Motor oil lubricates your engine for two functions- to reduce friction between engine parts and to protect metal parts from rust and corrosion. When deciding what to put in your car, you can choose between synthetic and conventional oils. This article will explain the difference.

How It's Made

Synthetic Composition

Synthetic oils are made artificially in a lab, either using components of petroleum, without the crude, or from other materials. While the specific processes for making synthetic oils are patented by various manufacturers, they are designed using very advanced technology. Since they are man-made, their molecular structures are more uniform, with smaller, lighter, and more stable particles than conventional oils extracted from the ground.

Man-Made Molecules

Crude oil must be refined to remove contaminants that occur within it naturally. Even after refining, many of these impurities remain. Synthetic oil is made in a lab, and does not contain these defects. As a result, it introduces less corrosive components into your engine. The molecules are also more uniform, smaller, and lighter, requiring less energy to move around and smooth your engine parts.

Additives

Synthetic oils contain additives for almost any purpose - alkaline additives to neutralize acid build-up in diesel engines, engine cleaning additives, additives that prolong viscosity endurance - you name it, there is a synthetic oil with the additive. Look for the Total Base Number (TBN) for the total amount of additive in your motor oil. The higher the number, the more additives your oil has, and the longer it will last.

History of Synthetic Oil: AMSOIL

Scientists began fabricating synthetic oils way back in the nineteenth century, but it was not until the 1930s that true breakthroughs were made. The strain on resources caused by World War II forced both sides to start looking earnestly for alternative options. Initially, aircraft purposes was the only use for synthetic oil, and it was in this capacity that a jet fighter squadron commander came across it in the 1960s. Al Amatuzio realized that synthetic oil lasted longer, protected better, and held up under harsher conditions than conventional oils. Aircraft needed the extra protection of synthetic oil, but Al thought its benefits could translate to the automotive market as well. In 1972, after years of research, he released a synthetic oil for cars under the brand name of AMSOIL. As the First in Synthetics, AMSOIL remains to this day the best-known name in synthetic oil. Nowadays, of course, AMSOIL does not just make synthetic oil, but offers a wide range of products to meet your automotive maintenance needs including filters, fluids, and additives. Call SOS Sales, your local AMSOIL Dealer in Salt Lake City, UT, at (801) 773-2175 for more information.  

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Burns Cleaner

Even after the refining process, conventional oils still contain contaminants that can corrode your engine and reduce performance. Because they are made in a lab, synthetic oils do not contain these impurities, lasting longer and lubricating better.

More Efficient

Man-made oil molecules are more uniform, lighter, and smaller than those found in natural petroleum. As a result, synthetic oil requires less energy to circulate, improving your engine's performance.

Built Tougher

Synthetic oil was first used exclusively for planes because it is more heat resistant. As time went on, experience showed that synthetic oil is also more resistant to the cold. Whether you are pushing your engine to the max with heavy hauls and long trips, or driving in climates of extreme heat or cold, synthetic oil will continue to protect your engine after conventional oil breaks down.

Fewer Oil Changes

Synthetic oils have built-in additives that last longer than conventional oil. When your additives run out, you need to change your oil. With conventional oil, you can go 3,000-5,000 miles before an oil change. Synthetic oil can last as long as 25,000 miles in the right conditions. Less disposed oil is better for the environment, your schedule, and your pocketbook.

Maintain Viscosity

Since synthetic oil is more resistant to heat and pressure than natural petroleum, less of it gets burned in harsh conditions. When oil burns, it escapes through your tailpipe and into the air. By maintaining its viscosity, synthetic oil reduces emissions.

Environmentally Friendly

Synthetic oil is cleaner for the environment in many ways. First, it avoids all the hazards of oil drilling, refining, and transporting because it can be made in a laboratory. Second, less dirty oil is deposited into the environment since you do not need to replace it as often. And finally, it burns more efficiently, reducing emissions.

For Synthetic Oil in Salt Lake City, UT

There are many other benefits to synthetic oil, and you can find out all about them from your local AMSOIL Dealer in Salt Lake City, UT, SOS Sales. Call us at (801) 773-2175 with any questions you have. Visit our online store to shop our full range of products. ;