What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oils, the latest and greatest that the industry offers, are lubricants that comprise laboratory-made chemical compounds. The industry specifics may be a little murky on what exactly needs to comprise the motor oil, however, to begin with, most synthetic motor oils use nothing but the most premium quality of base oils. So, does that make all synthetic motor oils compatible? Let’s have a look.

Rapidly advancing to meet the demands of modern engines, oil companies adapted this extensive process of making synthetic oil to provide superior levels of engine performance and protection. Better than any conventional oil out there, synthetic oils were explicitly created to remove impurities that are otherwise found in crude oil. This is done by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules; and since the molecules boast of a consistent structure, it makes the properties easily predictable, thus, achieving tailored improvement required for a more specific performance. Having said this, there are two API base oil categories for synthetics in the U.S.A: The first, API Group IV (Polyalphaolefin (PAO)), and the second, API Group V (non-PAO synthetic bases). You could also use some API Group III oils as synthetics.

Ever since the mandate for synthetic oils in modern vehicles came about, especially in turbo-charged models, these oils have been found to be largely compatibble with all modern vehicles. Modern synthetic oils are designed to be compatible with all engines-providing lower friction characteristics. Some may find that synthetic oil costs more, but over the long term, it provides an array of benefits, such as:

• Reduced emissions,
  
• Longer engine life,
  
• Improved engine wear protection,
  
• Impressive winter performance,
  
• A cleaner engine and,
  
• Minimal deterioration in between oil changes.

Although synthetic oil provides improved protection compared to semi-synthetic blends or conventional oils, no two brands can be said to have the exact same chemical compounds. They are manufactured as per different specifications for different applications, and although we could have two different oils for the same specification, some oil companies manufacture better quality oil than others. Another important thing to keep a note of is that synthetic oils often include additives to help shape the final product.

Now that you know that no two motor oils are created equal, we can further dive into their uniqueness. Largely, there are two types of synthetic oils: Fully synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil (also known as semi-synthetic engine oil.)

Types of Synthetic Oils and the Difference

The normal operating temperature of an engine ranges anywhere from 90⁰C to 105⁰C. However, were it not for the industrious use of engine oil, the gearbox and the engine would not go too far  because of the ill-effects of overheating. This is caused due to friction, which develops between various moving parts . Using good engine oil, on the whole, keeps your engine cool, reduces wear-and-tear by a whopping 70%, enhances performance, and burns lesser fuel.

Essentially, there are three types of engine oils, but we are going to address just the two mentioned above that fall under the synthetic motor oil category.

Fully Synthetic Oil

Experts use various mineral oil and tailor perfection at molecular levels. Using these altered synthesized chemicals, they are able to boost the performance of the oil, rid the engine oil of impurities, and increase uniformity within its structure. While all synthetics may offer an enhanced level of protection, this customization allows fully synthetic oils to perform better in the most challenging of conditions, compared to conventional or synthetic blends. 

Also, it works to reduce sludge formation and showcases enhanced detergent properties, which help overcome corrosions and engine carbon deposits. As each synthetic brand uses its own customized blend of high-performance fluids and additives, we think it’s safe to say that how these formulations blend results in a variety of protection levels and attributes—making synthetic oil the ultimate performance engine oil.

Synthetic Blend oil or Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil

A mix of conventional mineral motor oils and synthetic base stocks is what semi-synthetic motor oil is all about. Simply put, this oil is going to get you greater engine performance and protection than a 100% unadulterated mineral oil. This oil will do so by maintaining the right engine oil viscosity because of the added synthetic base stock. Impressive isn’t it. Well, that’s a lot more than you would get by using conventional oil on its own.

So, how do you detect the best synthetic for your engine? The answer depends on the type of protection you require. Ask yourself: Is it the durability you desire? Or neatness? Maybe better wear protection? What answers come to your mind?

We have already established that all synthetics aren’t formulated the same way, and hence, they contain different combinations of additives and base oils. Every minor formulation difference in the additives can cause major effects on performance. For example, a little more of additive-A may cause better wear protection, but you may suffer with sludging. In another case, cutting back on additive-B may cause better performance at higher temperatures but, the start-up, as a result, may falter.

So, you may ask, what’s the best way for a regular driver to approach this?

Is Mixing My Oils a Good Idea?

Whether you’re an amateur getting your basics right or a whiz petroleum engineer, you should know that you can safely mix one brand of oil with another, or conventional oil with synthetic, (that’s really the exact definition of a synthetic blend.) It’s one of the most commonly asked questions with confusion at its core. People tend to feel overwhelmed with all this talk of compatibility between the components, but knowing that most synthetics these days are fully compatible with conventional oils and are safe enough to mix, is enough to get you by.

However…

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should!!

Why?

It’s simple. Think about it, when something isn’t pure anymore, it loses its true characteristics, and that defeats the purpose of its creation. Similarly, even though synthetic motor oils are compatible, mixing them with other brands or types of oil reduces the life expectancy and performance benefits significantly over the longer haul. Every oil company handpicks its base oils and additives that make up its oil formulae to ensure a blend that achieves the desired effect they set out for. This insight is clear enough to conclude how each unique proprietary oil blend differs from one another. Any experimentation without prior knowledge of the additives can prove potentially harmful to the performance of the engine.

We can differentiate the formulation using three factors: Brand, types, and grades of oil. To ensure you are not getting short-changed in one area over another, it is important to understand proprietary synthetic oil formulations.

Understanding Proprietary Synthetic Oil Formulations

If you think that this sounds advanced, well, we are not going to be mincing words! 

It is hardcore engineering stuff. To help you understand  all this chemical jargon better, we have decided to break it down in the simplest guide. Specific characteristics offset differing additives when put together and blended.

Why?

Because the additives merge and co-exist to produce an effect different from or better than when the additives are left to their individual natures. Take for instance, the ingredients used to make a cake. On their own, the ingredients amount to nothing greater than their individual nature. But, when brought together, they form a symphony of sweetness in direct proportion to how the cake should taste. However, if for any reason the proportion of the ingredients are manipulated in any way, it is bound to upset the delicate balance.

Therefore, it is important to understand how proprietary synthetic oil formulations affect the performance of your engine.

With respect to performance in the application, it is necessary to know how the different types of lubricants are formulated. Today, there are four types of lubricants produced:

• Mineral oils, no additives
• Mineral base oils with additives
• Synthetic base oils with additives
• Enhanced lubricants.

This leads us to more on synthetic base oils with additives.

Produced and preferred by major oil companies, formulators producing synthetic base stocks are under so much stress to create much more advanced lubricants every day. It’s no wonder these synthetic-based oils include various types of compounds with some limited to a single specific application. A popular choice in over-all demand, these lubricants have established themselves in the marketplace as leaders of improved engine performance. By providing a high-performance edge, stability, uniformity, and purity, it is easy to see how the molecules provide unrestricted and enhanced performance, which is free from the typical behavior of mineral oil constraints.

Now that you know, let’s take the next step in choosing an oil that is compatible with your engine.

Choosing Your Oil (Based on the API Suggested by the Car Make)

Your number-one need-to-know tip on choosing the right engine oil for you is remembering that all engine oils are classified by viscosity, oil grade, and type of oil. Don’t let the sheer number of options bewilder or scare you, just try to understand why viscosity is so important before all else.

Let’s begin with answering four basic questions.

What is Viscosity?

It is that rating which informs you about the oil’s resistance to thickening in cold temperatures and also, to thinning in hot temperatures.

Why is It Important?

Imagine your engine having to endure sluggish oil in the cold weather and non-performing, watery oil in the hot weather. Quite the nightmare, isn’t it! 

Wouldn’t it be easier if you knew how to avoid these costly engine repairs by being able to read the numerical grade?

The SAE grades the viscosity of engine oils with a “W”, which stands for “winter.” Here’s an example, 5W50 or 10W30. The number preceding W indicates the oil viscosity during the winter and, the lower the number, the less resistant the oil is to become sluggish. Hence, the warmer the engine gets, the thinner the oil gets and the cooler the engine is, the thicker the oil is.

These metrics not only ensure that your vehicle performs at its maximum potential, but, they also give your engine the utmost protection.

Wondering how you can go step-by-step in selecting the right oil? The below guidelines are easy to follow:

• Refer to the handbook in the vehicle provided by the carmaker
• Read and verify the API or ACEA specification for oil
• Select an oil with either a higher or the same API classification
• Ensure that the oil complied with specific ACEA requirements if needed
• Keep a lookout for any mandatory auto manufacturer oil specification requirements on the oil container with oil complies

What is Oil Grade?

The API grades the quality of engine oils, while the SAE grades the viscosity of engine oils. Now, despite the hype, your brand of oil does matter a little, and God forbid, you end up with the wrong grade of oil, your engine won’t be able to sustain the havoc wreaked upon the life of it.

Which Oil is Best for Your Car?

If you are unsure of how to go about the process, here are a few easy steps that help:

• Check the oil filler cap. Oil specifications can more than often be found around it or under the hood.
  
• Can’t find it? Find the owner’s manual and consult the correct viscosity grade for your vehicle.
  
• Make it a habit to always check your oil levels and keep a track of the frequency of oil changes required.
  
• In case of any major concerns, it is always best to consult with a professional mechanic or your dealership.

Conclusion

Even if things may get confusing or you just can’t seem to figure out which engine oil to use, the car manufacturers have you covered. It’s obvious that a lot of thought and chemical engineering goes into the basic formulations of these lubricants, and their proportions, but having prescribed specific grades of oil with almost all FAQs covered in their extensive manuals, you have nothing to fret about.

After all, it is more than just oil. It’s liquid engineering at its most impressive.