Synthetic oils are generally manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components rather than crude oil, but can also be produced from other raw materials. Synthetic oil is used as a substitute for lubricant refined from petroleum when engines need to operate in extreme temperatures, as in general it provides superior mechanical and chemical properties compared to traditional oils.
Part-synthetic, also called synthetic blend or semi-synthetic, are manufactured from blends of conventional mineral oil and synthetic base oil.
Synthetic blend oil has benefits over conventional or fully synthetic oils – it allows better overall performance and offers better price.
Advantages of synthetic oils
There are 5 advantages of synthetic over conventional oils:
Superior temperature resistance – synthetic oils can safely handle high operating temperatures without breaking down. The are thus recommended for use in hot climates, heavy-duty, turborcharged, and hard-use applications.
Better low temperature performance – easier cold starts make synthetic oils ideal for use in cold climates. Unline conventional oils that tend to crystalize in cold temperatures, synthetic oils pour easily even in extreme conditions (-30 to -40 degree Celcius)
Better engine protection – engines that operate in high-speed can damage oil additives and cause the oil to thin. Full synthetic oils have better resistance against heavy loads than conventional oils. Viscosity grade is maintained even in extreme engine condition and the oil offers better engine protection.
Lower oil consumption – compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils experience less “boil off”. Quality syntethic oil will lose only about four percent of its weight when exposed to 400 degree temperature for six hourse compared to 30% loss for conventional oils. Lower evaporation rate means less oil consumption and longer interval between changes – oils will be used up only after 30,000 km mileage.
Cleaner engines – synthetics don't break down or sludge up as fast as conventional oils do. Lubrication efficiency is maintained even in short distances and low temperatures.