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Ten Myths About Synthetic Lubrication
First
Published in National Oil and Lube News by Ed Newman
It's a fact of life
that behavior is strongly influenced by what people believe, whether
true or not. Numerous examples from history bear this out. For example,
sailors were once fearful of sailing outside the sight of land less
they would fall off the edge of the world. In the early 19th century,
the train was considered dangerous because it was believed that
if you traveled faster than 25 miles per hour, you would be traveling
too fast to breathe. At a later date, the New York Times warned
that electric light may cause blindness. Microwave ovens, automobiles
and airplanes have had equally vociferous opponents.
Looking back, it is easy to laugh at some of these things people
so firmly believed. But these people were not stupid. They were
simply misinformed. In many instances they had simply drawn conclusions
before all the facts were in. How easy it is to make the same mistake
today. In our own time, synthetic motor oils have been the object
of many misconceptions held by the general public. Many people,
including some mechanics who ought to know better, have been misled
by persistent myths that need to be addressed.
PARAMETERS OF THE DEBATE
Synthetic lubricants are fuel efficient, extended life lubricants
manufactured from select basestocks and special purpose additives.
In contrast to petroleum oils which are pumped from the earth and
refined, synthetics are custom-designed in the laboratory, with
each phase of their molecular construction programmed to produce,
in effect, the ideal lubricant.
In responding to objections most commonly raised against synthetics
it is important to establish the parameters of the debate. When
speaking of synthetic motor oils, this article is defending the
synthetic lubricants which have been formulated to meet the performance
standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). (The first
such synthetic motor oil to meet these industry-accepted tests for
defining engine oil properties and performance characteristics was
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic 10W-40 in 1972.)
Many people with questions about synthetics haven't known where
to turn to get correct information. Is it super oil or snake oil?
Some enthusiasts will swear that synthetics are capable of raising
your specialty car from the dead. On the other hand, the next fellow
asserts that synthetics will send your beloved car to an early grave.
Where's the truth in all this?
In an effort to set the record straight, we've assembled ten of
the more persistent myths about synthetic motor oils to see how
they stack up against the facts.
Myth #1: Synthetic motor oils damage seals.
Untrue. It would be foolhardy for lubricant manufacturers to build
a product that is incompatible with seals. The composition of seals
presents problems that both petroleum oils and synthetics must overcome.
Made from elastomers, seals are inherently difficult to standardize.
Ultimately it is the additive mix in the oil that counts. Additives
to control seal swell, shrinkage and hardening are required, whether
it be a synthetic or petroleum product that is being produced.
Myth #2: Synthetics are too thin to stay in the engine.
Untrue. In order for a lubricant to be classified in any SAE grade
(10W-30, 10W-40, etc) it has to meet certain guidelines with regard
to viscosity ("thickness").
For example, it makes no difference whether it is 10W-40 petroleum
or 10W-40 synthetic, at -25 degrees centigrade (-13F) and 100 degrees
centigrade (212 degrees F) that oil has to maintain a standardized
viscosity or it can't be rated a 10W-40.
Myth #3: Synthetics cause cars to use more oil.
Untrue. Synthetic motor oils are intended to use in mechanically
sound engines, that is, engines that don't leak. In such engines
oil consumption will actually be reduced. First, because of the
lower volatility of synlubes. Second, because of the better sealing
characteristics between piston rings and cylinder walls. And finally,
because of the superior oxidation stability (i.e. resistance of
synthetics against reacting with oxygen at high temperatures.)
Myth #4: Synthetic lubricants are not compatible with petroleum.
Untrue. The synthesized hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, diesters
and other materials that form the base stocks of high quality name
brand synthetics are fully compatible with petroleum oils. In the
old days, some companies used untested ingredients that were not
compatible, causing quality synlubes to suffer a bum rap. Fortunately,
those days are long gone.
Compatibility is something to keep in mind, however, whether using
petroleum oils or synthetics. It is usually best to use the same
oil for topping off that you have been running in the engine. That
is, it is preferable to not mix your oils, even if it is Valvoline
or Quaker State you are using. The reason is this: the functions
of additives blended for specific characteristics can be offset
when oils with different additive packages are put together. For
optimal performance, it is better to use the same oil throughout.
Myth#5: Synthetic lubricants are not readily available.
Untrue. This may have been the case two decades ago when AMSOIL
and Mobil1 were the only real choices, but today nearly every major
oil company has added a synthetic product to their lines. This in
itself is a testament to the value synthetics offer. But, beware,
many of the other "syntheitcs" are not true PAO (Polyalphaolefin)
syntheitcs (ie: Castrol Syntec, Penzoil, etc...) they are hydroisomerized
petroleum oil or an ester based synthetic blend.
Myth #6: Synthetic lubricants produce sludge.
Untrue. In point of fact, synthetic motor oils are more sludge resistant
than their petroleum counterparts, resisting the effects of high
temperatures and oxidation. In the presence of high temperatures,
two things happen. First, an oil's lighter ingredients boil off,
making the oil thicker. Second, many of the complex chemicals found
naturally in petroleum basestocks begin to react with each other,
forming sludges, gums and varnishes. One result is a loss of fluidity
at low temperatures, slowing the timely flow of oil to the engine
for vital engine protection. Further negative effects of thickened
oil include the restriction of oil flow to critical areas, greater
wear and loss of fuel economy.
Because of their higher flash points, and their ability to withstand
evaporation loss and oxidation, synthetics are much more resistant
to sludge development.
Two other causes of sludge - ingested dirt and water dilution -
can be a problem in any kind of oil, whether petroleum or synthetic.
These are problems with the air filtration system and the cooling
system resoectively, not the oil.
Myth #7: Synthetics can't be used with catalytic converters or
oxygen sensors.
Untrue. There is no difference between synthetic and petroleum oils
in regards to these components. Both synthetic and petroleum oils
are similar compounds and neither si damaging to catalytic converters
or oxygen sensors.
Myth #8: Synthetics void warranties.
Untrue. No major manufacturer of automobiles specifically bans the
use of synthetic lubricants. In point of fact, increasing numbers
of high performance cars are arriving on the showroom floors with
synthetic motor oils as factory fill.
New vehicle warranties are based upon the use of oils meeting specific
API Service Classifications (for example SG/CE). Synthetic lubricants
which meet current API Service requirements are perfectly suited
for use in any vehicle without affecting the validity of the new
car warranty. In point of fact, in the over 25 years that AMSOIL
Synthetic Lubricants have been used in extended service situations,
over billions of miles of actual driving, these oils have not been
faulted once for voiding an automaker's warranty.
Myth #9: Synthetics last forever.
Untrue. Although some experts feel that synthetic basestocks themselves
can be used forever, it is well known that eventually the additives
will falter and cause the oil to require changing. Moisture, fuel
dilution and acids (the by-products of combustion) tend to use up
additives in an oil, allowing degradation to occur.
However , by "topping off", additives can be replenished. Through
good filtration and periodic oil analysis, synthetic motor oils
protect an engine for lengths of time far beyond the capability
of non-synthetics.
Myth #10: Synthetics are too expensive.
Untrue. Tests and experience have proven that synthetics can greatly
extend drain intervals, provide better fuel economy, reduce engine
wear and enable vehicles to operate with greater reliability. All
these elements combine to make synthetic engine oils more economical
that conventional non-synthetics.
In Europe, synthetics have enjoyed increasing acceptance as car
buyers look first to performance and long term value rather than
initial price. As more sophisticated technology places greater demands
on today's motor oils, we will no doubt see an increasing re-evaluation
of oil buying habits in this country as well.
CONCLUSIONS
Since their inception, manufacturers of synthetic motor oils have
sought to educate the public about the facts regarding synthetics,
and the need for consumers to make their lubrication purchasing
decisions based on quality rather than price. As was the case with
microwave ovens or electric lights, a highly technological improvement
must often overcome a fair amount of public skepticism and consumer
inertia before it is embraced by the general population.
But the word is getting out as a growing number of motorists worldwide
experience the benefits of synthetic lubrication. The wave of the
future, in auto lubes, is well under way.
AMSOIL
is the undisputed leader in synthetics.............
Since 1972, AMSOIL Synthetics have proven to be the
BEST. AMSOIL also engineers and manufactures Super Duty Oil filters which have a
12,500 mile service life as well as specialized filtration systems for
commercial and fleet applications in cars and light, medium and heavy trucks
which can filter particles down to less than one micron ( a standard full flow
oil filter can only filter to 20-25 microns with any degree of efficiency) making oil changes virtually unnecessary and virtually eliminating engine wear.
These filters have been proven by millions of miles of over-the road trucks,
construction equipment and fleet service.
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AMSOIL saves you time and money.
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The only 25,000 mile/one- year and 35,000/one-
year motor oil in the world.
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specifications of all major U.S. and foreign automotive and truck
manufacturers.
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Provides up to two-times the wear protection of
other motor oils.
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Improves performance, fuel economy and
efficiency.
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Diesel oil and filtration products designed to
deliver 1,000,000 miles for over-the-road trucks before engine overhaul.
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Used by many national racing teams, fleets,
police departments, construction firms and trucking companies.
Oilsnmore.com is comprised of a group of highly skilled team of Engineers and Lubrication and
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