How to quickly identify fully synthetic lubricants
Release date:
2022-07-13
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Abstract
Synthetic oil is produced through chemical synthesis or refining processes, which are complex and costly to manufacture. It offers advantages that mineral oil cannot match. Synthetic oil was first developed by the Germans during World War II and gained widespread use in the 20th century. In developed countries in Europe and North America, most vehicles now use fully synthetic motor oil, with oil‑change intervals extending up to three years. It demonstrates exceptional performance in engine protection, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Synthetic oil is produced by polymerizing and catalyzing ethylene and propylene—derived from associated gas or natural gas in crude oil—through a series of complex chemical reactions (such as the Fischer–Tropsch process, also known as GTL technology) to yield a high‑molecular‑weight base oil. By nature, it utilizes the higher‑quality fractions of crude oil, subjecting them to controlled chemical transformations to achieve a desired molecular structure. Its molecules are neatly arranged, giving it strong resistance to external variables; consequently, synthetic oil exhibits superior quality, with markedly greater thermal stability, antioxidant performance, and resistance to viscosity changes compared to mineral oil.
The base oils of fully synthetic lubricants—polyalphaolefins (PAOs) or esters—are miscible with mineral oils, making it difficult for the average consumer to distinguish them visually. Today, the primary method of differentiation is price: because the production costs of synthetic base oils are significantly higher, fully synthetic motor oils typically carry a higher retail price than their mineral‑oil counterparts.
Many brands on the market claim to offer fully synthetic PAO or ester‑based oils, but in most cases these claims are little more than vague buzzwords—such as “synthetic technology,” “suspension technology,” or “nanotechnology.” Such conceptual and imprecise hype does not equate to truly fully synthetic motor oil.
Modern automotive technology is continually advancing, and engine lubricants have kept pace, fully entering the synthetic era. Naturally, their price has risen accordingly, but there’s a good reason for that: synthetic lubricants offer unique performance characteristics that meet demands beyond the capabilities of conventional mineral oils.
Low-temperature fluidity | When a vehicle is left with the engine off overnight—especially in winter—the lubricant’s temperature drops significantly, causing its viscosity to increase. Upon restarting the engine, it must be able to flow immediately to minimize wear on engine components.
High-Temperature Stability | High engine temperatures accelerate oil oxidation, leading to performance degradation and increased engine wear. High-temperature stability is a measure of a lubricant’s resistance to oxidation and shear.
Abrasion resistance | The relatively moving parts inside an engine experience continuous friction during high-speed operation; this refers to the lubricant’s ability to consistently form a protective film between those components.
Cleanliness | The ability of lubricating oil to clean carbon deposits and disperse sludge as it circulates within the engine.
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