Synthetic Oil is a man-made lubricant, which means it is less volatile than conventional oil.
Synthetic lubricants are manufactured from petroleum components that have been chemically modified. Because synthetic oil is less volatile, it’s better for the environment. Synthetic oil also lasts longer in your engine, so your car will run better. What’s more, synthetic oil is better for your vehicle’s engine because it protects it from wear.
Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant
Unlike petroleum-based oil, synthetic oil is manufactured in a laboratory, with no natural ingredients that can break down at high temperatures. Because synthetic oil is formulated without the natural components, it can withstand higher temperatures and provide the same protection for your engine as petroleum-based oil. For these reasons, synthetic oil has become a popular choice in many applications. This article explains how synthetic oil works and how it differs from petroleum-based oils.
Unlike conventional oils, synthetic oils do not undergo distillation. This method cannot remove waxes that are detrimental to lubrication and lighter molecules that evaporate in high temperatures. These limitations were uncovered during the harsh conditions of war, leading to the development of synthetic oils. These oils are also “built,” rather than distilled, in a laboratory. This allows synthetic oil formulators to start with individual molecules and build a lubricant from the ground up.
It protects against engine wear
While conventional oil may be cheaper and may be easier to change, synthetic oil can significantly extend your oil change interval. Because synthetic oil is made using advanced technology, it is more expensive than conventional oil, but it is worth it. When you’re considering upgrading to synthetic, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations. A few benefits of synthetic oil:
One of the most obvious benefits of synthetic oil is better protection against friction.
Conventional oils may degrade easily, especially when exposed to harmful conditions. Combustion byproducts, water and metal particles can all contribute to oil degradation and viscosity change. But synthetics are more resistant to these factors and have a naturally higher viscosity index. The lower the viscosity, the better protection synthetic oil provides against engine wear.
It has a longer lifespan
The use of synthetic oil can extend the life of your engine. Full synthetic oils do not increase oil consumption and do not wear out seals. They can also remove earlier oil deposits, which can reveal pre-existing problems. If your oil is dripping, you may be looking at a sign of a leak. This dirty residue can be visible on the outside of the engine. When you look at the oil drain interval, the interval should be doubled for synthetic oil.
A sealed bottle of synthetic engine oil will last between two and three years. However, the lifespan of synthetic oil depends on other factors, such as moisture. If the oil is exposed to moisture, the additive package will be attacked and the plastic can break down. Therefore, you should avoid bloated bottles and shake the bottle well before using it. This way, the oil will remain in good condition longer. However, you should not use synthetic oil if the engine has less than 15,000 miles.
It’s less volatile
Compared to petroleum oil, synthetic motor oils have fewer volatile molecules, which means that they circulate easier during engine start-up and are better at resisting high temperatures. Additionally, their purity eliminates wax contaminants and lower pour points, making them easier to start in cold weather. Synthetic oils are often more expensive upfront, but their low volatility means lower costs on the back end. Listed below are the benefits of Amsoil 5w30.
The most noticeable benefit of synthetic oil is its lower volatility. The low volatility of this type of oil reduces the risk of a spill. It also reduces oil consumption rates. A fully synthetic oil is less volatile than conventional dino oil and performs better on vehicles with direct-injection engines. Its low volatility enables drivers to reduce their car’s oil consumption rates while maximizing its performance and fuel economy. This quality makes synthetic motor oils a better choice for drivers who want to maximize performance and fuel efficiency.
It has a higher viscosity index
A higher viscosity index means that synthetic oil is more resistant to flow. This viscosity is determined by the amount of energy required to move an object through a fluid. By contrast, water flows easily through a lubricant. Thus, oil with a lower viscosity is better suited for cold weather driving. The “30” in 5W-30 synthetic motor oil refers to its high-temperature viscosity grade.
The concept of viscosity is important to understanding the difference between synthetic and conventional oils. Viscosity is simply the resistance of a fluid to flow. Typically, the higher the viscosity, the slower the flow and thicker the fluid. Viscosity varies with temperature, but synthetic oils can also achieve this variation without the addition of additives. The Society of Automotive Engineers devloped a numerical code to represent the viscosity of an oil at two temperatures – hot and cold.