Synthetic Oil Comparison

Looking for the best synthetic oil for your car? This article gives you a low down on synthetic oil brands. Keep reading to get an idea about the pros and cons of various brands.
Oil performs the function of lubrication in between surfaces, thus lowering wear and tear and friction. A comparison would help you settle for the best synthetic oil brand, to increase the life of your car engine.

Synthetic oil is defined as a lubricant composed of artificially manufactured, or synthesized chemical compounds other than crude oil. They can be prepared by chemically altering petroleum compounds, and can be manufactured from polyalphaolefin oils, hydro cracked oils and esters. The main difference is that synthetic oil molecules are uniform, unlike conventional oils.

Benefits

The following are the benefits of synthetic oils over traditional regular oils.
  • Impediment to thermal breakdown or sludge formation and improved lubricity.
  • Reduced pour point, which helps in cold weather.
  • Improved shear ability and reduction in chances of coking.
  • Lesser loss due to evaporation.
Synthetic Oil vs Regular Oil

How do you compare the two types of oils available? Low temperatures create problems such as high viscosity, and synthetic oils are the best ones to address this concern. To prevent freezing, oils with W rating were used earlier, however, these oils could not perform well enough in case of high performance automobile engines. Homogenousness in the shape and size of molecules causes them to sustain extreme temperature conditions. Extreme temperature conditions cause conventional oils to vaporize or oxidize, whereas, synthetic varieties reduce vaporization and are contaminant free.

Best Brands

If you want to make a comparison chart, you will have to consider test results for various tests such as wear metal test, viscosity test and price. The following are few of the best synthetic motor oils.

Amsoil OE: Amsoil OE are designed for prolonged oil change breaks. This can be used in 3 viscosities and gives maximum wear and tear protection by lowering breakdown. There are 3 different types such as SAE 10W-30 OE, SAE 5W-30 OE and SAE 5W-20 OE. Amsoil synthetic oils counteract carbon and sludge accumulation as compared to regular oils. Secured with additives for dispersion, Amsoil OE synthetic oil contributes for long life of automobile engine. Amsoil OE reduces energy wastage due to friction, thus delivering improved fuel economy as compared to other conventional motor oils. These help in reducing evaporation and thermal breakdown. Amsoil OE helps in reducing emissions and promote better converter operation.

Mobile 1: This synthetic engine oil is suitable for trucks and cars, especially in the most harsh driving conditions, claims Mobile. It lowers oil breakdown and wear and tear and thus prolongs engine life. It's formulation helps to keep the engine sturdy by minimizing friction. Mobile affirms best performance till up to 15,000 miles. Mobile synthetic oils are available as Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 and Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40.

Shell Rotella: Some of the features of Shell Rotella include capability for extended drain interval, are safe in cases of extreme temperatures, low or high, good fuel economy performance and improved flow at low temperature. It is available with viscosity grade 5W-40. Shell claims to give best wear and tear protection with Shell Rotella.

Pennzoil Platinum: Pennzoil Platinum comes with a limited warranty and helps keeping the engines cleaner as compared to other conventional oils. It reduces sludge formation and cleans approximately 40% sludge after 1st oil change. Pennzoil Platinum is available in different types such as Pennzoil conventional, Pennzoil synthetic blend, Pennzoil full synthetic, Pennzoil high mileage vehicle and Pennzoil ultra synthetic.

These were some of the best brands available for your car engine. I hope this article was helpful to you, in giving you a better idea about synthetic oil.
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Published: 11/25/2010
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