Oil Change - Choosing Synthetic or Mineral Oil

At your next oil change, your mechanic might ask if you would like synthetic oil in your vehicle. For many years, the only option drivers had was regular mineral oil. Mineral oil has been used in vehicles for a very long time, and it has been very effective as an engine lubricant. The main problem with mineral oil is that it loses its viscosity over time with exposure to extreme heat conditions in an engine. Another issue is that it can contain various contaminants, which can damage engine parts. Newer, man-made oils may provide a more effective alternative to mineral oil, depending on your car and the type of driving you usually do.

Mineral oil is made of crude oil byproducts, through fractional distillation. Its molecular composition is not uniform, meaning it contains molecules of various shapes and sizes. In extreme heat conditions, like those found in an engine, these molecules are not resistant to vaporization or oxidation. In addition, the contaminants in mineral oil can cause it to be more resistant to flow in extreme cold temperatures. Synthetic oil is quite different, because it is manufactured by chemical engineers. Engineers produce synthetic oil through chemical reactions in a laboratory. These man-made oils consist of more uniform molecules, so they are less susceptible to oxidation and vaporization at extreme high temperatures.

Since they are produced by engineers, synthetic oils do not contain many of the contaminants found in mineral oil. The absence of those contaminants allows synthetic oil to flow more freely in extreme cold.

When you take your car in for an oil change, you might think synthetic oil is the way to go. Since mineral oil needs to be replaced when it loses its viscosity or becomes too contaminated, some people might say the advantages of synthetic oil are obvious. It will not lose its viscosity as quickly, and it does not contain many of the contaminants found in mineral oil. However, some automotive experts may not recommend synthetic oil. Many of the advantages to your vehicle's performance will only occur at extreme hot or cold temperatures. Many experts therefore believe it is most useful in racing or towing services.

The advantage to using synthetic oil for most people is that they can drive for a couple thousand more miles before their next oil change. Unfortunately, the money you save on fewer total oil changes is spent on the higher-priced synthetic oil. You may still want to use synthetic oil, because it is better for the environment. You will drain less used oil from your car, lowering the amount of pollution you contribute to the earth. In addition, fewer exhaust gases are produced by your car using synthetic oil, and your car may become more fuel efficient.
When your mechanic asks if you want synthetic oil, you can ask him or her for an honest opinion on which oil is best for your car. Make sure you trust the mechanic, or seek several opinions before making a decision.