mardi 17 juin 2014

When To Buy Synthetic Oil

By Sally Delacruz


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.

First manufactured during the Second World War, it was developed in an effort to keep dwindling crude supplies from crippling the German war machine. Like many technological advances spurred by human conflict, these products have proven commercially useful long after the fighting ended. Today, they are manufactured in mixtures ranging from pure synthetic stock, to those combined with standard lubricants.

High demand has driven prices upward, but crude oil supplies are still comparatively abundant, especially with the introduction of new drilling technology. Improving upon nature can also be expensive, and a standard oil change using synthetics costs almost twice as much. In a time when most commuters are struggling to buy gasoline without breaking the bank, higher prices resonate with consumers.

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.

These artificial lubricants greatly reduce friction, which is an excellent way to increase overall horsepower while cutting down on general wear. More efficient operation can also decrease the volume of gasoline burned, while extending the useful life of the vehicle. Synthetics are able to flow more freely in the cold of winter, and react equally as well under extremely high temperatures and engine stress.

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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