Synthetic Oil Vs Conventional Oil

Understanding Synthetic Oil

Synthetic engine oil is a type of lubricant made of artificial chemical components. The chemical compounds are produced by breaking and rebuilding petroleum molecules. The molecules in the synthetic oil have almost the same structure and size, resulting in less friction. They are further classified as fully synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil.

Full synthetic oil is unadulterated. It uses a synthetic base stock and is created molecule by molecule without using petroleum. It has additives to aid in oil degradation. A synthetic oil blend combines regular oil and synthetic base stock. The synthetic base stock enhances the conventional oil's performance and protection capacities. The synthetic blend is better than mineral oil.

Understanding Conventional Oil

The conventional engine oil for cars is made of crude oil. Crude oil is refined until it achieves the properties of a lubricant. This is a natural process, and therefore, there is a chance of inconsistencies in the structure and size of the molecules. This increases friction and faster oil breakdown. This is why conventional oils do not last as long as synthetic oils.

Synthetic Oil Vs Normal Oil

The engine is the heart of a car. Its maintenance must be considered the topmost priority to keep the vehicle running and performing well. Keeping the engine's health in check is the most crucial aspect of caring for your car.

However, which engine oil is best for your car and why?

Both synthetic and regular engine oil do the same work of lubricating the parts of the engine. Both oils minimize the friction inside the engine and avoid excessive wear and tear.

Let us begin with their role in the automobile. Synthetic and regular engine oil does the same job of lubricating the engine parts. Both oils minimize the friction inside the engine and avoid excessive wear and tear. Both oils are also derived by refining crude oil. However, the level of refinement makes them different from each other.

Conventional engine oil cannot come at par with the performance and protection presented by synthetic engine oil. That is because the manufacturing process involves the addition of artificial chemical compounds. Therefore, it is partly artificial, and the additional artificial compounds improve its performance and protection aptitudes.

You must remember that synthetic engine oil is better than conventional engine oil but is more expensive because of the advanced manufacturing process. However, the performance and protection it offers are worth the additional cost, and it is your call as a car owner to determine which oil you want to use in your car.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

You already know that synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil, so there must be added advantages to the extra price you pay. Listed here are the benefits of synthetic engine oil.

Better engine protection: An engine has many moving parts that cause friction. The role of the engine oil is to minimize friction and slow down wear and tear. Synthetic oil does this job better than conventional oil. Since it is made of superior base oil, it lasts longer than regular engine oil. Therefore, under any driving conditions, it guards the engine for an extended period.

Engine is kept clean: Over time, when the engine oil circulates through the engine, it can collect impurities, which lead to sludge formation. Sludge minimizes engine life and efficiency. Synthetic oils have fewer impurities and avoid sludge formation. Also, it can clear out any sludge formation that has occurred with its superior protection properties.

Flows better at lower temperatures: In frigid temperatures or if you park the car for a long time, the engine oil settles down. But when you start the car, the oil should immediately circulate to lubricate the engine. Synthetic oil has superior flowing properties even in very low temperatures, whereas regular oil can take some time to circulate. Hence, it offers better protection in cold weather conditions.

Good performance at high temperatures: Conventional engine oil evaporates in high temperatures as the molecules break up effortlessly. However, synthetic oil molecules do not break up in hot temperatures, enhancing performance.Protects turbocharger components: Currently, turbocharged engines are at the forefront. They provide high power output with smaller engine capacity. However, a turbo engine functions at higher temperatures than a non-turbo engine. The engine oil within a turbocharger can hit tremendously high temperatures. Synthetic oil performs exceptionally well in high-temperature conditions and guards the essential components of the turbocharger.

Challenges of Synthetic Oil

One of the most noteworthy cons of synthetic oil is the cost. It is more expensive than the regular oil.

Synthetic oils are susceptible to additive separation during cold storage conditions. The additives may wholly separate from the oil. Without the additives, the oil may not perform as it should.

Synthetic oils can lead to a slightly lower fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

Pros and Cons of Conventional Oil

Let us look at a few of the benefits and challenges of conventional engine oil.

Pros of normal oil

• Cost is one of the most significant advantages of regular engine oils.
• Easy availability
• The uneven molecules in the regular engine oil aid in smoothening the rough surfaces of a brand-new engine.

Cons of normal oil

• Regular oils do not protect the engine in extremely high or low temperatures.
• Sludge formation is a big challenge.
• Does not last longer due to the molecular breakdown.
• Do not offer superior protection against wear and tear of the engine.

What Must You Choose?

What have you decided? Is it regular engine oil or synthetic oil for your car?

Let us quickly understand what we read above – synthetic engine oils are more expensive but last longer and provide superior protection and performance. Conventional engine oils are affordable, but you compromise on the engine's safety and the vehicle's performance in return. Therefore, synthetic oil is better, provided your car's engine is built to use such oils, as seen in the latest versions and models. Choose what fits your vehicle and your needs.