subject: Is Synthetic Oil A Good Choice For Your Car [print this page] Changing your oil to a synthetic motor oil is a great way to help stop using petroleum based products.
Originally developed as a lubricant for airplane engines, synthetic motor oil made was first used in automobiles for high-performance racing engines about 30 years ago. In recent decades, it has become more commercially available and a choice for car owners and mechanics as well.
Synthetic oil is similar to traditional petroleum-based motor oils in many ways and the two are generally interchangeable. Aside from being more expensive than the traditional oils, synthetic lubricants have other disadvantages and advantages.
The best thing about synthetic oil is that it wont need to be changed as often. They expected synthetic oils to last up to 25,000 miles when they were first introduced. In reality changes are recommended at 7,500 miles which is still double the amount of miles as traditional oil which makes up for the price being higher. The reason for the longer intervals between oil changes is because synthetic motor oil decomposes slower and is less likely to evaporate. Over time is still is prone to contamination so must be changed regularly.
Natural oil has impurities that synthetic oil doesn't because synthetic oil is made in a controlled environment. Phosphorus and sulfur, which exist in petroleum-based oils, contribute to engine wear and can cause other parts of the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter.
If your vehicle is operated under extreme temperatures, then synthetic oil offers another advantage. Its viscosity does not increase in cold weather and it also performs more consistently at high temperatures. Synthetic oils lubricate the engine for longer and are more chemically balanced that their counterparts offering an all round better service.
There are however other disadvantages to synthetic oil besides their high price. New engines cannot use synthetic oil due to its friction. If you wish to use synthetic oil in a new car with an engine that, according to manufacturer's specifications, needs to be "broken in," you will need to use a traditional oil during that period, then make the change.
There is also some concern that the chemical compounds in certain types of synthetic oil may break down and unintentionally discharge into the environment. Their use, however, means no petroleum products are consumed for engine lubricants and eliminates the need to recover and recycle the traditional motor oil, although synthetic oil is also recycled and reused.
To make a decision on switching to synthetic oils consider both the price and how it will effect your engine due to how you drive your car.
