Full Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil: Which One to Use?
1 Answers
Car maintenance is better with full synthetic engine oil. Full synthetic engine oil outperforms semi-synthetic oil in terms of lubricity, protection, durability, and low-temperature fluidity. Semi-synthetic engine oil: It is a lubricant formulated from semi-synthetic base oil, specifically international Group III base oil. It is a product refined from mineral oil through hydrofracking technology, consisting of a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil in a 4:6 ratio. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of full synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than mineral oil. It serves as an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil. Full synthetic engine oil: To achieve superior oil performance, various oils are chemically synthesized, resulting in chemically synthesized engine oil, commonly referred to as synthetic oil. Full synthetic engine oil offers the following advantages over semi-synthetic oil: Better high and low-temperature performance: Full synthetic oil operates effectively over a wider temperature range and has a longer service life. It can achieve the required performance with lower viscosity, whereas semi-synthetic oil requires a relatively higher viscosity to meet the same requirements. Longer oil change intervals: Engine oil blended with synthetic oil has stronger oxidation resistance, significantly extending the oil change interval. Although the initial investment in oil is higher, it reduces the frequency of oil and filter changes. Better suited for harsher driving conditions: Synthetic oil is more adaptable to higher-load engines, offering superior resistance to high temperatures and shear forces. Even under high-speed engine operation, the oil maintains its viscosity, providing more comprehensive engine protection. Synthetic oil is of higher quality and contributes to better fuel efficiency.