Synthetic oil is man-made as opposed to mineral oils which are found underground. Synthetic oil offers superior lubrication and it prolongs engine life and lasts longer itself as well. Most oils you see in the market advertised as Synthetic are ~80% synthetic. 100% synthetic oils are used only in racing or in extremely low temperatures. Buying a cheap oil based only on ratings is not the key, there are additives and the list of these are a top secret. That's why Synthetic oils look quite expensive without any difference except of the "Synthetic" badge.
Conventional vs. Synthetics
It is generally accepted that synthetics outperform conventional oils, but many people don’t understand why. The differences begin at a molecular level.
Conventional lubricants are refined from crude oil. Contaminating elements such as sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and metal components such as nickel or vanadium are inherent to crude oil and cannot be completely removed through the refining process. The oil refining process separates the various types of molecules in the oil by weight, leaving molecules similar in weight but dissimilar in structure.
Synthetic lubricants, on the other hand, are chemically engineered to form pure lubricants. Synthetic lubricants contain no contaminants or molecules that don't serve a designed purpose. They are made from molecules that are saturated with a higher percentage of carbon- hydrogen bonds, leaving fewer sites to which other, harmful molecules can attach and attack the molecular composition of the oil. In addition, their smooth, uniform lubricating molecules slip easily across one another.
In short, synthetics' versatility and pure, uniform molecular structure impart properties that provide better friction-reduction, optimum fuel efficiency, maximum film strength and extreme-temperature performance conventional lubricants just can't touch.
Better wear protection
Excellent fuel economy
Outstanding extreme-temperature performance
shadow has best answer but bear in mind these oils are not suitable for some engines e.g. historic and classic cars as the metal components there need other additions not found in synthetic e.g. magnesium. so newer synthetic oils will allow excess wear and reduce component life and may.. affect seal integrity causing leaks.
hey shadow ...you are so so wrong when you say not needed in standard cars ...yes synthetic oil is a mix of compounds from the petroleum side ...but its far far superior to any form of motor oil ...here in europe we have been using it for many years ...the best oil inthe world is MOBIL1 fully synthetic ..my vans run on synthetic ..oil and filter change every 18000 miles ..bigger vans ..24000 miles ...few years back BMW ran a car for a million miles ..non stop except for service of car ..after a million miles they stripped the engine ...95%of moving parts could have been cleaned ..and put on shelf as new ...BMW ...MERCEDES all run all their cars on synthetic as do other manufacturers in europe ...we still find it hard to believe that america is so slow to follow
Synthetic oil is a lubricant made up of many chemical compounds that are artificially made.
it's oil not made from petroleum products ( ie not made from crude oil )
its an artificially made chemical compound lubricant that is synthesized
it is ideal for engines that operate in extreme temperature such as jet engines , race cars and motorcycles that rev more than 12000 rpm but not needed in standard cards or bikes
Please tell me.
