Thanks to power steering, we get to control and move the vehicle the way we like without any effort. However, such mechanical devices need a sort of fuel to keep up the good work. And that’s when the steering fluid comes into effect.  

What is power steering fluid? Power steering fluid is a medium that makes sure the wheels turn easily and that the components like valves, pistons, pumps, and hoses work well. It gives power to the steering system and keeps the parts lubricated. These are what power steering fluids do. 

Now through this article you are gonna learn all bout power steering fluid. Let’s get started.

Contents Of Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is a kind of hydraulic fluid containing 92wt% of mineral oil, silicones, or synthetic oil and a variety of additives. It also has 0.5-5wt% of vegetable-based oil, particularly an estolide of a hydroxy-stearic acid. When it comes to additives of power steering fluid, it includes- 

1. Anticorrosion agents like amines, alkenyl succinic esters, and alkenyl succinic imides. They work to make the fluid non-corrosive. 
2. Antioxidants like phenols (i.e. mono-alkyl and poly-alkyl phenols) and amines. They prevent auto-oxidation of fats and oils. 
3. Anti-wear additives like phosphate esters. They prevent asperities and abrasion in the fluid system. 
4. Friction-controlling additives like organic molybdenum compounds and fatty acid compounds. They help decrease friction. 
5. Antifoaming agents like esters and silicone compounds. They help hinder the creation of foam. 
6. Viscosity index improvers like methacrylate copolymers and olefin copolymers. They resist the dilution of power steering fluid at extreme temperatures. 
7. Detergents like alkaline earth metal phenates and alkaline earth metal sulfonate. They prevent formation and buildup of sludge and deposits. 
8. Dispersants like alkenyl succinic esters, alkenyl succinic imides, and amino-amidos (i.e. amides of a long-chain fatty acid with a polyamine). They help keep the system free of sediments. 

Types Of Power Steering Fluid 

The fluids contain some specific contents. So, are all power steering fluids the same? No, power steering fluid has different kinds. Even though some ingredients are similar, some are different. Let’s know about the power steering fluid types. 

You can also check: Is Car Oil Toxic?

1. Synthetic Power Steering Fluid

Such fluids are created in a lab and mostly contain polyesters, polyhydric alcohols, and a trickle of refined petroleum fractions. They are typically ideal for modern vehicles. Manufacturers like Volvo, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Honda suggest such fluids. However, they suggest using the ones that meet their specifications. You can consider using Royal Purple, Driven, or ATP for the system.  

2. Mineral Power Steering Fluid

It’s mainly made of refined petroleum fractions coming with additives. You can use Penrite, Mineral 1 L, or Febi for vehicles, especially the older ones that are compatible with such fluids. 

3. Auto Transmission Fluid

For power steering systems compatible with ATF fluid, consider using Mercon, ATF+4, Dexron, Starol, and Type F. Typically, many vehicles from the 1970s till mid-1990s use such steering systems that accept ATF fluid. 

How Long Does Power Steering Fluid Last?

The shelf life of power steering fluid depends on the type, whether it’s opened or not, storage condition, usage, and different elements. While the unopened container should last from 3 to 5 years, the opened but unused one can stay good from 2 to 3 years. 

However, the contents of fluid can break down due to metal or sediment contamination, overheating, and extreme pressure. This can reduce the shelf life of the liquid too. 

Not just that, the steering fluid can oxide over time and end up with a change in color and residual buildups on the pump valves. The seals and O-rings can get hard leading to cracks of parts, leaks, and poor performance of the fluid. 

Read Also: What Happens If You Put Wrong Oil In Car?

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is Power Steering Fluid The Same As Hydraulic Fluid?

Power steering fluid is a sub-type of hydraulic fluid whereas all hydraulic fluids aren’t compatible with a power steering system. The contents of such fluid give power to the steering system while making it flow through the rack and pinion. As it moves across the parts, it applies pressure to the piston that helps make the wheels turn with ease. 

2. Is Power Steering Fluid The Same As Brake Fluid?

No. Different chemical compositions make power steering fluid different from brake fluid. So, you cannot use them interchangeably. Doing so can lead to severe damage to the steering or braking system. And this can result in unwanted accidents. 

You can use Auto Transmission Fluid as power steering fluid alternative but the vehicle has to be compatible with them. Meanwhile, a solution of soap and water can be an effective brake fluid alternative. So, you can see the difference. 

3. How To Change Power Steering Fluid?

Make sure to turn off the engine before changing the fluid. Then, wipe the reservoir and its cap with a cloth. Check the fluid level with a dipstick fixed to the cap. If it’s below the MIN line, then add fluid while making sure you don’t exceed the MAX line. In case the fluid is above the MIN level, then examine the fluid quality. If you find it cloudy, dark, or foamy, then change it. 

Final Words

That’s all about power steering fluid. It indeed makes driving easy by giving power to the steering system. However, you should check the fluid occasionally so you can change it at the right time. 

We praise petrol and diesel whenever they are compared to gaseous alternatives. Not only do they power the car, keep the engine parts well-lubricated, and cause less internal damage, but also emit lower harmful chemicals than their counterpart. That said, the same car oil has a darker side which makes us ask this prominent question.

Is car oil toxic? Regular car oil can have up to 90% hydrocarbon and a variety of additives that make it toxic. Additives cause combustible hydrocarbon to burn more and generate black smoke that results in affecting humans, plants, animals, fishes, trees, and soil. 

The good news is that there are eco-friendly fuel alternatives that have impressed us with their benefits. So, not all kinds of car oils are toxic. 

What Makes Car Oil Toxic?

Most types of car oil contain around 75-90% of hydrocarbon distillates while the rest are additives. The common ones include petroleum and diesel. Among these two, diesel has lower hydrocarbon content with around 75% than the other which has 90%. 

Since the organic compound isn’t very thick, it’s mixed with anti-knocking agents like lead, copper, and cerium. These metals add more viscosity to the oil and keep engine pistons from clanking while moving. Without them, the parts will create constant loud friction and end up causing damage. 

What’s the issue with car engine oil? 

Now, hydrocarbon is super combustible whereas agents promote the combustion. This makes the agents responsible for generating more carbon dioxide in form of black smoke. And as the smoke is released from car exhausts into the environment, traces of different harmful chemicals disperse alongside. Some of them include- 

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen Oxides (NO)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
• Formaldehyde
• Benzene (Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
• Soot

All of these contribute to air pollution.

Few Consequences Of Car Oil Toxicity

1. Affecting Human Health 

Different chemicals are released from car exhausts. Car engine oil reduces air quality and causes several conditions in human health. 

Carbon monoxide easily binds with the hemoglobin and produces carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). This leads to CO poisoning for which we suffer from suffocation. It can also lead to death. 

Exposure to a greater amount of Benzene or Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Sulphur Dioxide leads to lung diseases. Those 2 along with Formaldehyde and Nitrogen Oxide also contribute to conditions like coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, and different neurologic problems. 

When it comes to soot pollution, it can be pretty severe. Studies have found that breathing soot heavily for a longer period can cause strokes, heart attacks, asthma, acute bronchitis, and premature death. 

2. Adverse Impacts On Water, Fish, Soil, And Plants

When Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide are released into the air from the car exhausts, it can cause acid rain. The impacts of acid rain are multiple. It pollutes everything in nature including freshwater, marine creatures, plants, soil, and trees. 

• When water becomes acidic, it lowers the pH level and ends up killing a variety of marine creatures. 
• Acid rain also affects the growth of crop fields and forests. It removes nutrients and minerals from the soil and reduces its fertility. 
• Trees and plants that are exposed to acid rain lose their nutrients and become more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and insects.

3. Affecting Animals

Aromatic hydrocarbons and soot can cause cancer in animals. Breathing air or drinking water that’s contaminated can impair the respiratory system. If animals inhale those chemicals heavily and the toxins get deposited in the lungs for a longer period, it can damage different organs as well. 

Eco-Friendly Car Oils

1. Biodiesel

Biodiesel is made with renewable sources of oil. It can be produced from substances like rapeseed, soy, waste cooking oil, vegetable oil, tallow, and animal oil or fats. Not only it’s biodegradable but also non-toxic. 

So, we consider it an efficient alternative to common types of motor oil for reducing air pollution. 

Although biodiesel combusts and generates hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide, the emission is much lower. 

As per the research by Environmental Protection Agency, biodiesel releases 11% less CO and 10% less harmful chemicals than diesel. 

2. Bioethanol

Bioethanol is made from fermentable sugar and starch that comes from first-generation biomass i.e. crops. It can be corn, wheat, sugarcane, or anything with a higher concentration of sugar. 

Studies claim that using bioethanol can be a beneficial way to reduce environmental pollution. How? 

Because it’s a clean-burning fuel. When the fuel combusts, it usually emits Carbon Dioxide and water. So, there will be no harmful chemicals like black smoke or soot.

Moreover, many results of engine tests showed a noticeable improvement in the performance of car parts and their health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Aren’t Eco-Friendly Car Oils Common Yet?

Engine incompatibility and the cost of raw materials are two primary reasons why biofuels aren’t prevalent yet: 

• Engine Incompatibility

Most car oil engines that run on diesel can use biodiesel only if it’s for a couple of hours and under mild weather conditions. A lot of engine manufacturers have limited the use of such biofuels since they can affect the lifespan of the engine.  

If the engine isn’t compatible, biofuel can cause damage to the physical properties of different car parts. 

In such a case, we must check our OEM engine warranty and make sure that the manufacturer has approved the use of higher blends of biofuels. 

• Cost Issues

The price of feedstock or raw materials used in biodiesel and bioethanol is expensive. Hence, it has increased the cost of biofuels. As per the latest report, biodiesel is between 70 and 130% pricier than fossil diesel depending on the materials used. 

Is Engine Oil Toxic To Touch?

Engine oil may burn your skin and irritate it if you have skin sensitivity. In case the contact is frequent and prolonged, it can result in dermatitis, skin diseases, and cancer too. So, we suggest you avoid touching engine oil, be it diesel or petroleum, with your bare hands. Make sure to always wear disposable gloves while draining used oil. 

Can Biodiesel Be Blended With Regular Diesel?

We can blend up to 20% of biodiesel with the regular ones for car engines. Many blends are available that go by the name- B20, B5, and B2.

• B20 is 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel
• B5 is 5% biodiesel with 98% petroleum diesel
• B2 is 2% biodiesel and 98% petroleum diesel

Changing the ratio and blending a large amount of biofuels with regular ones can affect engine life. Hence, we must check the approval of blending usage in the manufacturer manual of the engine. 

Final Words

Although car oil emits harmful chemicals lower than gaseous alternatives, it doesn’t help reduce environmental pollution. Traditional oils contain combustible components like hydrocarbon and harmful additives like lead. So, when all of them along with secondary toxic chemicals are released through black smoke via car exhaust, it gets mixed with air and causes damage to humans and other living beings. 

See Also:

• Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?
• What Happens If You Put Wrong Oil In Car?

Engine oils may seem like a minute detail in car management, but they can make a world of difference. Using the wrong type of oil can put you in a sticky situation. But you might be wondering, ‘What happens if you put wrong oil in car?’

If you put the wrong type of oil in your car’s engine, you may face the following issues- trouble during colder or warmer weather, low fuel economy, unexpected leakages, burning smells, loud noises, and worst of all, a reduction in the engine’s protection and hence, lifetime. 

But we think it is imperative to know a lot more about motor oil to make an informed decision. That’s why before talking about the consequences of using incompatible oil, we’ll cover-

1. How Engine Oils Are Differentiated

2. How To Make An Informed Decision On Engine Oil Selection 

Ways To Classify Engine Oil

Before we get into why choosing the wrong type of oil is bad, we first need to answer the question- what is the wrong type of engine oil? 

Read Also: Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?

1. By Viscosity

Most commonly, the engine oil will cause hiccups if you don’t pick the right viscosity. Viscosity is the density or how easily the oil flows at any given temperature. 

The way this is shown is in the format ‘0W-20’. The number before the W tells the oil’s viscosity at 0 degrees Celsius whereas the one after it indicates its viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius. 

Here are the most common viscosity options you need: 

• 0W-20
• 0W-30 
• 0W-40 
• 5W-30 
• 5W-40 
• 10W-40

2. By Composition

Next up, you can separate oils by what they are made of. This creates three distinctions-

1. Synthetic Oil 

2. Conventional/ Mineral/ Regular Oil

3. Synthetic Blends

The key difference between synthetic oil and conventional oil is that synthetic oil is made of chemically manufactured components whereas regular oil is made of natural minerals. Synthetic blends are a mixture of the two. This table should help navigate through the option. 

Type Of Oil	Best For
Synthetic Oil	Premium protection at a premium cost
Mineral Oil	Good protection at a reasonable price range
Synthetic Blend	A middle ground between synthetic and mineral

3. API Certification

This is the one distinction where we can clearly state one type of oil is better than the other. If your oil has any sort of API certification, either an API donut or an API/ISLAC starburst, it is the right type of oil. Otherwise, chuck it in the bin!

3. Brand

This distinction doesn’t even really matter. As long as you are using a renowned brand, it is completely fine. Castrol, Shell, Mobil, and Valvoline are the best brands of motor oil from our experience. 

How To Choose The Right Oil?

Choosing the right oil is no DIY project, refer to any one of the two following options when picking the oil-

1. Manufacturer’s Instructions/Recommendations

2. An Experienced Or Trusted Mechanic

The Effects Of Using The Wrong Oil

Now that you know how to pick the right oil for your car, it finally makes sense for us to cover why picking the wrong oil is bad news for your engine– 

1. Engine Will Be Prone To Weather Issues

Ever been stuck in the garage on a cold winter morning because the engine just won’t start? This is a result of the viscosity being too high in the winter. The cold weather thickens your oil ironically causing engine overheating. 

2. Fuel Economy Will Take A Hit

This is pretty obvious. If you don’t use the motor oil that gives maximum efficiency, your engine won’t operate at its best. This will result in it using up more fuel for shorter distances. 

3. Plenty Of Oil Leakage 

Thinner oils just won’t stay in some oils. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s specifications or consult the best mechanic in the area regarding this, don’t be surprised by puddles under your car. 

5. Unpleasant Odor And Sounds

As your engine oil isn’t going to take care of your engine well enough, the car may just act up physically. The sounds and the burning scent are very visible warning signs. 

5. Long-term Damage

Unfortunately, all the previous effects pile up and take a toll on your engine. The wrong oil simply doesn’t offer adequate protection and your engine undergoes wear and tear in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Do I Need To Use Engine Oil? 

Engine oil is one of the most overlooked, yet one of the most important areas of car maintenance. Because oil changes are so infrequent, people forget just how much this lubricant does. The reduction of friction between the metal parts is crucial for your engine. 

The wrong type of engine oil can cause long-term damage to your engine.

2. Where Do I Buy Engine Oil? 

This is a good question as all vendors cannot be trusted. We’re lucky to be living in the time of the internet. You can get reliable options from one quick search on Amazon. Make sure that the motor oil matches your car’s engine and you’re good to go. 

If you still can’t trust the online medium, there are a lot of auto-repair shops that sell motor oil. You’ll find it at any service station as well. Scams are unlikely at any of these locations. 

3. How Often Should I Change My Oil?

That depends on the type of oil you are using. We recommend a change every 5000 miles for conventional oil and around 10,000 miles for synthetic oils. It’s a little difficult to estimate for synthetic blends, but we’d say 7,500 miles is a good point. 

4. Can I Mix Different Types Of Oil? 

If you are talking about brand or composition, yes. Oils from different brands should work together with no issues. Mixing synthetic and conventional oil should also be fine as that’s essentially what synthetic blends. Never mix oils with different viscosities, however. 

Final Words

With that, you know what happens if you put wrong oil in car. We hope this article was able to stress the importance of picking the right oil for your car and how much damage negligence can do to your beloved vehicle.  

Car maintenance is one of the most complex tasks out there. That’s why many people neglect their automobile’s health and we, for one, are against that. It is necessary to give a car the care and attention it deserves. 

Picking out the perfect motor oil for the engine is part of good car maintenance. There are plenty of debates among car owners: BMW v Audi, Auto v Manual, AWD v 4WD, the list is endless.

Naturally, there is a famous debate when it comes to engine oils as well- synthetic oil vs regular oil. Synthetic oils beat regular oil in every category except price. Synthetic blends offer those benefits at a lower price. Mixing the two oils at home isn’t a wise choice. 

In this article, we attempted to give our take on this conversation. Along with that, we discussed an option for those looking for a mix between synthetic oil and regular oil. 

But before all that, we would like to cover a very important topic. 

Why Choosing The Right Type Of Engine Oil Important?

Before we cover the differences among the types of motor oil, it is a good idea to explain why it even matters. The wrong type of engine oil can let you down in these 3 areas-

• Engine efficiency
• Durability
• Cost

1. Engine Efficiency

As a lubricant, the oil determines how well the components of the engine work together. Synthetic oils, for example, tend to give your engine a better boost as the chemically manufactured stuff smoothens the interactions a lot more. 

2. Durability

Oil changes are tedious and some of us want to avoid them at all costs. For these people, we suggest going for a type of motor oil that is resistant to extreme temperatures, chemical degradation, and oxidation. 

3. Cost

Last but not least, it is crucial to factor in the economic side of things. The price ranges differ greatly for the types of oils. You can save a fast buck by choosing a cheaper oil. 

Synthetic Oil Vs Regular Oil: Which One Works Best? 

So now that you know why choosing the right type of oil is so important, it’s time to understand what is the right type of engine oil for your car. Is it synthetic oil or regular oil? 

1. Price

There is a clear winner here. Synthetic oil is expensive. Regular or conventional oil is around half the cost of its synthetic counterpart. Interestingly, regular oils also improve fuel economy on the highway. In other words, synthetic oil is going to create a crater in your pockets. 

2. Performance Of The Engine 

But that crater may be worth it as the difference in performance is notable. As we already mentioned, the synthetic option just flows better. The parts of the engine undergo less stress. So, along with performance, it also improves the protection of the engine. Synthetic oil increases the lifespan of the engine.

3. Resilience  

Synthetic oil is a durability champion. There is not a single category in which regular oil does a better job when it comes to durability. 

For starters, it does a great job against the elements. The viscosity does not change much at different temperatures. If you live in a region where the temperature changes frequently, synthetic oils are a must. 

Synthetic oil is also less prone to chemical degradation. As they are chemically manufactured oil, they’ve been altered to make sure that they don’t decompose easily.

Lastly, they are less likely to oxidize. All oil oxidizes eventually but this process is much slower for synthetic oil than it is for regular oil. 

4. Maintenance

As synthetic oil is much more durable, the frequency of oil changes is much lower. To be precise, regular oils require a change every 5000 miles whereas synthetic oils can go well over 10,000 miles. 

Putting a period to these distances is difficult as it depends on how much you use your car. But if we had to guess, it would be around 6 months for conventional oils and at least a year for synthetic oil. 

Category	Synthetic Oil	Regular Oil
Price	Loser	Winner
Engine Performance	Winner	Loser
Resilience	Winner	Loser
Maintenance	Winner	Loser

Why Commercially Sold Synthetic Blends Are The Best Option?

As you can see, synthetic oil is vastly superior to regular oil but the price difference is so significant that the former simply isn’t viable for many of us. Mixing the two oils won’t do much good as you can’t transfer the benefits of synthetic oil just by diluting it in regular oil.

Commercially manufactured mixtures, however, do the trick. Synthetic blends are an excellent balanced option. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Engines Need Oil?

The oil acts as a lubricant for the metals of the engine to operate together smoothly. It reduces the friction and ensures that the aforementioned parts don’t scratch or damage either. 

Where Can I Buy Synthetic Blends?

Buying engine oil is no easy task. As made clear from this article, even choosing engine oil is a lengthy process. We suggest going to a trusted dealer to make the purchase. If you are buying online, ensure that product is exactly what you are looking for and only buy from reputable sites.

How Is OIl Thickness Calculated?

If you’ve tried to buy oil, we bet you’ve seen numbers such as 5W–30 and 10W–30, these numbers show the viscosity of the oil. 

The number with the W shows the thickness of the oil at zero degrees Celsius. The other number shows thickness at 100 degrees Celsius. The higher these numbers are, the thicker your oil is at any given temperature. 

Does The Brand Of Engine Oil Matter? 

Yes. Unlike other products, motor oil is one where you can’t take a risk. Using the wrong even just for one instance can greatly damage your engine, and so, we recommend going for big brands like Castrol, Mobil, and Shell. 

Final Words 

All in all, synthetic oil vs regular oil is a choice that needs to be made carefully. Synthetic oil blends offer a good middle ground. However, mixing the two on your own will not offer the same benefits. 

See Also: Is Synthetic Oil Thinner Than Regular Oil?

Choosing the right oil for an engine can be a complicated process. A lot of factors come into this process and to make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the differences between the types of engine oil.

To simplify this decision, we decided to explain exactly what synthetic engine oil is and how it compares to its famous alternative, conventional oil.

Synthetic oil is a lubricant made of artificial chemical compounds as opposed to conventional motor oil which is made of refined crude oil. It is considerably more expensive but in the long run, it improves the performance of the engine of a car as it is more durable.

Before we get into the perks of using synthetic engine oil ahead of conventional motor oil, there are a few other topics to cover:

●      What are all the options available for engine oil?

●      When and how did we come about synthetic engine oil?

Types Of Engine Oil

If we were to divide the types of oil by what they are made of, we can put them into three categories: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blends. There is another type of oil called high-mileage oil but we decided to leave that out as it is not a distinction of base compounds.

1. Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil is also called mineral oil and as the name suggests it is made of minerals, namely crude oil. Crude oil is processed into petroleum which is then processed into refined oils. Conventional engine oil is a mixture of these refined oils and plenty of other additives. 

 2. Synthetic Engine Oil

While we will go into much more detail about what it is and what the advantage of using this oil is, at the surface level, synthetic engine oil is motor oil that is not derived solely from whole crude oil. It is made either from modified petroleum components or other raw materials. It is important to note that it is still mostly crude oil.

3. Synthetic Blend Oil

Spoiler alert: synthetic oil is quite expensive. Synthetic blends are for those looking for a balance between cost and efficiency. It will still give your engine more of a boost than conventional oil but it won’t hype it up to the level that a purely synthetic oil would.

 History Of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil was first put into use back in the second world war in jet engines in Germany. This oil was a last-ditch effort made by Nazi Germany when the Allied Nations did not sell them conventional oil. It’s as they say: necessity is the mother of all inventions.

It was not until the 1970s that oil made its way to the commercial market.

Synthetic Oil Vs Conventional Oil- Who Is The Winner?

We thought it would be best to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of using each type of oil with a table. This comparison table should be a perfect guide to determining the best use of each oil.

	Synthetic Oil	Conventional Oil
Cost	Higher	Lower
Fuel Economy	Worse	Better
Resistance To Extreme Temperatures	Better	Worse
Resistance To Chemical Degradation	Better	Worse
Resistance To Oxidation	Better	Worse
Engine Protection	Better	Worse
Frequency Of Oil Changes	Lower	Higher

As displayed by the table, synthetic oil pretty much wipes the floor with conventional oil. The price difference is more than made up for due to synthetic oil’s durability and its ability to shield the engine.

It is important to note a couple of things, however: first and foremost, conventional motor oil more than gets the job done for those who aren’t extensive car users. Synthetic oil is overkill for these individuals.

Secondly, if the need to change oil frequently is too bothersome, a synthetic blend would be a good option. While it doesn’t last as long as classic synthetic oil, we think the money saved justifies the shorter period.

This oil was made for heavy-duty usage; it was jet fuel. As such, modern cars seldom need this level of a performance upgrade. Enthusiasts are welcome to try this oil but it is certainly not a must-have for car owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

In terms of conventional motor oil, it is wise to change oil at least every 5000 miles. As we mentioned multiple times, synthetic engine oil needs to be switched out way less often. Generally speaking, it takes at least 10000 miles to even consider an oil change for this type of oil. In terms of time, that would be 6 months.

Is Synthetic Oil Environment Friendly?

Well, it would be a bit of a stretch to call synthetic oils environmentally friendly. The oil is still mostly crude oil and the chemicals used to make this oil are not exactly green. However, it is by far the better option for the environment when compared to conventional engine oil as it uses less crude oil. 

Where Should I Buy Synthetic Oil?

It is very important to check the authenticity of engine oil before making a purchase. Always buy from trusted vendors. When buying online, it is a good idea to buy from verified sellers.

Is Synthetic Oil Compatible With Old Cars?

There is a rumor going around that older cars are not compatible with synthetic oil. This is not true. Back in the day, the formula for synthetic oil wasn’t perfected and hence it damaged engine seals. This led to people believing that synthetic oil wasn’t right for their cars. 

Final Words

We hope this article was able to completely answer the question: what is synthetic engine oil? We hope our rundown on synthetic oil was able to illustrate the differences between it and conventional engine oil.

There is no clear winner between the two even though synthetic oil beats it in a lot of categories. The price difference is considerably high and that keeps conventional oil in the competition.

Related:

• Does Synthetic Oil Reduce Oil Consumption?
• Can You Mix Synthetic Oil with Regular Oil?

The uniform nature of molecules in synthetic oil speaks it all. This is what keeps the lubricant more stable and makes it flow smoothly regardless of the temperature. But easy flow doesn’t mean the engine gets the freedom to consume the fluid the way it wants. In fact, such lubricants have special features to be consumed effectively. 

So, does synthetic oil reduce oil consumption?

Yes, synthetic oils can reduce oil consumption thanks to seal swelling agents that prevent leakage and excessive oil consumption. 

Let’s show you how that happens. 

Synthetic Oil And Oil Consumption 

Synthetic lubricant is formulated differently. It contains pure base oil with uniform chemicals. There are fewer impurities in the fluid and it can resist the formation of deposits and sludge better than the conventional. Studies by AAA say the same. The result showed that synthetic oil can perform 47% better than its rival. 

It has an agent made of sorbitol and carboxylic acid that works to swell the seals and keep them from leaking. No leaks mean reduced oil consumption. Plus, the oil’s uniform molecules ensure it stays thick at high temperatures and thin at lows to provide smooth and efficient flow without getting much consumed. 

However, synthetic oils may not be suitable for older engines. The lubricant contains esters that refer to the blend of organic compounds and alcohol. Typically, this mixture can be severely rough on parts especially seals which can damage them and make them burn or leak more oil. In that case, conventional oil is better for old engines since it doesn’t have such risky ingredients. 

Causes Of Engine Oil Consumption

Here are two major causes of high oil consumption in engines. 

1. Damaged Engine Parts

Parts of engine such as seals, pipelines, gaskets, and fittings can get cracked or damaged as the engine ages. This results in leakage that can cause oil consumption. 

Damaged piston rings are another reason. When they wear out, the engine oil takes more time to enter the combustion chamber which leads to excess oil burning. Not just that, it also triggers carbon deposits to form on the rings. 

2. Unsuitable Engine Oil

Different engines need different kinds of engine oils. Getting the wrong one will cause more oil consumption. For instance, engines that require viscous oil can result in damage if low-viscosity fluid is used. As we all know, the lubricant gets thinner at higher temperatures. And diluted fluid creates more heat and friction.

Apart from improper picks, low-quality lubricant causes quicker oil consumption. Such engine oils don’t have the necessary additives that can keep the parts moving without damage. 

Ways To Reduce Synthetic Oil Consumption 

Experts suggest that the increase in fuel economy is what reduces motor oil consumption. However, picking the right oil matters too. 

1. Drive Slow

Speeding up your driving can increase the use of motor oil because of air and tire rolling resistance. So, make sure the acceleration is gentle. When it comes to light-duty cars, if you go over 50mph, you may need to pay around $0.20 more per gallon of gas for every 5mph. So, reducing the speed by 5-10mph can increase fuel economy by 10%. 

Aside from following the speed limit, you should brake gently and gradually too. 

2. Decrease Vehicle Load

The extra weight of items inside will need more lubricant to push your car. For instance, if the item weighs 100 pounds, it can decrease the fuel economy by 1% more or less. Look for unnecessary stuff such as heavy baggage or wheels and unload them.  

Plus, make sure to allow lesser riders to get inside so the car can move more freely. 

3. Using Proper Lubricant

The right pick will ensure smooth lubrication of engine parts while resisting any kind of leaks. For instance, high-mileage synthetic oil has different additives like seal swellers that help stop leakage. This results in less oil consumption. 

Apart from selecting one for specific engines, make sure it’s of high quality to enjoy the same benefit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Best Speed To Save Fuel?

The best speed to save fuel ranges from 55mph to 65mph. However, it depends on vehicle type. For passenger cars, the optimal speed would be between 40mph and 55mph while it would be slightly lower for trucks, SUVs, or other larger cars. 

2. Is Synthetic Oil Better For Engines That Burn Oil?

Synthetic oil is better for new engines since the contents don’t affect the parts as they would do to parts of older ones. However, if engine is the real culprit, then no matter which type you choose, it will consume the same amount of lubricant. 

3. Does High-Mileage Oil Stop Oil Consumption?

High-mileage oils can reduce oil consumption as they contain additives like seal conditioners and detergents. These contents make seals, gaskets, and O-rings swell as well as rejuvenate damaged covers. All of it helps lead to less consumption of lubricant and burn-off. 

Final Words

Synthetic oils have lots of benefits to offer. They lose only 4% of their weight if run at 400°F for around 6 hours. It’s way less than conventional one that experiences 30% loss. Not just that, the contents of lubricants also work the keep the engines in shape by swelling the seals so that it could prevent leaks. All these show how synthetic oil reduces oil consumption. 

Related post:

• Does Motor Oil Degrade Over Time?
• Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?