Is Fuchs PT7 Engine Oil Fully Synthetic?
4 Answers
Fuchs PT7 engine oil is not fully synthetic. Below is relevant information about synthetic oil: 1. Introduction to synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or gas in crude oil, which then undergoes complex chemical reactions (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology, i.e., GTL technology) to refine into large-molecule base oil. 2. Advantages of synthetic oil: Synthetic oil has a higher viscosity index, so it has better viscosity-temperature characteristics, providing more sufficient lubrication at high temperatures and better fluidity at low temperatures (appearing thinner than mineral oil of the same grade at room temperature). Engine oil blended with synthetic oil has stronger oxidation resistance, significantly extending the oil change interval. Although the investment in oil increases, the number of oil and filter changes is reduced.
I previously researched Volkswagen's motor oil product line, and the PT7 series is indeed a full synthetic oil. This series utilizes advanced synthetic base oils and additive formulations, providing superior anti-wear performance and high-temperature stability. Particularly the PT7 5W-40 variant, it excels in low-temperature fluidity, offering excellent cold-start protection. The biggest advantage of full synthetic oil is its extended oil change interval, lasting about 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers longer than mineral oil. However, it's important to note that some car owners might mistake the semi-synthetic PT5 for the PT7. Additionally, I've found that this type of oil is especially suitable for German turbocharged vehicles, as it effectively reduces engine noise in practice.
When I maintained my own car, I specifically compared and confirmed that Fuchs PT7 is indeed part of the full synthetic oil series. Its base oil technology is relatively advanced, with high content of synthetic components like polyolefins, providing excellent cleaning performance and being less prone to sludge formation over long-term use. However, full synthetic oils also vary in grade, and PT7 is considered mid-to-high-end within the Fuchs range, outperforming the entry-level full synthetic oils in the Titan series. Once, a mechanic mentioned that this oil performs very stably under extreme temperatures, making it especially suitable for cars that frequently go on long trips. But I must remind you to pay attention to the certification standards on the packaging when purchasing—only those meeting VW 502 are genuine products.
The Volkswagen PT7 engine oil is fully synthetic, which is certain. The biggest difference between fully synthetic oil and mineral oil lies in the more uniform molecular structure of the base oil, providing more stable lubrication. The PT7 series uses Group III+ base oil, which has much stronger shear resistance compared to conventional oils, making it particularly suitable for turbocharged vehicles. From my personal experience, throttle response noticeably improves after an oil change. Additionally, the replacement interval for fully synthetic oil is typically 10,000 kilometers, which is much more convenient than mineral oil. However, it's important to note that different viscosity grades have different performance focuses: 5W-40 offers stronger low-temperature protection, while 5W-30 is more fuel-efficient.
