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Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic oil

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In this guide to synthetic oil lubricants, we examine their application in different industries and consider the arguments for and against.

According to data from Consumer Reports, synthetic oil has become the standard lubricant in many industries in recent years. Purchasers are nevertheless urged to approach a reliable brand and check manufacturer guidance to avoid the risk of machinery wear.

What is synthetic oil?

Synthetic oils were first developed in 1929, and originally made for high performance military vehicles and aircraft. Evolution in the lubricants market has seen them used elsewhere across multiple industries.

Normal mineral lubricants are a complex mixture of aromatic, paraffins, isoparaffins and naphthenic (cycloparaffins) molecules that come in varying proportions and ranging in carbon numbers. Synthetic oil, however, is a man-made lubricant composed of artificially made compounds, which are formed by the reassembly of chemically modified materials such as petroleum molecules. The base material can be wholly synthetic, or a partial synthetic blend derived from different base types.

Full synthetic lubricants are designed without petroleum and include additives intended to assist with oil degradation. Conversely, a synthetic blend fuses conventional oil and synthetic base stock, which adds extra protection. There are various synthetics with different properties and applications, but for the purpose of this article, the cited synthetics are polyalphaolefins (PAO).

Comparing synthetic and conventional oil

In many industries, machinery is compatible with either synthetic or traditional mineral oil, but superior performance is usually attributed to the former.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) carried out tests assessing key physical, chemical and performance properties. These included volatility, rust resistance, shear stability, deposit formation, colder temperature pumpability and viscosity. When comparing different oil types, it found that synthetic oils beat conventional oils by 47% across a range of criteria.

Advantages of synthetic oil?

Synthetic lubricants have a number of attributes that give them the edge. Its main advantage, and the main reason for its popularity, is the fact that it enjoys greater longevity than conventional oil. When used in vehicles, the recommended change interval for synthetic oil is estimated at every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, although some brands claim a much longer interval at 15,000 to 25,000 miles.

At very low temperatures, mineral oil may thicken and thereby not circulate properly, resulting in machinery failure. Synthetic oils ensure a cleaner engine with conventional mineral oils more vulnerable to chemical degradation than synthetics. As a result, harmful properties can include combustion, fuel and water contamination, pro-oxidants, metal particles and acids. Oil degradation is a factor in rust, corrosion, viscosity change and reduced engine performance. Synthetic oil includes detergency and dispersant properties that prevent the build-up of engine sludge.

Additionally, synthetics have a higher viscosity index and, as such, there is less change in the film thickness or friction between metal surfaces as engine temperatures oscillate. They therefore offer far better protection from friction with a superior film strength minimising metal-to-metal contact, meaning reduced wear and an extended and more efficient component life.

They are also more sustainable than mineral oils, which means less exhaustion and air pollution. Reduced engine deposits help keep the engine clean and maintain optimal performance. With extended drain intervals and enhanced performance, this results in reduced oil consumption, thus minimising waste and, by extension, any environmental impact.

Disadvantages of synthetic oil

One drawback with synthetic oil is that it costs twice or even four times as much a conventional oil. Research has found that some multi-grade oils using synthetics show only marginally less fuel economy. Moreover, machinery engines can be vulnerable to seal leaks and additives precipitation in cold storage conditions.

Synthetic base oils can have compatibility challenges with additives, and need to be correctly tailored with the right additives to produce the desired performance. This may result in the stratification of select additives and their potential separation from the oil.

Conclusion

Although synthetics are widely agreed to offer a more rewarding performance, they will cost more than conventional mineral oil, so it is important to consult the manufacturer’s guide and identify the best and most cost-effective lubricant for your machinery. However, depending on how long you plan to keep your machinery operating in top shape, opting for an excellent quality synthetic oil may help to extend its lifespan, making it a good return on investment as this will mitigate the risk of costly repairs later down the line.

In general terms, synthetic is often the recommended choice, provided the correct viscosity grade and other oil requirements are met. It is, however, always worth conducting your own research before making your choice.

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