What is Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil?
1 Answers
Semi-synthetic engine oil is actually a blended oil, formulated by mixing fully synthetic base oil and mineral oil in a certain proportion. This allows semi-synthetic oil to perform closer to fully synthetic oil while maintaining a more moderate price, serving as a transitional product between mineral oil and fully synthetic oil. Engine oils in common use can be categorized into three main types based on their base oils: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. The primary difference among these three types lies in the base oils used. More details are as follows: 1. Mineral oil is derived from the lower-quality residual materials after petroleum refining, processed into base oil through hydrocracking. Its biggest advantage is low cost, making it the most widely used and affordable option, though it offers the poorest lubrication performance. 2. Fully synthetic oil is made from high-quality raw materials such as natural gas, olefins, soft wax, and premium mineral oil, processed using advanced synthetic technologies like PAO, XVHl, VHV, GTL, and XTL. Due to the superior raw materials and technology, fully synthetic base oils outperform mineral oils in longevity, low-temperature fluidity, oxidation resistance, high-temperature shear resistance, noise reduction, and cleanliness, albeit at a higher price. 3. Semi-synthetic oil, as mentioned, is a blend of fully synthetic base oil and mineral oil in specific proportions, offering performance closer to fully synthetic oil at a more moderate price, acting as a bridge between mineral and fully synthetic oils. 4. Naturally aspirated engines can use any type of oil, whereas turbocharged engines require semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil due to their higher demands on oil quality. The choice should be made based on actual conditions.
