What are the benefits of switching to full synthetic oil?
4 Answers
The benefits of switching to full synthetic oil are: 1. Synthetic oil has a wider temperature range compared to semi-synthetic and mineral oils; 2. Synthetic oil is less prone to deterioration, has lower evaporation loss, and a longer service life than conventional oil; 3. It offers excellent chemical stability, good radiation resistance, high oil film strength, minimal foaming, superior lubrication, and reduced wear; 4. Full synthetic oil has less thermal degradation, saves fuel, and provides better engine protection. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Start the vehicle engine to warm it up; 2. Loosen the drain plug; 3. Remove the oil filter; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter; 5. Pour the new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks under the engine and use the dipstick to verify oil level before starting the engine for testing.
As an average driver, I find the biggest advantage of switching to full synthetic oil is the time and hassle it saves. With conventional mineral oil, I had to visit the repair shop every three months, and when there were many cars, I had to wait in long queues, which was really annoying. After switching to full synthetic, I can go over six months or 10,000 kilometers before needing an oil change, saving a lot of time and effort. The car starts more smoothly, and the engine noise is much quieter—it feels like the overall lubrication has improved. There's also a slight improvement in fuel economy; my city driving fuel consumption has dropped by a few tenths of a liter per 100 kilometers, which adds up to some fuel savings over time. In cold winters, its better flow ensures quick engine starts, eliminating the trouble of difficult cold-weather starts. Overall, life has become easier. Though it costs a bit more, the convenience and peace of mind are worth it. I recommend busy people give it a try—it can transform your daily driving experience and make car maintenance much more effortless and efficient.
From a technical perspective, fully synthetic oil has a more uniform and stable molecular structure, providing superior lubrication and anti-wear protection. Conventional mineral oils with uneven molecular sizes can lead to increased friction, while synthetic oils maintain viscosity under high temperature and pressure, extending the lifespan of engine components such as piston rings and crankshafts. After using it, my engine operates at more stable temperatures, and the oil change interval can be extended to 10,000-15,000 kilometers with cleaner oil and fewer impurities. It flows quickly at low temperatures, reducing startup wear during cold starts. Although it's more expensive, its excellent thermal stability prevents oil film breakdown, especially performing well in turbocharged engines to avoid overheating damage. Modern vehicles are designed with precision, making fully synthetic oil a wise long-term choice to ensure efficient and reliable engine operation.
I've done the math: Switching to full synthetic oil initially costs 20-30 yuan more per liter, but the benefit is doubled oil change intervals. Take my car as an example - mineral oil requires changes every 5,000 km at about 200 yuan for materials and labor, while full synthetic lasts 10,000 km per change at around 300 yuan. This saves one 200-yuan oil change annually plus queuing time. With 2-5% better fuel efficiency, driving 20,000 km/year could save 100 yuan in fuel. Combined savings break even in the first year. Long-term benefits include reduced engine wear and potential maintenance savings - a worthwhile investment. I recommend calculating it in your expense tracker; you'll discover actual cost savings.
