Synthetic Oils

     A question that I’m often asked “what are benefits in using synthetic oils”. Before we get into that let’s discuss what synthetic oil actually is? First off synthetic oil is not actually oil at all. As the name implies synthetic oil is a man made combination of chemicals that are tailored to mimic the characteristic of crude derived oils.
     The production process is not new. First developed by the Germans in the Second World War to augment the lack of crude oil available. They were so successful that by the end of the war their production levels had reached millions of tons. They not only synthesized oil, but, produced fuel and even developed synthetic rubbers. In Canada synthetic oil is produced at the Syncrude plant in Alberta. So efficient, this facility supplies about 14% of Canada's petroleum output.
     What are the advantages of synthetic oil? Well synthetic can withstand higher running temperatures and higher pressures than regular oil without breaking down. Synthetic has a higher lubricity factor. (It’s more slippier, if that makes sense). These characteristics give the engine better lubrication on cold starts, making cold starts easier. Better Resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown. Extended drain intervals. Chemical stability. It’s just better for the engine overall. So, why doesn’t everybody use synthetic? Initial costs are greater than petroleum-based oils. The lower friction co-efficient may make them unsuitable for engine break-in although we are starting to see many new car manufactures installing synthetic as the initial fill. There also is the potential of damage to plastic components running in the presence of the chemicals that make up the lubricant. For the average motorist synthetic has no real advantage, as these higher stress levels are ever reached. However; if you are towing, or working the vehicle synthetic might be beneficial.
     In 1972, AMSOIL was the first company to come out with an API approved synthetic motor oil for passenger vehicles. I remember the AMSOIL sales rep coming to our shop trying to sell us on this product. Nobody believed the claims the guy made and he never made the sale. Build a better mouse trap and they’ll come running? Not always. It took 20 years before the product was widely accepted.