston rings and oil blow by. All this leads to a reduction in fuel economy and engine life in addition to poor performance. Whereas, the synthetic oils have low volatility and are more impervious to this kind of loss of oil quality

Besides helping to save the environment, synthetic oils can save you money. Even though petroleum oils may cost less per quart at the time, the simple fact that you change synthetic oils eight times less is a savings. In addition, you also have better performance and fuel economy with synthetic oils. Motorists are finding that on a per mile basis, synthetic oils are less expensive than petroleum oils.