7 Common Synthetic Oil Myths

Our american partner Amsoil published a very interesting article about the 7 common synthetic oil myhts. Therefore we also published the article for you as our customer.

 

Myths about synthetic engine oil

 

Despite widespread use of synthetic motor oil over the last few decades, there are still several myths that circulate regarding synthetics. Today’s Tech Tip addresses some of these myths.

Myth #1 - Synthetic motor oil prevents new engines from proper break-in.
While the break-in process can be longer with synthetic motor oil compared to conventional oil, the break-in is no less effective. In fact, many new cars are factory-filled with synthetic oil.

Myth #2 – It is not good to switch to synthetic oil if your engine has been operating on conventional oil.
Features of synthetics include better oxidation resistance, higher viscosity index and lower volatility. These features are just as beneficial to an engine that has previously used conventional oil as to one that has been using synthetics. In addition, synthetic and conventional oils are fully compatible.

Myth #3 – Using synthetic motor oil in an older engine causes oil leaks.
Properly formulated synthetics are compatible with modern seal materials. They contain appropriate conditioners to keep seals pliable to prevent leaks. Synthetics must pass the same seal-compatibility tests as conventional oils. And synthetics are now often required by original equipment manufacturers straight from the factory.

Myth #4 – Synthetic oils are too thin for older engines and cause increased oil consumption.
An oil’s thinness or thickness is measured by its viscosity. A 40-weight synthetic oil is no thinner than a 40-weight conventional oil. In fact, synthetics naturally have a high viscosity index, making them more resistant to thinning at elevated temperatures. Additionally, synthetics generally have lower volatility, further reducing consumption. In a mechanically sound engine, switching to AMSOIL often reduces oil consumption.

In March 2001, Mercedes-Benz recommended U.S. vehicle owners switch to synthetic oil for FSS (Flexible Service System)-equipped vehicles to prevent excessive consumption and sludge. And in 2004 they settled a class-action lawsuit because they did not specify synthetic motor oil in vehicles equipped with FSS in the United States.

http://www.autosafety.org/1998-01-mercedes-fss-engine-damage

Myth #5 – Synthetics are too slippery to be used in wet-clutch (oil-lubricated) applications.
JASO standards for wet clutches are used throughout the world. The frictional requirements for the JASO categories are the same regardless of whether synthetic or conventional base oils are used. The important thing is to select a product with the correct viscosity, specification and JASO category.

Myth #6 Conventional and synthetic engine oils should not be mixed.
While mixing synthetics with conventional oils will reduce the beneficial properties of the synthetic, it will not cause incompatibility issues. Semi-synthetic engine oils are a mixture of conventional and synthetic base oils.

Myth #7 – When engine oil turns black shortly after changing to synthetic from conventional, it demonstrates that switching from conventional to synthetic is not a good idea and something may be wrong with the oil.
AMSOIL synthetic engine oils have excellent detergent and dispersant properties. Detergents clean deposits from surfaces and prevent them from adhering, while dispersants surround deposits to keep them from agglomerating and causing sludge. Suspended in the oil, these deposits are then carried to the oil filter where the larger ones are removed. When an oil turns black shortly after installation, it signifies that there were existing deposits in the engine, and the new oil is performing the vital function of cleaning. Perhaps the previous oil was of a poor quality or left in the engine past its useable life.