When You Should Upgrade To Fully Synthetic Motor Oil

By Annabelle Holman


Many motorists view engine lubricant as a consumable item, like gasoline or windshield washer fluid. This is not the case. Engine oil is more like a part than it is a consumable. While the level can deteriorate over time, especially if you have a leak in the system or your car starts burning it. Fully synthetic motor oil is often a good choice, especially in an older car that has clocked up a lot of miles. These oils are, however, very expensive.

Most automobiles can run harmlessly on standard mineral oil. Refined from crude oil, it carries a lower price tag than other oils. The next quantum leap in quality comes from synthetic blends. These are synthesized and blended in a laboratory. They are specifically designed for high performance engines and in engines that have been around for a matter of years.

Then there are the totally synthetic lubes. These are caviar for the prima donnas of motoring, your Corvette Sting-Ray and others of that ilk. They have a price tag to match. One reason for choosing these types of oils is because of their high longevity.

What are the driving forces behind changing to a more expensive kind of engine lubricant? One notable advantage is for its better flow characteristics, particularly at low temperatures. You really don't want to coax your engine to start on a cold, snowy mornings! Engine start-up is also the most demanding scenario in terms of wear.

Another reason to upgrade your automobile's lubricant is to prolong the time interval in between oil changes. Not only does this save you money in the long term on replacement oil filters and motor oil itself, it makes your life a lot easier if you perform your own vehicle maintenance.

There is one important caveat if you are considering switching to a synthetic lubricant. This is the idea that you cannot mix one type of oil with another. This is incorrect. Artificial lubricant is compatible with most other types of mineral oils and blends. They can be used in old cars as well as new. It isn't like the situation with gasoline versus diesel, where you can do considerable damage if you get mixed up.

There is one little word of warning, however. If you do decide to go upmarket, make sure you go all the way. Cheaper variants of synthetic engine lubricants may contain harmful additives. This could make you worse off than if you just used simple, low-rent mineral oil. There are some things you shouldn't skimp on, and engine lubricant is one of them. Learn how to darn your own socks to save money, but don't scrimp on your motor oil.

Different engines need different specifications of motor oils. If you are unsure about which type is best for your vehicle, then you should consult the manufacturer or local dealership. It is easy enough to look it up on the Internet and see what other car owners are using in their vehicles. The benefit of using a synthetic product in an older car, say, one with more than 100,000 miles on the clock is it can extend the lifetime mileage. Do remember to use the higher-priced synthetics if you decide to go that way. You will save money and heartache in the long term.




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