What's the Difference Between Full Synthetic Oil and Mineral Oil?
2 Answers
The biggest differences between the two are: synthetic oil has a wider temperature range, a longer service life, and higher costs. For the same oil film requirements, synthetic oil can achieve this with a lower viscosity, whereas mineral oil requires a relatively thicker viscosity to meet the same requirements. Below are the relevant introductions: 1. Mineral Oil Mineral oil is the residue left after gasoline and heavy oil are refined from petroleum. Mineral oil is actually a natural oil with more impurities. It is cheaper compared to semi-synthetic and full synthetic oils but provides poorer lubrication for the engine and has a shorter service life. If a car uses mineral oil, it is recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers for better engine performance. 2. Full Synthetic Oil: This is the highest quality and most durable type of oil, and also the most expensive. Generally, it can last for 10,000-12,000 kilometers in a typical car without deteriorating. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended to change full synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers or within 8 months, whichever comes first, unless under special circumstances.
The difference between full synthetic oil and mineral oil is quite significant. Having driven for over a decade, the most noticeable thing for me is that full synthetic provides better protection, especially during summer traffic jams when engine temperatures run high—it handles heat much better than mineral oil. Plus, the engine sounds smoother during cold starts, and it fires right up even in sub-zero winter temperatures. Mineral oil is cheaper, sure, but it needs frequent changes—basically every 5,000 kilometers—whereas full synthetic can last up to 10,000 kilometers. In the long run, full synthetic actually works out more cost-effective, saving on labor fees and trips to the repair shop.
