Automotive Full Synthetic Motor Oil

A Brief Guide to Synthetic Oil and Its Uses

Let there be no doubt that engine oil is a lifeblood of your vehicle. When it flows through different moving parts, the oil helps prevent friction and acts as an insulator to keep the combustion cycle in shape.

Traditionally, conventional motor oil was used in most cars. However, the trend changed as engineers tried to improve the performance of the engine, which led to the creation of synthetic oil. Nowadays, it's a preferred choice among consumers because it contains important additives and chemicals that are intended to enhance engine performance and lifespan.

Here's a brief look at the types of synthetic oil and their uses.

What sorts of synthetic oil are available?

There is a huge variety of synthetic oil used for many different purposes. For example, you will find products for new cars, SUVs, performance vehicles, and classic cars. Despite the variety, the oil can generally be divided into two distinct categories:

  • Fully synthetic oil - This is often seen as the highest quality oil because it is specifically formulated to offer maximum power and performance. It's like a product straight out of the lab.
  • Synthetic blend - Also known as semi-synthetic, this oil combines elements of fully synthetic oil and conventional motor oil. It usually takes 10 minutes to circulate around the engine and costs less than the fully synthetic type.
What is the difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil?

Visually, it's difficult to tell the difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil. The major difference is how these two types are made.

A full synthetic oil is man-made. It's manufactured using highly refined oil and contains a lot of different additives in an evenly distributed quantity. By contrast, a conventional motor is generally less refined, and it doesn't use lab additives.

Once the oil gets older, you can tell the difference between synthetic and conventional oil because conventional motor oil will be sludgy and a lot thicker.

Which type of synthetic oil should you use?

If cost is not an issue, then a fully synthetic oil will offer extended performance and high mileage. A fully synthetic oil is also useful for classic cars and performance sports cars if you don't drive them that often.

However, if your vehicle requires regular oil changes because it's constantly on the move, then a synthetic blend may be a practical choice because it costs less while offering some of the same benefits as a fully synthetic oil.