Synthetic Oil 101
Synthetic oils are developed in the laboratory- from man- made organic “synthesized” hydrocarbons to provide the exact characteristics desired. Essentially a completely consistent molecule…… these "designer" oils include no impurities (primarily paraffins/wax), at least when poured from the can. Impurities, of course, can appear during combustion of the engine (driving!)
Synthetic oil is more expensive because it has to be manufactured rather than just separated from crude oil.
Synthetic oils can be run for longer periods of time between oil changes because it has better thermal stability.
So should you run longer intervals with synthetic oil? Well, there are still going to be acids and other combustion products in the sump over time. These are not removed by a filter. And even the stuff that is removed by the filter will eventually load the filter to the point that its efficiency drops and can go into a bypass mode and stop filtering. Essentially, the additives break down (more so in everyday stop n’ go driving)
Synthetics should still be changed at the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC OIL
- Better lubrication properties – synthetics “CLING” to the engine’s walls
- Longer intervals between oil changes are possible because synthetics suffer less thermal breakdown due to a better base stock used.
- Synthetics have a superior additive package, resulting in a “CLEANER” oil for a longer period, prolonging sludge acid contamination buildup.
- Synthetics will pump better at lower temperatures and get to critical areas faster.
Posted By: Brad Wohlgemuth 2010/05/29
