All the Fuss about Synthetic Engine Oil

Is it good or bad for you and the Environment?

Has it ever happened to you, that you visited a car workshop for the periodic oil change service, and the service advisor asks you whether to use synthetic or normal oil? And you are clueless, so you ask what is the cost involved in both the cases. If yes, then it is time to gain a little bit of insight on the thing. Let’s explore what is the fuss about synthetic oil, so that next time you can make an informed choice regarding this.

What is Synthetic oil?

Normal Oil is technically referred to as Mineral Oil. As evident from the name itself, these oils are derived from natural minerals. Initially extracted as “crude oil” and then processed, refined and filtered in refineries. On the other hand, Synthetic Oils are also refined from crude oil itself, but the refinement process goes a few extra miles. This extra processes not only make the oil free of impurities to a greater extent, it also re-align the molecular structure of the oil.

The job of Engine Oil and why they are required to be changed at all?

The basic jobs of an engine oil are as follows

• Lubrication: Between moving parts which are in contact.
• Sealing: Of gaps between piston rings and cylinder walls.
• Cleaning: keep the interior clean and shining.
•  Cooling: Take the heat of compression away and exchange it through the oil cooler.

We need to change engine oil at regular intervals, as after a while the oil loses its properties to be able to perform the above functions anymore.

Are Synthetic Oil really better?

For your car engine, synthetic oils are far superior to conventional mineral oils. They serve each purpose better. They can withstand higher temperature and pressure before losing their property. Synthetic oils have a more stable viscosity curve which means, they can be pumped more easily at low temperatures which saves the engine from damage at lower temperatures, as well as they can withstand extreme conditions at highest speeds. They are designed to handle greater torque and shock loads.

So how to decide between the two?

All this advanced technology and better features does not come cheap. The cost of Synthetic oil is roughly double of the normal engine oil. But this fact gets evened out by the fact that synthetic oils can last more than twice the duration of conventional engine oils. Even if you follow the same oil change interval as before, synthetic oils are bound to make your engine perform better and last longer. At the same time, if you are currently changing the engine oil at every 5000-10000 km, with synthetic oils you can safely extend the range to 8000-13000 km and extend your frequency of the car workshop visit. A good way to decide is to check what your manufacturer recommends. If they say synthetic, you must use synthetic oil. But if they doesn’t mention synthetic oil, then it is completely your call, either to go for normal performance at cheaper rates or to go for superior performance at higher rates

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