Most high-performance vehicles use synthetic oil. It’s becoming more and more common in today’s modern cars. According to the experts at Consumer Reports, Honda uses synthetic oil in the Civic because of its low viscosity, and the Civic isn’t the only one. Blended or totally synthetic oil might account for as much as 70% of new automobiles in 2019.
Engine Oil Types
There are 3 main types of oil used in engines:
Conventional Oil: Conventional oil is made from refined crude oil. In terms of cost, conventional oil has the upper hand over synthetic oil, which may cost up to 10% less.
High-Mileage Oil: Vehicles that have mileage over 120,000 kilometers require a high-mileage motor oil. Oil leaks in older engines may be prevented by using high mileage motor oil, which has certain additives and formulations.
Synthetic Blend Oil: In comparison to conventional oil, synthetic blend motor oil has better oxidation resistance and outstanding low-temperature characteristics because of the combination of synthetic and conventional base oils.
Fully Synthetic Oil: Fully Synthetic oil is the result of a chemically modification procedure. Compared to conventional oil molecules, synthetic oil molecules are more consistent in shape, have fewer contaminants, and have superior characteristics.
What is synthetic oil?
Pure synthetic oil is not derived from petroleum at all but rather consists of various compounds and is designed “molecule by molecule.” Superior additives are also included to assist prevent the oil from degrading over time.
In contrast to regular oil, certain synthetic oils begin as petroleum products. Still, they undergo a unique refining process that modifies the molecular structure to satisfy particular characteristics, such as working at high temperatures and lasting longer than traditional oils.
Difference between synthetic and conventional oil
There is no obvious difference in terms of how they seem to the human eye. When comparing synthetic and traditional oil, the two most significant differences are quite slight.
First and foremost, the method the oils are created distinguishes them from one other.
Conventional oil is a thick (viscous) oil at low temperatures and a thin oil at high temperatures. Adding chemicals to the oil lowers its viscosity at low temperatures and thickens it at higher temperatures. Oil returns to its native characteristics when the chemical additions break down or are vaporized away.
On the other hand, synthetic oils are created from the start to complement a certain type of multi-grade oil. As long as there are no additional additives, synthetic oil will not degrade or alter viscosity.
Advantages of synthetic oil
Improved safety for the engine: Consider the fact that a car’s engine parts travel at high speeds and are continually in contact with one another. These engine components might break down in extreme conditions. Your car’s engine oil is the only thing keeping all those moving parts safe from each other. This means that synthetic oil won’t break down and can safeguard your engine for up to 250,000 miles compared to synthetic blends or traditional oil.
Improved performance: Deposits are formed while oil passes through your vehicle’s engine as it runs. This residue builds up over time, decreasing your engine’s performance and longevity. On the other hand, full synthetic oils are free of contaminants and do not develop sludge or deposits.
Improved fluidity: Synthetic oils have superior viscosity and stability at both low and high temperatures than traditional oil or synthetic blends. Full synthetic oils are intended to flow fast in cold weather and withstand excessive heat, ensuring that your engine will operate smoothly all year long.
Protection for the turbocharger: Smaller engines and turbochargers need the use of synthetic lubricants, which flow more quickly to the engine’s most vital components. Conventional oils, on the other hand, degrade more rapidly in turbocharged circumstances. To keep your turbocharged car running optimally, choose a complete synthetic choice.
The cost of switching to synthetic oil
Oil changes using standard oil often cost between $25 and $50. When utilizing synthetic oil, an oil change might cost anywhere from $45 to $70. There is a wide range of pricing based on the type of product that is being utilized. The cost of synthetic oil is lower since it doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as regular oil.
In addition to extending the interval between oil changes, synthetic oil also reduces the frequency of oil changes. Today, several automakers take advantage of this by using factory-supplied synthetic oil in their cars. Depending on your vehicle and driving habits, the owner’s handbook will inform you what type of oil to use.
For about an additional $65 a year, synthetic oil provides better protection for your vehicle. It may even extend your engine’s life. As a result, synthetic oil is the better option if you can afford it, and you must use it if your vehicle demands it.
Do you think it is worth switching to synthetic oil? And what type of oil are you using for your car?
You could also watch the following video for more information: