What are the benefits of synthetic engine oil?
2 Answers
Here are the benefits of using synthetic engine oil: 1. Low evaporation loss: Synthetic oil is generally a pure compound with a narrow boiling point range, resulting in much lower evaporation loss compared to mineral oil. This helps reduce fuel consumption, decrease exhaust emissions, and extend the lifespan of catalytic converters. Additionally, compared to traditional mineral-based engine oils, synthetic oils offer superior chemical stability, better radiation resistance, higher oil film strength, and less foaming. Therefore, high-end vehicles typically opt for synthetic engine oil. 2. Strong high-temperature oxidation resistance: Synthetic oils exhibit far better thermal oxidation stability than mineral-based oils, meaning they are less prone to producing acidic substances and sludge due to oxidation. Under various harsh operating conditions, they provide adequate lubrication and effective protection for the engine, thereby offering a longer service life. 3. Excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics and low-temperature fluidity: Synthetic oils have a higher viscosity index than mineral oils, with viscosity changing less with temperature. At the same high-temperature viscosity, most synthetic oils have lower pour points (or freezing points) and lower low-temperature viscosity compared to mineral oils. For the same oil film requirements, synthetic oils can achieve engine protection with lower viscosity.
I've been using synthetic oil and find it greatly beneficial for daily driving. When I used conventional oil before, the car often took a few extra seconds to start in winter, with frighteningly loud engine noises. But after switching to synthetic oil, the startup became quicker, the noise reduced, and the whole driving experience became smoother and more comfortable. Moreover, synthetic oil flows much better at low temperatures, preventing engine strain in cold weather. Another advantage is the extended oil change interval, increasing from every 5,000 kilometers to 15,000 or even longer, saving me a lot of time and money on oil changes. I've also noticed a slight decrease in fuel consumption, likely because the engine runs more efficiently. In short, as a daily commuter, it makes my car more reliable and reduces the need to constantly think about maintenance.
