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 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.

Customizable Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is customizable, meaning we can add properties to it that you will not find in natural crude. We can design synthetic oils with built-in additives that help keep your engine clean and maintain viscosity longer. All of this can be done in a laboratory, whereas we are largely stuck with what nature gave us with crude oil with all of its limitations.

History of Synthetic Oil

Scientists first developed synthetic oils in the 1930s searching for an alternative to pulling crude from the ground. The product of their research resulted in oil that was more efficient, lasted longer, and protected better than conventional oil. Its initial use was exclusively for aircraft purposes until a pilot named Al Amatuzio decided that everyone deserved the benefits of synthetic oil. In 1972, after years of research, he introduced the first synthetic oil for automobiles through his company, AMSOIL. Call your local AMSOIL Dealer in Moore, USA Synthetics, at 405-388-6170 to find out more.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil in Oklahoma City, OK

Better Temperature Range

Synthetic oil maintains its viscosity in extreme hot and cold where conventional oils are likely to break down. Viscosity measures the "thickness" of a liquid. Molasses, for example, has a much higher viscosity than water. Water's viscosity will not allow it to stick to anything, so it is a poor lubricant, while molasses is so thick that it does not move easily. Oil has a perfect viscosity for lubricating your engine, and ideally its viscosity would never change. When the temperature or the engine gets too hot or too cold, however, oil viscosity changes. The viscosity index, as in 10W-40 for example, represents the oil's range of viscosity when the temperature is normal and when the engine is running. Synthetic oil maintains viscosity at much higher and lower temperatures than conventional oil, so it is the best option for climates with extreme weather.

Higher Efficiency

Because synthetic oil molecules require less energy to move around, they use less fuel to lubricate your engine. This extra energy can go into your engine performance or gets saved in fuel efficiency. The result is an engine that is running better and using less fuel.

Lasts Longer

Synthetic oil is built tough, so it lasts longer than conventional oil. Indeed, synthetic oil can last as long as 25,000 miles before needing to be changed. The Total Base Number (TBN) is a measure of the reserve alkalinity of a motor oil. The higher the number, the longer the oil will last. The bases in your motor oil protect your engine from the acidic components introduced from combustion and other sources. When an oil's alkalinity drops to a certain point, it no longer protects your engine and needs to be replaced. Synthetic oil is manufactured with alkaline additives built in, so it lasts much longer than standard oil.

A Greener Product

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 Moore

When it comes to your car, using synthetic oil is the best decision you can make. Contact your local AMSOIL Dealer, USA Synthetics in Moore, at 405-388-6170 and we can get you the lubricants, filters, fluids, and additives you need. Shop for yourself at our online store.