What are synthetic engine oils?
2 Answers
Synthetic engine oils, in the strictest sense, refer to high-quality oil products that are 100% made from PAO (polyalphaolefins) or artificially synthesized esters. These oils are generally labeled with the word "synthetic" on the oil container. Synthetic engine oils are manufactured using chemical synthesis methods. Depending on their intended use, the composition of synthetic oils can be adjusted. The development of synthetic engine oils began in the 1930s when the demanding conditions of aircraft engine oils required higher-performance lubricants, prompting some chemical plants to start researching and producing synthetic oils. Semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oils are two categories of engine oils. The main difference between them is that fully synthetic oils have a wider temperature range and a longer service life. For the same oil film requirements, synthetic oils can achieve the desired performance with lower viscosity, whereas semi-synthetic oils require a relatively higher viscosity to meet the same requirements. Under the same working conditions, fully synthetic oils can protect the engine with lower viscosity.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe synthetic oil primarily refers to those engine oils that are artificially manufactured through chemical methods, rather than being directly refined from crude oil like mineral oils. The characteristics of synthetic oil include more stable and uniform molecules, resistance to oxidation and degradation at high temperatures, and excellent low-temperature fluidity, ensuring the engine starts easily even in sub-zero winter conditions. For instance, fully synthetic oils like Mobil 1, which are entirely artificially synthesized, offer significant engine protection. Compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils have a much longer lifespan. While regular mineral oils need to be changed every 5,000 kilometers, synthetic oils can easily go up to 15,000 kilometers without issues. When selecting, pay attention to the viscosity index, with common grades like SAE 5W-30 being suitable for most vehicles. From my personal experience, using synthetic oil has reduced engine noise and minimized wear, saving money in the long run. Some semi-synthetic oils are blends, offering good cost-performance but not as reliable in performance as fully synthetic oils.
