Explain Synthetic Oil???

[trucktractorman]

What are the advantages? Benefits? I keep hearing about it...can someone explain?.......I run Rotella, is synthetic better?

[snakyjake]

I look forward to other answers...but here's mine...

Synthetics excel in the wider range of viscosity index modifiers. That's how you are able to get a 0w-40 weight oil. If that was to be done with petroleum, the modifiers would break down and start forming sludge. This is why you read synthetic is best for wider temperatures, or extreme cold, or hot temperatures.

I've heard people say synthetic improves gas mileage, but I don't understand how. The viscosity is the same as conventional oil, so how is it giving more MPG?

People have also said it lubricates better. But I never learned how and why. Is it really more slippery and better lubricating? How? Why?

I've also read about base stocks. Something about synthetics having higher quality oil. Not exactly sure what that means. The base stock of something non-synthetic? Is it possible that conventional oils are using something of higher quality base stock too?

[firemb]

I can explain why, but I know in my previous gasser I did get better millage running synthetic. It also started way better in the cold. -30-40 f

[85_305]

here is a quick read on synthetic
Howstuffworks "What's new in synthetic oil technology?"

If you are referring to me and others talking about AMSOIL synthetic.. its because this: It lasts up to a year and like 30k miles. There are plenty of members on here, including Hank, that can attest to this. It lasts longer, gets rid of sludge (as well as doesn't FORM sludge in the first place), and doesn't break down under heat and stress like traditional oil.

Downsides? It costs a few bucks more.

[trucktractorman]

And this synthetic oil is made for all applications on the truck? a.k. engine oil, transmission oil, differential. Where can you get it? What is a good brand? Elaborate on anything else if needed. I just started hearing about this so I apologize if I sound...well new.

Thanks

[85_305]

LOL you've never heard of synthetics???

You can buy synthetic brake fluid (his a higher boiling point, supposedly better for lines), power steering fluid (again, higher boiling point, better lubrication), oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, etc. Generally, I'm a synthetic fan. But the thing is in most cases (not all) you need to make sure ALL of the traditional spirits lube is out before you put in the synthetic.

As far as doing it to motors, sometimes people have issues when their vehicle has too many miles that how thin and free-flowing the synthetic is it can cause oil leaks to sprout. And once you put in synthetic, you can NOT go back to conventional oil.

I'm all for synthetics in my cars though. Just research what your putting it into first because SOME times, that particular car part you want to put it into doesn't work well w/ synthetics.

[trucktractorman]

Thanks, for the info. Much appreciated.

[85_305]

No prob.. hope you find the answers you are searching for

[NoRalPh]

In many ways, synthetic oils are the "answer to the nonexistent problem" (an old Jeff Cooper expression) because even though they they withstand extreme temperatures and pressures for the most part, we never expose our oils to those extremes anyway

But, why not play it safe. just in case, and use the best thing you have available. On the other hand, dino oil will serve you just as well if you wanted to save the money I'm sure....

[mrnecsteve]

I've using synthetics (starting with Mobil 1) back in the early eighties. I was able to see for myself firsthand that it was more slippery in my air cooled 920 Yamaha. The crankcase and transmission shared the same oil.When shifting (hot or cold),my left toes could feel the differance shifting gears AND it would stay that way thru the entire life of the oil.