What are the differences between synthetic oil and full synthetic oil?
2 Answers
Synthetic oil and full synthetic oil differ in three aspects. The following are the differences between synthetic technology oil and full synthetic oil: Full synthetic oil has better high and low temperature performance compared to synthetic technology oil; full synthetic oil has a longer oil change interval than synthetic technology oil; full synthetic oil is more suitable for harsher vehicle conditions than synthetic technology oil. Here is information about synthetic technology oil and full synthetic oil: Synthetic technology oil is obtained through chemical synthesis or refining processes, which are complex and costly. Full synthetic oil is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or crude oil's gas components, which then undergo polymerization, catalysis, and other complex chemical reactions to form large-molecule base oils. Synthetic oil is a product of modern chemical technology advancement. Synthetic oils have many advantages. For example, synthetic oils have higher lubricity than mineral oils, lower friction resistance, are less prone to oxidation, and have stronger cleaning properties. Essentially, full synthetic oil uses the better components of crude oil, undergoes chemical reactions, and achieves the desired molecular form through human control. Its molecules are neatly arranged, giving it strong resistance to external variables. Therefore, synthetic oil has better quality, with significantly superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity change resistance compared to mineral oil.
I drive a ten-year-old car and don't use it much, but to save money, I've tried both synthetic and full synthetic oils, and the difference is quite noticeable. Synthetic oil is more like a blend of mineral oil and artificial grease, cheaper in price, with an oil change interval of around 5,000 kilometers, suitable for city commuting. However, it tends to thin out at high temperatures, leading to increased engine noise. Full synthetic oil is purely artificial, with higher quality base oil, quicker starts in winter, and stronger oil film protection, allowing the engine to run longer. It's especially suitable for long-distance driving or extreme weather conditions, with an oil change interval extendable to 10,000 kilometers. It's more worry-free but also more expensive. I think the choice depends on the car's condition: older cars can use synthetic oil, while new or performance cars should opt for full synthetic—don't skimp on small savings and risk big problems.