What Is Synthetic Oil?
Motor oil: It’s a fairly simple component of your engine and one of the most crucial. It keeps the engine parts lubricated, clean, and operating at a healthy temperature.
When Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, New Hampshire, drivers need to select new motor oil, they may wonder, “What is synthetic oil, and how does it differ from conventional oil?”
The team here at BMW of Stratham has put together this article to teach you what sets synthetic oil apart and how it can benefit your engine. Schedule a synthetic oil replacement online today.
HOW IS SYNTHETIC OIL DIFFERENT FROM CONVENTIONAL OIL?
Most of us are probably aware of the origins of motor oil. It comes from the Earth itself and, in its raw form, is sometimes called crude oil.
Conventional oil maintains most of its raw properties but has received a couple additives to improve its longevity. For example, in its base form, conventional oil may be incredibly thin in high heat and very thick in the cold. Certain additives help it to endure temperature changes a little easier.
Nevertheless, as conventional oil collects debris, its additives will break down and return to their natural state. That’s when it becomes less effective in vehicles.
Synthetic oil has been chemically constructed and enhanced to fare better in radical temperatures. It will also not change viscosity. Special additives like rust inhibitors and dispersants may improve your car’s performance. Synthetic oil may become slightly thicker after picking up debris over time.
THE BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC OIL
Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil has many advantages. Here are some of the big ones:
- It takes longer for synthetic oil to break down.
As we mentioned, synthetic oil fares far better in extreme temperatures, even when your engine experiences significant friction. It has a high resistance to viscosity breakdown, so the time between changes is lengthened. - You’ll have longer intervals between synthetic oil replacements.
Exactly how many miles can you go when using synthetic oil in your vehicle? On average, the oil only needs to be changed every 10,000-15,000 miles. That’s far fewer changes than you’d have to get with conventional oil, which may have to be changed every 3,000 miles. - There’s the potential for better fuel economy with synthetic oil.
This benefit depends on the configuration of your engine. However, in many cases, drivers have seen better fuel economy when their car is filled with synthetic oil. - Your engine will stay cleaner.
As synthetic oil circulates through your engine, sometimes deposits of oil form. Since synthetic oil has fewer impurities, it creates fewer sludge deposits than conventional oil, keeping your engine cleaner over time.
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IS SYNTHETIC OIL WORTH IT FOR YOUR CAR?
Synthetic oil is slightly more expensive than conventional oil, but with all the above advantages, we’d have to say that it certainly is. Some luxury vehicles require synthetic oil. This is due to the engine configuration and operation, including engines with turbocharging capabilities.
If you’re wondering what kind of synthetic oil to choose for your car, your owner’s manual is the best place to start. Consult it before heading to your mechanic to determine what oil will best serve your make and model.
TYPES OF SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL
There are two general types of synthetic motor oil: full synthetic and synthetic blend.
Full synthetic motor oil is made for vehicles that demand top performance and higher engine lubrication levels. This type of oil can help improve fuel efficiency. Luxury vehicles, high-performance models, and those vehicles in extreme temperatures benefit from this type of synthetic oil.
Synthetic blend motor oil offers a mix of conventional and synthetic motor oil. It comes with some additives to help with temperature resistance and oxidation. Those who want to switch to synthetic oil may start with this oil before moving to full synthetic oil.
SYNTHETIC OIL ADDITIVES
Every kind of oil, from conventional to synthetic, has a few additives. These additives enhance certain qualities of the oil and make it better for the vehicles we drive. Some of the additives in the oil can include:
- Antioxidants
- Foam inhibitors
- Dispersants
- Detergents
- Friction modifiers
- Rust and corrosion inhibitors
Antioxidants are an additive that slows oxidation and deposit formation in oil. This helps to keep the engine clean and extends the overall life of your oil.
Foam inhibitors prevent the oil from foaming or bubbling. If it foams or bubbles, it can’t stick to important parts of the engine to keep it cool and lubricated.
Dispersants are additives that help your vehicle’s oil absorb contaminants so they can’t damage your engine. After a while, your oil will become too full of debris and must be changed.
Detergents help to prevent rust, corrosion, and deposits from forming along the piston ring, piston under the crown, and other hot engine surfaces.
Friction modifier additives reduce friction in your engine as the oil circulates. This helps your engine to perform as it should in higher temperatures or when towing heavy cargo.
Rust and corrosion inhibitors create a protective coating on the engine’s internal parts exposed to acid and moisture. This layer protects those parts from any rust or corrosion from that moisture and acid.
HOW DO I KNOW IT’S TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE?
Specific synthetic oil replacement durations for your vehicle may depend on your driving habits. Those who tow or drive less often may require oil changes more frequently than those who take consistent, lightweight drives.
Many vehicles today come with oil life monitors that can recommend when your next oil change should be. There’s also a dashboard light that will come on when your oil is low or too dirty. If you’re unsure, you or a technician can check the condition of your oil via a dipstick under your vehicle’s hood. If the oil level is below the mark on the dipstick or looks dirty, it’s time to schedule a synthetic oil replacement.
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT OIL CHANGE AT BMW OF STRATHAM
Has the oil light come on in your car? If so, you shouldn’t wait. Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, NH, area drivers can contact BMW of Stratham today to schedule an appointment. Schedule your next synthetic oil replacement today either online or by phone.
