How many types of fully synthetic engine oil are there?
4 Answers
Fully synthetic engine oil is divided into two types: fully synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil is the highest grade. Increased fuel consumption: When adding engine oil, the oil level should be between the upper and lower limits on the dipstick. If too much oil is added, the engine temperature will rise, causing the oil to expand in volume. This increases the pressure in the oil chamber, raises operating resistance, reduces vehicle power, and leads to increased fuel consumption. Overfilling engine oil: If too much oil is added, the crankcase vent pipe may leak oil. The increased pressure in the crankcase can loosen the oil seals due to oil pressure, resulting in oil leaks. Heat dissipation: Overfilling engine oil can affect the engine's heat dissipation.
I've always been a car enthusiast and know quite a bit about full synthetic oils. They mainly fall into two categories: polyalphaolefin (PAO) type and ester type. The PAO kind is very common, with many major brands using this base oil. It performs exceptionally well in both high and low temperatures, making it suitable for cars in northern winters or those with high-revving engines. The ester type, on the other hand, offers superior lubrication and is often used in racing or sports cars to reduce wear, though it's a bit more expensive. Additionally, some experts mention polyether types, but these are less common in the market. When choosing oil, consider your car type—PAO is fine for regular family cars, while high-performance vehicles might consider ester types, paired with the right viscosity like 5W-30 or 0W-20. This can extend engine life and reduce oil change frequency, typically needing a change only every 10,000 kilometers, saving both money and hassle. Remember, never skimp on full synthetic oil by buying blended versions—purity is what matters most.
Having worked in automotive maintenance for many years, I believe full synthetic oils can be categorized from a performance perspective into several types: First, API standards such as SP and SN, with SP being the latest and offering better oxidation resistance; second, ACEA classifications suitable for European cars, like A3/B4; and third, viscosity grades such as 5W-40 or 10W-30, depending on engine requirements. In terms of base oils, PAO synthetics dominate, offering strong stability ideal for daily driving, while ester-based oils provide superior lubrication suited for heavy-duty vehicles. For oil changes, I recommend using full synthetic oil as it prevents carbon buildup and reduces noise, especially for long-term driving in congested urban conditions. I advise car owners to select viscosity based on the manual and check certification labels to ensure compatibility, avoiding random mixing that could cause issues. After all, high-quality full synthetic oil can improve fuel efficiency by up to 5%.
As an average car owner, I've inquired about oil changes. There are basically two types of full synthetic oils: PAO-based ones, which are used for most cars and offer good wear resistance; and ester-based ones, which are preferred for racing. Choosing oil mainly depends on viscosity, like 5W-30 which is versatile. Actually, the classification is simple, don't overcomplicate it. Using full synthetic oil can reduce maintenance frequency, changing it once a year is sufficient.
