What are the differences between fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral engine oils?

[CharlesRose]

Here are the specific differences between fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral engine oils: 1. Fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil is a high-grade product among engine oils. It is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or crude oil, which undergo complex chemical reactions such as polymerization and catalysis to form a lubricating fluid composed of large molecules. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a type of automotive engine oil made from semi-synthetic base oil, specifically Group III base oil internationally. It is a product refined from mineral oil through hydro-cracking technology and is a mixture of mineral oil and fully synthetic oil in a 4:6 ratio. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of fully synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than mineral oil; it is an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil. 3. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a lubricating oil refined from petroleum. The base oil of mineral oil is the residual bottom oil left after the useful light substances (such as aviation fuel, gasoline, etc.) are fractionated from crude oil during the refining process.