LO 10-4 Describe the composition of synthetic oil and outline the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic oil

1.1. Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Manufacturers claim the following benefits for synthetic oils:

• Lower coefficient of friction (slipperier): Users of synthetic oil have claimed increases in their fuel mileage ranging from 2–5%.
• Improved low-temperature viscosities: Conventional oils tend to include wax molecules that thicken oil at lower temperatures. Typical synthetic 15W-40 oil remains a liquid and flows even at −58° F (−50° C).
• Improved high-temperature performance: Synthetic oils have few light or thin hydrocarbon molecules, which tend to evaporate at high temperatures.
• Greater resistance to chemical breakdown, oxidation, coking, and deposit formation.
• Decreased oil consumption: When synthetic oil is used, 42% less oil consumption occurs. This is due to less evaporation of the thin ends of hot oil and resistance to converting to deposit formation.
• Fewer chemical impurities: This means additives do not adversely react with impurities, prolonging the usefulness of the additive package.
• Reduced friction and engine wear because of a lower coefficient of friction.
• Longer intervals between oil changes due to higher resistance to oxidation TABLE 10-4.