Oil question: how to mix “synthetic” or “semi-synthetic” correctly
- August 11, 2023
- 0
It is believed that synthetic motor oil is head and shoulders above semi-synthetic products. And if you love your car, don’t spare money for a modern lubricant. It
It is believed that synthetic motor oil is head and shoulders above semi-synthetic products. And if you love your car, don’t spare money for a modern lubricant. It is true, of course, but there are nuances. We understand the properties of the mysterious liquid and finally solve the problem of “topping up”: what can be poured where and what is better to refrain from it.
Who would dispute the elementary truths: engine oil is the most important part of the engine, it reduces the destructive effect of friction on its parts. And the higher the properties of the oil, the longer the engine will last. The era of “mineral water” has passed and modern synthetic fluids and, as their cheaper alternative, semi-synthetic compounds have remained at the forefront.
In addition to basically lubricating rubbing parts, a good oil has something to do in the engine: it not only removes exhaust gases from the working surfaces, but also dissolves harmful deposits of fuel combustion products. The higher the quality of the lubricant, the greater the temperature and load range. And therefore the main quality of motor oil is not to lose its properties as long as possible – not to oxidize and not to lose its molecular structure, turning it into mining.
For the sake of all this, people invented synthetic oil, which is not a direct product of the distillation of petroleum products, but is artificially synthesized on their basis, followed by the addition of the necessary additives. Of the minuses of such a lubricant, only the price of the issue comes to mind. Yes, it bites, although experts consider it justified, since all other qualities count.
What exactly? Correctly selected according to the characteristics of a particular engine, oil extends the life of the engine. “Synthetics” are most effective in the widest temperature range. It is no coincidence that 5W30 and 5W40 oils are considered a universal lubricant for diesel and gasoline engines, regardless of the time of year and region.
In addition, due to better fluidity, “synthetics” are ideal for cold starts, warming up during “ripped” driving, when engine parts “starve” oil. And due to the large number of additives, this oil has maximum flushing properties. It penetrates small gaps more easily, oxidizes more slowly and contributes to fuel economy.
A canister made of 100% “plastic” can always be recognized by the mandatory fully synthetic marking. All other single-root variations – Semi-synthetic, synthetically reinforced or synthetic technology – “semi-synthetic”. Be careful of the synthetic-based label – often it is just a mineral product fortified with additives.
Now it would make sense to list all the points with the advantages of semi-synthetic lubricants. But we won’t do this. Just conditionally divide the above five points by one and a half. The price difference is about the same. The main tasks of “pseudosynthetics” will be performed properly.
However, those who want to switch from expensive to cheaper should know that for “semi-synthetics” there are not such high standards in terms of the ratio of the volume of the mineral base and additives. It is this fact that clouds the performance of the product.
Today, due to affordable prices, “semi-synthetic” is becoming especially popular, but the manufacturing tolerances for this type of lubricant are noticeably larger. And because of this, unscrupulous manufacturers can cheat and pass off a product with some indicators of a banal “mineral water” as a full-fledged “semi-synthetic”. Of all this follow the minuses – mineral, again, components, reduced requirements for the recipe and a modest composition of additives.
Each engine has its own oil
Where to pour something is a banal question. You can stupidly ask at the service. But it is better to first familiarize yourself with the recommendations of the car manufacturer for tolerances, assess the conformity of the oil used, and only then consider the type of base, brands and price tags. This is what the experts advise.
What to add?
You can mix synthetics and semi-synthetics. Even with reservations. Preferably use an emergency refill with the same viscosity. For example, pour “semi-synthetic” 5W30 or 5W40 into “synthetic” 5W30. On the contrary, it is better not to do it. An engine running on “semi-synthetics” will perceive thinner oil negatively: the gaps between the rubbing parts will increase, the pressure may drop and the engine may most likely start leaking.
However, emergency charging is sometimes a poorly predictable thing. Therefore, if there is no oil of the same viscosity at hand, then at least try to pick up a product of the same brand. If it was possible to combine both the viscosity and the brand, then there are no problems – the car will last until the next oil change without complications.
In any case, you need to remember: when mixing different types of lubricants, the viscosity of what enters the crankcase decreases. And prolonged use of a “cocktail” of oils of different classes, differing in viscosity and produced under different brands, can lead to business interruptions, and over time to serious engine failures.
Photo: freepik.com
Photo: freepik.com
Photo: freepik.com
Who would dispute the elementary truths: engine oil is the most important part of the engine, it reduces the destructive effect of friction on its parts. And the higher the properties of the oil, the longer the engine will last. The era of “mineral water” has passed and modern synthetic fluids and, as their cheaper alternative, semi-synthetic compounds have remained at the forefront.
In addition to basically lubricating rubbing parts, a good oil has something to do in the engine: it not only removes exhaust gases from the working surfaces, but also dissolves harmful deposits of fuel combustion products. The higher the quality of the lubricant, the greater the temperature and load range. And therefore the main quality of motor oil is not to lose its properties as long as possible – not to oxidize and not to lose its molecular structure, turning it into mining.
For the sake of all this, people invented synthetic oil, which is not a direct product of the distillation of petroleum products, but is artificially synthesized on their basis, followed by the addition of the necessary additives. Of the minuses of such a lubricant, only the price of the issue comes to mind. Yes, it bites, although experts consider it justified, since all other qualities count.
What exactly? Correctly selected according to the characteristics of a particular engine, oil extends the life of the engine. “Synthetics” are most effective in the widest temperature range. It is no coincidence that 5W30 and 5W40 oils are considered a universal lubricant for diesel and gasoline engines, regardless of the time of year and region.
In addition, due to better fluidity, “synthetics” are ideal for cold starts, warming up during “ripped” driving, when engine parts “starve” oil. And due to the large number of additives, this oil has maximum flushing properties. It penetrates small gaps more easily, oxidizes more slowly and contributes to fuel economy.
A canister made of 100% “plastic” can always be recognized by the mandatory fully synthetic marking. All other single-root variations – Semi-synthetic, synthetically reinforced or synthetic technology – “semi-synthetic”. Be careful of the synthetic-based label – often it is just a mineral product fortified with additives.
Now it would make sense to list all the points with the advantages of semi-synthetic lubricants. But we won’t do this. Just conditionally divide the above five points by one and a half. The price difference is about the same. The main tasks of “pseudosynthetics” will be performed properly.
However, those who want to switch from expensive to cheaper should know that for “semi-synthetics” there are not such high standards in terms of the ratio of the volume of the mineral base and additives. It is this fact that clouds the performance of the product.
Today, due to affordable prices, “semi-synthetic” is becoming especially popular, but the manufacturing tolerances for this type of lubricant are noticeably larger. And because of this, unscrupulous manufacturers can cheat and pass off a product with some indicators of a banal “mineral water” as a full-fledged “semi-synthetic”. Of all this follow the minuses – mineral, again, components, reduced requirements for the recipe and a modest composition of additives.
Each engine has its own oil
Where to pour something is a banal question. You can stupidly ask at the service. But it is better to first familiarize yourself with the recommendations of the car manufacturer for tolerances, assess the conformity of the oil used, and only then consider the type of base, brands and price tags. This is what the experts advise.
What to add?
You can mix synthetics and semi-synthetics. Even with reservations. Preferably use an emergency refill with the same viscosity. For example, pour “semi-synthetic” 5W30 or 5W40 into “synthetic” 5W30. On the contrary, it is better not to do it. An engine running on “semi-synthetics” will perceive thinner oil negatively: the gaps between the rubbing parts will increase, the pressure may drop and the engine may most likely start leaking.
However, emergency charging is sometimes a poorly predictable thing. Therefore, if there is no oil of the same viscosity at hand, then at least try to pick up a product of the same brand. If it was possible to combine both the viscosity and the brand, then there are no problems – the car will last until the next oil change without complications.
In any case, you need to remember: when mixing different types of lubricants, the viscosity of what enters the crankcase decreases. And prolonged use of a “cocktail” of oils of different classes, differing in viscosity and produced under different brands, can lead to business interruptions, and over time to serious engine failures.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
