People who drive high-performance vehicles today must use engine lubricants that will remain completely effective during extreme temperature fluctuations. These substances are not directly derived from petroleum, but are actually formulated using organic compounds and other types of hydrocarbons. Although everyday drivers understand that there are differences, most people are unsure whether or not to buy synthetic oil.
When the German war effort was in danger of losing its oil supplies during World War II, a substitute was hastily developed to keep the machines moving. Human conflicts often speed the development of technology, and these products are one example of an unintended but positive outcome. Over seventy years later the same basic manufacturing principles are used to make a variety of lubricants, from pure synthetics to blended products.
Even though supplies are still comparatively abundant, the price of crude is high due to increased world demand. As is often the case, improving on nature has proven somewhat expensive, and using synthetics in a routine oil change costs about twice as much. This added expense raises consumer eyebrows in a time when middle-class income is barely growing, and the price of gasoline rarely if ever decreases.
While it might also seem that a specifically designed product would eliminate many of the environmental issues associated with petroleum, that is not strictly the case. The chemicals in these fluids are not benign, and have a measurable air-quality impact. Yet even with their higher cost and environmental effect, they are being increasingly recommended by auto manufacturers as a better form of routine auto care.
In the early days, advertising campaigns for these products stressed questionable claims regarding additives and performance. While that did little to curry public favor, the fact remains that the agencies were actually correct in their overall assessments. Because important internal atomic structures are modified during the manufacturing process, individual molecules become nearly equal in size, creating a superior lubricant.
Reduced engine friction can increase horsepower, while cutting down on normal internal wear and tear. Although statistically controversial, there are claims that overall mileage rates improve, and lower volatility reduces exhaust vapor emissions. Burn-off is reduced, and viscosity remains stable. During the icy blasts of winter synthetics still flow freely, and perform equally well under the extreme heat of high-performance stress.
The interval between recommended oil changes is twice as long when synthetics are used. Thermal degradation and ongoing oxidation can turn clean standard weight oil into sludge fairly quickly, but the additives and atomic structure in synthetics helps to retain viscosity, while protecting from acidic damage. These lubricants are not only recommended, but necessary for engines with ultra-precise tolerances.
Even when not specifically necessary, using these products can help a vehicle run better and longer. While it is advisable to heed the advice of the manufacturer regarding oil use, mixing synthetic and standard products will not cause damage to most engines. Having a cleaner running vehicle benefits everyone, and until the time comes when hydrocarbon-based lubricants are no longer needed, synthetics are an excellent choice.
When the German war effort was in danger of losing its oil supplies during World War II, a substitute was hastily developed to keep the machines moving. Human conflicts often speed the development of technology, and these products are one example of an unintended but positive outcome. Over seventy years later the same basic manufacturing principles are used to make a variety of lubricants, from pure synthetics to blended products.
Even though supplies are still comparatively abundant, the price of crude is high due to increased world demand. As is often the case, improving on nature has proven somewhat expensive, and using synthetics in a routine oil change costs about twice as much. This added expense raises consumer eyebrows in a time when middle-class income is barely growing, and the price of gasoline rarely if ever decreases.
While it might also seem that a specifically designed product would eliminate many of the environmental issues associated with petroleum, that is not strictly the case. The chemicals in these fluids are not benign, and have a measurable air-quality impact. Yet even with their higher cost and environmental effect, they are being increasingly recommended by auto manufacturers as a better form of routine auto care.
In the early days, advertising campaigns for these products stressed questionable claims regarding additives and performance. While that did little to curry public favor, the fact remains that the agencies were actually correct in their overall assessments. Because important internal atomic structures are modified during the manufacturing process, individual molecules become nearly equal in size, creating a superior lubricant.
Reduced engine friction can increase horsepower, while cutting down on normal internal wear and tear. Although statistically controversial, there are claims that overall mileage rates improve, and lower volatility reduces exhaust vapor emissions. Burn-off is reduced, and viscosity remains stable. During the icy blasts of winter synthetics still flow freely, and perform equally well under the extreme heat of high-performance stress.
The interval between recommended oil changes is twice as long when synthetics are used. Thermal degradation and ongoing oxidation can turn clean standard weight oil into sludge fairly quickly, but the additives and atomic structure in synthetics helps to retain viscosity, while protecting from acidic damage. These lubricants are not only recommended, but necessary for engines with ultra-precise tolerances.
Even when not specifically necessary, using these products can help a vehicle run better and longer. While it is advisable to heed the advice of the manufacturer regarding oil use, mixing synthetic and standard products will not cause damage to most engines. Having a cleaner running vehicle benefits everyone, and until the time comes when hydrocarbon-based lubricants are no longer needed, synthetics are an excellent choice.
