Tech Tip: Understanding the Benefits of Synthetic Motor Oil

Tech Tip: Understanding the Benefits of Synthetic Motor Oil

Full synthetic motor oils outperform conventional and synthetic blend motor oils in nearly all aspects of engine protection. Full synthetics start with a quality base oil combined with an additive formula that enables it to help provide superior protection to prevent friction, resist burn-off, oxidation, shear and sludge.

Full synthetic motor oils outperform conventional and synthetic blend motor oils in nearly all aspects of engine protection. Full synthetics start with a quality base oil combined with an additive formula that enables it to help provide superior protection to prevent friction, resist burn-off, oxidation, shear and sludge. This additive formula includes detergents, anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, dispersants, viscosity index improvers and antioxidants to help the engine run better.

Synthetic motor oil is manufactured with a process that makes it possible to manipulate the oil molecules. Oil molecules come in all shapes and sizes. In synthetic oil, the molecules are broken down and rebuilt to exact shapes and sizes to better resist chemical attack and oxidation.

At high temperatures, oil can also burn off, depleting the oil level and leaving behind thicker oil that drags on performance. Full synthetic motor oil resists burn-off much better than conventional motor oils.

Full synthetic motor oil also resists oil oxidation better than conventional oil. Oil oxidation occurs when oil molecules bond together, which can lead to deposits that can cause reduced performance. Full synthetic motor oils help to prevent engine deposits, which results in smoother oil flow and cleaner engine operation.

As motor oil travels through the engine, some of the additives can be sheared, literally cut in half, by high-speed engine parts, thinning the oil. Full synthetic motor oils resist shear under heavy loads better than conventional oils. This helps synthetic motor oil maintain its viscosity grade, enabling it to offer better engine protection and withstand more extreme engine conditions.

Finally, sludge can form during low-temperature driving when water and fuel condense and mix with motor oil. This sticky mixture may block oil flow through the oil pump, oil passages and oil filter. Full synthetic motor oil is formulated to provide an extra level of sludge resistance, breaking up sludge-forming particles.

Courtesy of Pennzoil.

For additional information on products offered by Pennzoil, visit www.pennzoil.com.

You May Also Like

Locking Hubs and Axles

The leading cause of IWE failure is water finding its way into the vacuum lines under the hood and in the wheel well.

Ford’s Integrated Wheel End (IWE) first hit the market in 2004 on the F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. An IWE allows the front wheels to rotate while the front axles do not move and turn the front differential. This helps to improve fuel economy. 

Compared to the older vacuum actuated locking hubs, IWEs operate in reverse. When in 2WD mode, a vacuum is applied to the IWE unit. This pulls a splined collar called the clutch ring back that disconnects the axle from the hub unit and front wheels. When the vacuum is not present like in 4WD mode, the splined clutch ring connects the axle to the hub unit. The system is designed to allow for 4WD operation as a default, even if the solenoid is not working or is leaking.

Electric Power Steering Diagnostics

Load management for steering systems.

Road To AAPEX: Shifting Vehicle Service Gears

When the team started looking at the Blackwood’s transmission, they knew they needed help to prevent a lonely breakdown.

Ryder Deploys First BrightDrop Electric Vans into Rental Fleet

The electric vans have been deployed at four strategic Ryder facilities in California, Texas and New York.

BMW Daytime Running Lights Are Dim

The issue is likely because the connection between the LED module & light tube inside the headlight is damaged.

Other Posts

10 Tips For Servicing Hydroboost Brake Units

Hydroboost brake systems are self-bleeding if there is no other problem in the system.

AWDA’s Ted Hughes on the Power of Industry Partnerships

Aftermarket veteran Ted Hughes shares the changes he’s experienced and lessons learned through 30+ years in the aftermarket.

O’Reilly Unveils BrakeBest Select Pro Pads and Rotors

The private-label pads and rotors are available online and in O’Reilly stores nationwide, including Puerto Rico.

Honda Ridgeline Caliper Replacement

The parking brake and hydraulics are where you’ll find any service issues.