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.
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.
Even though supplies are still comparatively abundant, the price of crude is high due to increased world demand. As is often the case, improving on nature has proven somewhat expensive, and using synthetics in a routine oil change costs about twice as much. This added expense raises consumer eyebrows in a time when middle-class income is barely growing, and the price of gasoline rarely if ever decreases.
Potential users assume that a lubricant not derived from crude oil does not present the same environmental hazards, but that is only true up to a point. While not actually a refined petroleum product, it still has certain properties of hydrocarbons, and can have a measurable impact on air quality levels. Even with these additional costs and less healthy by-products, synthetics are increasingly recommended by auto makers as better vehicle maintenance.
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.
Being more homogeneous in size cuts friction, resulting in increased horsepower, while reducing overall wear and tear. Not only does this extend the life of a car or truck, but it also decreases the amount of gasoline a vehicle uses over the years. These lubricants flow normally during the coldest days of winter, while fully protecting the engine if the weather and hard driving create extended high temperatures.
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.
While it is important to follow car-maker recommendations, using these manufactured oil products can be advantageous even when not specifically required. Mixing the two varieties occasionally usually causes no damage, but it is wise to ask a mechanic which is best for a particular vehicle. A cleaner engine spews less exhaust, and using this product can be a healthier option until a time when hydrocarbons are no longer the fuel of choice.
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.
Even though supplies are still comparatively abundant, the price of crude is high due to increased world demand. As is often the case, improving on nature has proven somewhat expensive, and using synthetics in a routine oil change costs about twice as much. This added expense raises consumer eyebrows in a time when middle-class income is barely growing, and the price of gasoline rarely if ever decreases.
Potential users assume that a lubricant not derived from crude oil does not present the same environmental hazards, but that is only true up to a point. While not actually a refined petroleum product, it still has certain properties of hydrocarbons, and can have a measurable impact on air quality levels. Even with these additional costs and less healthy by-products, synthetics are increasingly recommended by auto makers as better vehicle maintenance.
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.
Being more homogeneous in size cuts friction, resulting in increased horsepower, while reducing overall wear and tear. Not only does this extend the life of a car or truck, but it also decreases the amount of gasoline a vehicle uses over the years. These lubricants flow normally during the coldest days of winter, while fully protecting the engine if the weather and hard driving create extended high temperatures.
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.
While it is important to follow car-maker recommendations, using these manufactured oil products can be advantageous even when not specifically required. Mixing the two varieties occasionally usually causes no damage, but it is wise to ask a mechanic which is best for a particular vehicle. A cleaner engine spews less exhaust, and using this product can be a healthier option until a time when hydrocarbons are no longer the fuel of choice.
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