Which Is The Most Suitable Engine Oil - Synthetic Or Mineral Oil?

 Motor oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. The purpose of motor oil is to reduce friction and keep a vehicle's engine clean and corrosion-free. Another critical function is to buffer heat from moving parts in the engine. Most motor oils are Mineral Oils, manufactured from petroleum-based crude oil, which is processed into motor oil. Yet, Others are Synthetic motor Oils are made from more advanced refining processes. However, the issue of suitability of mineral and synthetic oil will always be an issue to debated.

Although synthetic oil seem to have the upper hand in the market since demand in the United States alone has grown to $2.2 billion per year. Thanks to higher performance properties that, for many uses, trump higher per-drum costs. It is also a resulting benefit of stricter environmental and worker safety requirements.  However before joining this timeless debate, lets talk a little about these two types of oil. See Their merits and demerits.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oils are based on oil that comes from the Earth which has been refined - Crude oil. Naturally occurring crude is a cocktail of hydrocarbons. Even after aggressive solvent-based refining, thousands of hydrocarbon compounds - as well as organic compounds of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen - remain. These three compounds in particular are problematic because they enable oxidation and acid development, as well as facilitate the formation of sludge, particularly in high-temperature applications.

The varying molecules of refined lubricants also have differing shapes, resulting in irregular lubricant surfaces at the molecular level. These irregularities generate friction within the fluid itself which increases power requirements and reduces efficiency.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Mineral Oil

So in a nutshell Mineral Oil have cheaper price advantages, and disadvantages of being labile to changes in viscosity, or thickness due to changes in engine temperature and working conditions. 

Synthetic Oil

Well Synthetic oil also is from the earth. Both types of engine oil are made from crude oil that comes from the ground. The difference is that synthetic motor oils are made from more advanced refining processes and are of a higher purity and quality than conventional mineral oils. This advance refining includes not only removes more impurities from the crude oil, it also enables individual molecules in the oil to be tailored to the demands of modern engines. These customized molecules provide higher levels of protection and performance, even in extreme conditions.

So synthetic oils are pure compounds, less vulnerable to oxidation, highly resistant to breakdown, and uniform in molecular size. Their molecular size uniformity keeps synthetics from jellying when it's cold (they do not contain waxes), and its specific molecular structure keeps it from thinning-out under heat; therefore, the lubricant's protective characteristics are more predictable. The saturated molecules created from the synthetic process are also non-hydrophilic and won't emulsify or produce undesirable by-products in high-humidity environments.

Advantages of Synthetic Oil

• synthetic oil doesn't contain the naturally occurring chemicals that break down at high temperatures. Manufactured without many of the chemical compositions that contribute to oil oxidation and sludge buildup. Synthetic oil can tolerate temperatures that would burn up petroleum-based oils.

The Behavior of Both Oil Types In Low Temperature

• Synthetic oil performs admirably in heat, but also offers many benefits in extreme cold. Petroleum-based motor oil thickens in cold temperatures, requiring the starter and battery to work much harder to start a cold engine. Synthetic oil is not as affected by low temperatures, and it will flow much easier at engine start-up. As an added benefit, the cold temperature properties allow it to be quickly pumped throughout the engine, offering much improved start-up protection against friction.

• Custom-designed synthetic oils contain many additives. These keep the inside of the engine clean, and add additional engine protection for extended periods.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Oil

Put simply, the biggest disadvantage of synthetic oil is price. With a much more intense manufacturing process involved, synthetic motor oil costs nearly four times the price of petroleum-based motor oil. This means an oil change that would typically cost $20 could cost nearly $80. However, I personally don't see this as too much of a disadvantage since synthetics are more durable, oil changes are not needed as often, and this fact partially negates the cost disadvantage of synthetics.

So What Motor Oil Should You Go For?

There is little doubt that synthetic oil offers superior engine protection under extreme operating conditions. But we need not be too cautious, trying to kill a fly with a Sword. For many owners operating vehicles in conditions that warrant the additional engine protection of synthetic motor oil. However, For most owners, petroleum-based motor oils are just fine. The key for them may just be to change the oil at the manufacturer's recommended interval (found in the owner's manual) and their vehicle will reward them with a long service life.

When should i go for Synthetic Oil?

If your vehicle is turbocharged, used for towing heavy loads, driven on the racetrack, or operated in extreme temperatures, synthetic oil may be beneficial for extended engine life. Each of these harsh operating conditions demand more from your engine and motor oil, and synthetic oil can deliver the needed protection.

One other reason to consider synthetic motor oil is extended periods between oil changes. Petroleum-based oils generally require replacement every 3,500 to 7,500 miles, depending on service use. Synthetic oils can easily offer double the service life as their chemical composition does not break down over time. Several manufacturers have taken advantage of this and supply synthetic oil in their vehicles from the factory to extend oil-change intervals and extend engine longevity. Check your owner's manual or ask your service adviser if synthetic motor oil may be right for your vehicle or driving style.