What's the advantage of using synthetic oils in engines,
Automobile and lawnmower 4 strokes?
2007-01-23 06:58:03 · 5 answers · asked by jer 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Mineral oils are refined, but the molecules are all different shapes and sizes, while synthetic oil is man-made and all of the molecules are the same shape (round) and uniform size.
The up side is that it offers superior lubricity and reduces wear and extends fuel economy. The down side is that if the engine is older, it ill lubricate so well that it will pass right through the seals of th engine and begin leaking. Same for stationary equipment.
Happy Motoring
2007-01-23 07:06:25 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Synthetic oil reduces wear on the internal components of the engine during start up, which is when most wear occurrs. It can therefore make your engine last longer. It is also expensive and for that reason alone, do not waste it on your lawnmower. Use 30 weight oil in your mower, not mutigrade and not synthetic.
2007-01-23 15:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The positive? The longer molecule chains in synthetic last longer than conventional oils.
The negative? Higher cost of synthetic. Breakdown of additives like foam inhibitors and detergents is the same as conventional oil. Also, byproducts of combustion are the same and still build up - like carbon, which is what turns oil black. You still need to change the filter like normal. Synthetic also does not dissipate heat as well which may cause problems.
All in all, not a good deal if you ask me.
2007-01-23 15:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by mikey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Longer life for one. Synthetic oils last longer which means less maintainence time and over a long period, a savings in money as well in waste!
2007-01-23 21:06:13 · answer #4 · answered by cool_jj334 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a better oil. it is engieered to stand up to higher temperatures before it will brake down and be more fluid (not at thick) at colder temperatures. also better lubricating so the engine will last longer.
here is a little story...i was at a car show and castrol had a booth there (castrol has their syntech, their synthetic oil, they have a 10w30 and a 5w50) so i asked the person why they have a 10w30 and a 5w50 when the 5w50 covers the 10w30 and more. he told me that its the same stuff in both, they have a 10w30 bottle for people who dont know any better.
2007-01-23 15:13:33 · answer #5 · answered by grumpy0282 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋