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.
When the German war effort was in danger of losing its oil supplies during World War II, a substitute was hastily developed to keep the machines moving. Human conflicts often speed the development of technology, and these products are one example of an unintended but positive outcome. Over seventy years later the same basic manufacturing principles are used to make a variety of lubricants, from pure synthetics to blended products.
Crude petroleum today is relatively abundant, but the price remains high due to increased world demand. Like many human improvements on nature, making a synthetic derivative can actually drive prices higher, as much double the cost of a routine oil change. In an era when personal income shows very little real growth each year, many commuters are already pushing their financial limits just buying gasoline.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When the German war effort was in danger of losing its oil supplies during World War II, a substitute was hastily developed to keep the machines moving. Human conflicts often speed the development of technology, and these products are one example of an unintended but positive outcome. Over seventy years later the same basic manufacturing principles are used to make a variety of lubricants, from pure synthetics to blended products.
Crude petroleum today is relatively abundant, but the price remains high due to increased world demand. Like many human improvements on nature, making a synthetic derivative can actually drive prices higher, as much double the cost of a routine oil change. In an era when personal income shows very little real growth each year, many commuters are already pushing their financial limits just buying gasoline.
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.
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.
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.
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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