Top 5 Myths About Synthetic Oils: Let’s Get the Facts Straight
Synthetic oil has been here for quite some time, yet controversy surrounds this impressive discovery. It could be hard to tell fact from fiction between the various opinions floating in the air. These oils are often termed as the best performance and protective agent for your car engine. But not all the information about these oils is good. It has a bad reputation because of misunderstandings. In this blog, we will learn the top 5 myths about these artificial oils and discuss the facts behind them. By the end of this blog, you’ll know what these oils are all about and how they compare to regular motor oil.
The Background of Synthetic Oils
Ever since the industrial revolutions, the rise in machinery grew, and the need for renewable lubricants was imminent. This led to the creation of these oils, which are artificially created lubricants. These lubricants, unlike mineral oil lubricants, come from renewable sources. This means that they are a better alternative.
Are They Better than Mineral Lubricants?
This is a common question that people often ask. The answer is straightforward, these lubricants are better than mineral oil lubricants in every way. They are better in high-performing situations, have high lubricity and their properties can be improved. They also come with synthetic oil additives which further boost the performance. Mineral oil lubricants, on the other hand, are non-reliable in extreme situations.
Common Myths and Facts
Since the invention of these oils, there have been a few common misconceptions. Below, we will explain and debunk some of these myths.
Myth 1: It is Is Too Expensive
One of the most common myths about these oils is that they are too expensive for the average car owner. While it may be true that these oils are a little pricey in comparison to conventional oil, one has to look at the big picture. They last longer and handle the extreme loads on your engine. That means fewer oil changes and less wear and tear on the parts of your engine.
These oils offer much more protection, so your engine is less likely to break down or become damaged. With its help, you might not have to change your oil as often as you would with regular oil. It can also last up to 7,500 miles or more, whereas regular oil may need changing every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This means fewer trips to the mechanic and less money over time. So, even though the price tag of this oil may seem like it’s too much, the value for money it brings is unparalleled.
Myth 2: They Cause Leakage
Another common myth is that these oils can cause leaks in your engine. This idea most likely originated from some car owners who found leaks when they used it. This is not true, in fact, this fact is based on outdated information. These artificial oils are specifically prepared to take off the engine rather than damage it.
The fact is, synthetic oils do not cause leaks in anything. The myth arises because these oils are thinner than conventional oils. So, if there are existing leaks within the engine mineral oils are unable to escape, while synthetic ones might escape. For example, if there’s a crack or a broken seal, artificial oils are more likely to seep through it than normal oils. But if your engine is in good condition, switching to artificial oil won’t cause any leaks.
This oil does a better job of keeping the engine seals in good condition and can even prevent new leaks from developing. Instead of causing problems, it can help protect your engine from further damage.
Myth 3: You Can’t Switch Back to Regular Oil After Using These Oils
Some people believe that once you use synthetic oil, you will never be able to switch back to the normal oils. They believe that when you use these oils and then go back to regular oil, it will damage the engine somehow. This is just a myth which is not true in any way.
The truth is that you can switch back and forth between synthetic and conventional oils without hurting your engine. Both types of oil perform the same basic function, they lubricate and protect your engine. They are highly refined and resistant to extreme conditions. There is no chemical or physical reason for switching between the two that would harm your engine.
The bottom line is to always use whatever type of oil works best for the vehicle and style of driving. Those who drive in extreme conditions must use the oil that is capable of handling the heat. The artificial lubricants are better at doing that. But if the machinery does not work under a lot of load, then the normal oils are a better choice. You can also switch between the two oils based on the needs of the operations.
Myth 4: These Oils are for High-Performance Cars Only
Some people believe that artificial oils are useful only for sports cars and other high-performance vehicles. They say that these oils are only useful in extreme conditions where the workload is too high. This couldn’t be any farther from the truth.
Synthetic lubricants do a great job, irrespective of the kind of car in question. It does not matter if you drive a compact car, a family SUV, or even a truck, these oils work only to protect it. They do not just work in high-temperature situations, instead, they are equally useful at lower temperatures as well. This does not necessarily indicate that these oils are useless for older cars. They protect the engine and yield maximum fuel efficiency. They also do not produce toxic fumes when they burn, which makes them better for the environment. While it is true that high-performance cars benefit from these oils, there are a lot of benefits for regular engines as well.
Myth 5: They are Not Needed in Newer Cars
Some think that with a new car, they don’t have to use synthetic oils. They think that newer engines are built to be more efficient, so there is no need for high-performance oils. This is also wrong and baseless.
While it is true that most new cars are energy-efficient, this does not mean they do not have to deal with the forces of nature such as friction and oxidation. The use of these oils is as important for newer cars as it is for any other vehicles. Most new cars require these oils because of the design of new engines.
Artificial oils handle the conditions much better compared to conventional oil, so when it comes to new cars, it’s a smart choice. Most car manufacturers recommend or even require the use of these oils for their cars. If your owner’s manual suggests using this oil, then you ought to follow the advice. Using the recommended oil will help your car’s engine to run smoothly and for a long time.
The Future of Synthetic Oils
Even though the myths surrounding these oils have been around for ages, the market for them is growing. The reason is simple, despite the misunderstanding and the cons, its pros cannot be ignored. Yes, it does cost a little more than conventional oils, but it also provides better results. They have additives such as viscosity index improvers which makes them last long. It is a great choice for those who want to keep the engines and other components of their cars functional for long. It does not cause any leaks and is ideally suited for both older and newer cars.
The environmental impact of these oils is also an important consideration. The biggest issue regarding the use of conventional oils was their harmful impact on the environment. Since these oils come from sources other than crude oils, that means they are sustainable. In the event of spills or leakages, these oils do not have a detrimental impact on the ecosystem.
A lot of research is going on in the synthetic lubrication department. Researchers are also working on ways to make these oils better in every way. While conventional oil research is at a standstill, artificial oils are improving at a rapid rate. This is not only good for the future of the mechanical industry but also better for the environment.