Is synthetic oil better or semi-synthetic oil better?
2 Answers
Synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil are defined as follows: 1. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil uses semi-synthetic base oil, which is a lubricant formulated from Group III base oils internationally. It is a product refined from mineral oil through hydro-cracking technology, with purity very close to that of full synthetic oil, making it an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil. 2. Synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is 100% made from PAO (polyalphaolefin) or high-quality oil artificially formulated. Its advantages include excellent stability, better lubrication effect under the same grade, and a longer service life. Due to the superior stability and fluidity of synthetic oils, they perform exceptionally well in both cold starts during winter and high-temperature resistance in summer. Additionally, with their extended service life, they provide the best possible protection for the engine.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, let me share my thoughts on choosing between synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oil. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered with superior performance—it flows quickly even in sub-zero winter temperatures, protecting the engine from cold-start wear, and resists oxidation under high summer heat, significantly extending engine life. However, it’s pricier, costing around 100 RMB more per bottle. Semi-synthetic oil, a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offers great value for money and suits most daily city driving, keeping the engine smooth and quiet. Personally, I now use semi-synthetic more often since my driving is just for commuting, making top-tier performance unnecessary. Always check your car’s manual—some new models require synthetic oil exclusively. Driving habits matter too: synthetic oil holds up better for frequent long-distance or high-speed driving. But with regular changes every 5,000 to 7,500 km, semi-synthetic works just fine.
