Is SAE Fully Synthetic Oil?
2 Answers
SAE is not necessarily fully synthetic oil. Here is the relevant introduction: Oil classification: Motor oil can be divided into fully synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil based on quality grades. The best quality is fully synthetic oil, followed by semi-synthetic oil, and the lowest quality is mineral oil. 5w30 oil is not entirely fully synthetic oil because all three types of oil share this oil specification. Characteristics of fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil has better high and low-temperature performance; it has a longer oil change interval; it is suitable for more severe vehicle conditions. Differences between synthetic and semi-synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is a product of modern chemical technology advancements. Synthetic oil has many advantages. For example, synthetic oil has higher lubricity than mineral oil, lower friction resistance, is less prone to oxidation, and has stronger cleaning properties. Fully synthetic oil can be used over a wider temperature range and has a longer service life; for the same oil film requirements, synthetic oil can achieve this with lower viscosity, while semi-synthetic oil requires a relatively higher viscosity to meet the same requirements.
I often get asked this question—SAE is not the name of an engine oil, but merely a viscosity standard code established by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Full synthetic oil, on the other hand, refers to a type formulated with synthetic base oils. You’ll spot SAE viscosity labels like SAE 5W-30 on the packaging, but those numbers only indicate the oil’s flow characteristics in cold and hot conditions, not whether it’s synthetic. Synthetic oils offer multiple advantages: superior high-temperature resistance, smoother cold starts, and reduced engine wear compared to mineral oils. When choosing oil daily, look for the ‘Full Synthetic’ label or API certification mark on the bottle. We recommend drivers check their oil condition every 5,000 kilometers and select a suitable synthetic oil brand based on viscosity needs. Ultimately, SAE is just a basic label—don’t confuse it with oil types.
