Owners of high-performance automobiles are accustomed to using engine lubricants able to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without losing effectiveness. These are not simply highly refined crude oil mixtures, but are made from other forms of hydrocarbon and organic compounds. Most drivers are aware that there is a difference between the two product types, but do not really know when or whether 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.
Crude petroleum today is relatively abundant, but the price remains high due to increased world demand. Like many human improvements on nature, making a synthetic derivative can actually drive prices higher, as much double the cost of a routine oil change. In an era when personal income shows very little real growth each year, many commuters are already pushing their financial limits just buying gasoline.
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.
Advertisers initially tried to sell synthetics using extravagant and often-disputed claims. Even though that style of marketing proved counter-productive, the products available today are superior to petroleum derivatives in a number of ways. During the manufacturing process, the molecules that comprise certain synthetic hydrocarbons and organic compounds become roughly equal in size, greatly reducing friction.
Being more homogeneous in size cuts friction, resulting in increased horsepower, while reducing overall wear and tear. Not only does this extend the life of a car or truck, but it also decreases the amount of gasoline a vehicle uses over the years. These lubricants flow normally during the coldest days of winter, while fully protecting the engine if the weather and hard driving create extended high temperatures.
The recommended mileage between oil changes is twice that of standard products, mainly because it has a greater resistance to the oxidation process and the type of thermal degradation that can turn engine lubricants into sludge. These products also often contain cleaning additives to help maintain viscosity, and resist damaging acids. Synthetics are necessary for engines with extremely tight 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.
Crude petroleum today is relatively abundant, but the price remains high due to increased world demand. Like many human improvements on nature, making a synthetic derivative can actually drive prices higher, as much double the cost of a routine oil change. In an era when personal income shows very little real growth each year, many commuters are already pushing their financial limits just buying gasoline.
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.
Advertisers initially tried to sell synthetics using extravagant and often-disputed claims. Even though that style of marketing proved counter-productive, the products available today are superior to petroleum derivatives in a number of ways. During the manufacturing process, the molecules that comprise certain synthetic hydrocarbons and organic compounds become roughly equal in size, greatly reducing friction.
Being more homogeneous in size cuts friction, resulting in increased horsepower, while reducing overall wear and tear. Not only does this extend the life of a car or truck, but it also decreases the amount of gasoline a vehicle uses over the years. These lubricants flow normally during the coldest days of winter, while fully protecting the engine if the weather and hard driving create extended high temperatures.
The recommended mileage between oil changes is twice that of standard products, mainly because it has a greater resistance to the oxidation process and the type of thermal degradation that can turn engine lubricants into sludge. These products also often contain cleaning additives to help maintain viscosity, and resist damaging acids. Synthetics are necessary for engines with extremely tight 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.
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