Many wonder if "full synthetic" motor oil differs from "100% synthetic" motor oil. Define every word for me here. Are they the same? That's what this blog will examine.
What is Synthetic Engine Oil?
Advanced refining and chemical techniques are used in synthetic oil formulation to generate extremely pure base oils from crude oil or another petroleum-based source. Manufacturers' compositions and production techniques differ. The several synthetic base oils used in lubricants consist of:
Polyalphaolefins (PAO) oil
PAO oil, distinguished for its consistent molecular structure, offers great oxidative stability and performance over a broad temperature range.
Ester-based oil
Appropriate for high-performance applications, it provides improved lubricity and great heat stability.
Group III oil
A refined mineral-based oil is categorized as synthetic because of its enhanced purity and performance qualities. It is often found in semi-synthetic and fully synthetic products.
Group II oil (in semi-synthetic blends)
A highly refined mineral oil provides good oxidation resistance and is commonly combined with Group III oils in semi-synthetic lubricants for balanced performance and economy.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oils sometimes mix several base oils, including Group II and Group III, to balance performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness for various driving circumstances.
Defining "100% Synthetic" & "Full Synthetic"
A brief internet search reveals that others define the terms differently. Some describe "100% synthetic" as motor oil derived from Group IV polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils. By contrast, they characterize "full synthetic" as an oil derived from Group III base oils.
For our purposes here, base oils and additives are the two basic components of every motor oil: synthetic, synthetic-blend, or conventional. There are five groups of base oils:
- Group I & Group II – conventional base oils
- Group III, Group IV & Group V – synthetic base oils
Are Group III Base Oils "Synthetic"?
Those who define the terms differently usually contend that Group III base oils are not really "synthetic." Instead, they claim, these are highly processed ordinary base oils resulting from the production technique applied. Conversely, group IV base oils are "synthetic" in every sense since they are produced via organic synthesis.
What, then, does the industry say about Group III base oils? Are they synthetic or not?
The solution comes from a well-known case involving Mobil* and Castrol*, which began in the late 1990s. Castrol started making an oil that was promoted as "synthetic" using Group III base oils. Mobil said that since Group III base oils were utilized, the oil was not synthetic.
Castrol won the lawsuit, and since then, the sector has characterized Group III base oils as synthetic.
Oil is " synthetic " based on established industry definitions and practices. It may be labeled as such, provided it uses only Group III, Group IV, or Group V base oils in any combination or ratio.
The oil might use 90% Group IV and 10% Group III base oil or 90% Group III and 10% Group IV base oil. It is synthetic oil as long as it uses Groups III, IV, or V base oils.
That being the case, the same thing is described by the terms "100% synthetic" and "full synthetic." They are interchangeable; an oil marketer can use whichever they like if the oil in the container satisfies the "synthetic" industry definition described above.
What About Synthetic-Blend Motor Oil?
Fascinatingly, "synthetic-blend" motor oil has no industry-standard definition. An oil that includes synthetic base oils might be labeled a synthetic blend. One could have 1% synthetic and 99% traditional, or vice versa. I'm not sure; that's what I mean. You generally get what you pay for.
Key Features of Synthetic Engine Oil
Several valuable qualities define synthetic engine oil, including:
Viscosity
It runs consistently over various temperatures because it has a higher and steadier VI than standard mineral engine oils.
Pour point
It flows more readily and effectively in colder temperatures since the pour point is lower than that of mineral engine oils.
Oxidation and thermal stability
Reduce oxidation and increase thermal stability above that of mineral engine oil.
Formation of Sludge
Compared to mineral engine oil, synthetic engine oil generates less sludge.
The Pros and Cons of Synthetic Engine Oil
When straightforwardly compared to mineral engine oil, synthetic engine oil offers:
- Better engine performance.
- A longer interval between oil changes.
- Appropriate protection against the wear and tear of engine components.
- Better engine efficiency increases fuel economy.
- Suitable for high-performance vehicles with high engine demand.
- It is ideal for driving in more extreme temperature conditions.
The disadvantages of using synthetic engine oil include:
- One drawback of synthetic engine oil is its higher starting cost, which is somewhat offset by the less frequent oil changes typically needed.
- Possibly incompatible with some older cars.
Fully Synthetic Oil vs Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil
Since synthetic oils come in two main varieties—fully synthetic and semi-synthetic—it is not a straight choice between mineral or synthetic engine oil. Comparing semi-synthetic engine oil with synthetic oil will help you decide which suits your needs.
Semi-synthetic oil differs primarily from fully synthetic oil in the following ways:
- Fully synthetic oil is composed of synthetic base oils produced in a laboratory by chemical means.
- Semi-synthetic engine oil is a mix of mineral and synthetic base oils.
Semi-synthetic engine oil offers better performance and protection than traditional mineral engine oil and usually costs less than fully synthetic oil. However, it may have to be changed more often and lacks the same degree of performance as fully synthetic oil.
Wrapping Up
Suppose you're unsure whether to opt for fully synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil. In that case, it's a good idea to look at their main differences and apply them to your situation and vehicle. However, always follow the recommendations in your vehicle's manual.
Semi-synthetics generally cost less and might be more suitable if you drive an older vehicle and live in a mild climate, but they will need changing more often. On balance, they offer lower performance and less engine protection over time.
Synthetic oil costs more initially but is compatible with most newer vehicles and should be changed less often than mineral oil. It also offers high-performance levels and good engine protection, especially in demanding driving conditions.
By understanding the differences between semi-synthetic and fully synthetic engine oils, you can choose what is best for your circumstances to help protect your vehicle's engine and improve performance.
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