High-performance vehicle owners are very familiar with the need for lubrication strong enough to resist temperature extremes without breaking down. Made primarily from organic compounds and hydrocarbon derivatives, these laboratory-designed engine oils differ radically from standard petroleum products. Although many drivers are aware that there is an alternative, most have questions regarding when or even 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.
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.
Artificial compounds have a greater resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, both of which can transform clean oil into dark sludge. This makes the intervals between recommended changes about twice as long, compensating somewhat for a higher shelf-price. Special additives resist acidic erosion, and help maintain viscosity in nearly all situations, making them perfect for engines with tightly engineered 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.
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.
Artificial compounds have a greater resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, both of which can transform clean oil into dark sludge. This makes the intervals between recommended changes about twice as long, compensating somewhat for a higher shelf-price. Special additives resist acidic erosion, and help maintain viscosity in nearly all situations, making them perfect for engines with tightly engineered 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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