DO SYNTHETIC OILS WORK?
Seeing the ads for synthetic motor oils and lubricants, you may ask if they are right for your gasoline or diesel engines. Are they worth the extra money?
Conventional mineral motor oils are refined using crude oil for the base sotck. Mineral oils contain impurities, such as nitrogen,resin,asphalt,wax, carbon, sulfur, and aromatic residues. Refining removes most of these, but some remain to cause problems, especially under stress and temperatures.
In contrast, synthetic oils are developed in the laboratory- from man made orgainc esters and other synthesized hydrocarbons to provide the exact characteristics desired. These "designer" oils include no impurities, at least when poured from the can. Impurities, of course, can appear during combustion.
Even the best mineral-based motor oils break down or oxidize at temperatures of 250deg to 350deg F. Above this the life of these oils drops drastically, resulting in increased engine wear and formation of harmful sludge (or BLACK DEATH) , varnish and other deposits. Synthetic oils can easily tolerate temperatures of up to 450deg, and some can go up to 550+deg. with synthetic oils, there are no impurities, so they resist oxidation much longer.
Synthetic oils also work better at low temperatures because they flow much more freely down to -40 to -50 degrees F. Also, synthetic oils start lubricating much sooner and reach critical areas much faster.
The advantages? Longer intervals between oil changes are possible because synthetics suffer less breakdown due to the better base stock used. Usually the synthetics will have a better additive package, allowing the oil to clean better among other things.
Word of caution!, Not everyone needs to use a full synthetic oil. There is many times a good mineral based or synthblend will do just as well. Changing to a full synthetic on an older vehicle (for example) can cause leaks in the seals, the detergents can break loose accumulated sludge deposits which in turn could clog oil passages and cause other havoc inside the engine.
It's best to consult a lubricant specialist / mechanic to determine what your options are.
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2. Is there any negative effects of switching back to Petroleum oil once Synthetic oil has been used?
You can switch back and forth as many times as you like with no negative result. Petroleum and syntetic oils these days are completely compatible with each other