Why should you opt to use synthetic oil for your car? Is it really superior to conventional motor oil? If you’re wondering why synthetic oil has been gaining popularity among an increasing number of motorists, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview on synthetic oil and its benefits to car owners.
An Overview on Synthetic Oils
Synthetic oil is a lubricating compound made from artificially manufactured components. These compounds are made by restructuring petroleum molecules. A drop of synthetic oil contains millions of molecules that feature the same size and structure. Synthetic oil can be fully synthetic or blended, derived from various base types.
Full synthetic oils are typically used as base stock and are uniquely designed without the use of petroleum. They contain additives that are meant to assist in the degradation of oil. Synthetic blend on the other hand is a combination of conventional motor oils and synthetic base stocks. The combination of conventional mineral oil and synthetic base stock gives your engine a little more protection than conventional oils.
Advantages of Using Synthetic Oil
Synthetic motor oils are extremely clean with a stable molecular structure, delivering superior lubrication to your vehicle engine. Conventional motor oils only undergo light refinement to achieve a certain level of cleanliness, resistance to oil breakdown, and greater engine protection over time. High-quality synthetic oils such as superior base oils and cutting-edge additives that will protect your car engine for an extended period better than conventional engine oils.
Synthetic oils are proven to withstand higher temperatures without experiencing oxidation or break down. Conventional engine oils have an upper limit of 300 degrees Fahrenheit while synthetic oils can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. There are even synthetic oil products that can handle up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why synthetic oils are the perfect for vehicles in hot climates as well as heavy-duty or turbo-charged engines. Synthetic oils flow more freely at lower temperatures, pouring evenly and smoothly at -40 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas conventional oils become thickened at these temperatures. Synthetic oils reduce engine wear in your vehicle at extreme temperatures.
Synthetic motor oils also experience less boil-off when compared alongside conventional engine oil. Superior-quality synthetic oil will only lose about 4% of its total weight when the engine runs at higher temperatures for six straight hours. On the other hand, a conventional motor oil will lose up to 30% of its weight under the same conditions. The lower evaporation rate means that the engine only utilises lesser synthetic oil than conventional motor oil, helping you save money in the long haul.
In terms of pricing, synthetic oils cost more than conventional engine oils as they are more expensive to process and manufacture. While some people may question the economics of shifting to a higher-priced synthetic lube, the boost in mileage, superior engine protection, and reduced long-term servicing cost justifies the price altogether.
Is Synthetic Oil a Better Option?
So, synthetic engine oils have fewer impurities and better additives- but what exactly does this mean for your vehicle?
- Better hold and cold temperature performance, so you don’t have problems starting up your engine in freezing temperatures or enjoy less burn-off in scorching weather
- Improved resistance to breakdown as a result of oxidation and extreme heat. Improved fuel efficiency, so you can save on petrol
- Reduced engine drag for boosted horsepower
- Lesser production of engine sludge due to fewer impurities
- Less frequent oil changes saving you time and money
- Better engine wear protection
- Keeps the engine clean and free from deposits for a longer time.
So, is synthetic oil better than conventional motor oil?
Simply put, synthetic engine oils are better than conventional mineral oil in many ways. As synthetic oils are generally manufactured using quality base oils such as Group -III or PAO, this adds to the overall performance package of engine oils
Is synthetic oil the right option for my car?
Synthetic oil is proven to be a better option for majority of car makes and models. It’s recommended to refer to your manufacturer guidelines before choosing a motor oil type for your vehicle.
Expert Oil Change Services in Sydney
If you ever need an oil change for your vehicle, you can go to HP Automotive to ensure smooth and fast oil change. We also offer other vehicle maintenance and repair services. HP Automotive is your one-stop-shop for everything that your vehicle needs to ensure safety and efficiency on the road. We are staffed with skilled and experienced automotive mechanics that can get the job done right every time. At HP Automotive, we have the right equipment, materials, technologies, and products that enable us to accomplish car servicing and repair works with the utmost speed and efficiency. We only use the correct oils for your specific car make and model, thus saving you time and money. If you wish to learn more about our Sydney automotive repairs and car servicing solutions, call our direct line on 02 9979 8372 today.