Differences Between Mineral Oil and Synthetic Oil?

[DePhoebe]

Compared to mineral oil, synthetic engine oil has the advantages of slower oil degradation, longer lifespan, better low-temperature fluidity, and superior high-temperature protection performance. In other words, synthetic oil can operate effectively across a wider temperature range and has a longer service life. For the same shear resistance requirement, synthetic oil can achieve the desired performance with a lower viscosity, whereas mineral oil requires a relatively higher viscosity to meet the same standard. Additionally, synthetic oil outperforms mineral oil in terms of rust prevention, corrosion resistance, and sealing effectiveness. Below is an introduction to mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil: 1. Mineral oil is the residual oil left after refining gasoline and heavy oil from petroleum. Although mineral oil is a natural oil, it contains more impurities. It is cheaper than semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils but provides inferior lubrication for the engine and has a shorter service life. If a car uses mineral oil, it is recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers for optimal engine protection. 2. Semi-synthetic oil falls between mineral oil and full-synthetic oil. It contains a significant amount of anti-corrosion additives to enhance oil stability and oxidation resistance. Semi-synthetic oil is the most commonly used oil in 4S shops. With a typical replacement interval of 7,000-8,000 kilometers or six months, it meets the needs of the majority of vehicles in the domestic market. 3. Full-synthetic oil is the highest quality and most durable among the three types, but it is also the most expensive. Generally, it can maintain its performance for 10,000-12,000 kilometers in passenger cars. However, for safety reasons, it is advisable to replace full-synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers or within eight months. Special cases may vary—for example, if the car is not frequently used and exceeds eight months without reaching 10,000 kilometers, the oil change interval can be appropriately extended.