Synthetic blend oil was first introduced in the 1960s, and people have been curious about the difference between it and full synthetic engine oil ever since. Firstly: synthetic is more expensive, but is commonly known as the superior choice when it comes to long-lasting engine protection. Since many drivers don't want to pay the price for full synthetic compounds, synthetic blends are offered by many manufacturers as a cost-effective, yet highly efficient alternative that is still superior to conventional mineral motor oil.
Why Is Full Synthetic Oil Used More Often?
Full synthetic oil is used more frequently for a number of reasons. In fact, manufacturers and car owners alike have recently begun using it to a greater extent, because of the high efficiency of some synthetic brands. Better machining and metallurgy means that engines can be built and assembled to far tighter tolerances than a generation ago, and synthetic offers superior protection for these engines. The extended oil blend intervals of up to 15,000 miles and the superior protection offered for power-intense engines are just part of the story. The newer standards for corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) also drive the need for low-viscosity oils that need to have a synthetic base, cutting friction and enhancing overall engine efficiency. Moreover, OEMs recommend synthetic for better protection under warranty and longer drain intervals.
The Basics of Part-Synthetic Motor Oil
Part-synthetic oils are a blend between synthetic and mineral oils. They were first introduced by Mobil in 1966, and are typically engineered to offer similar benefits as their full synthetic counterparts, but at a much lower cost. This isn’t the case, since even with high performance additives, the best blends of synthetic and mineral oil are not capable of reaching the same performance. Semi-synthetic motor oils are also not fully regulated by clear cut standards regarding the concentration of mineral or synthetic compounds. As a result, great care has to be taken when choosing the exact composition that would offer a suitable level of performance when it comes to your own vehicle.
Pricing Differences between Synthetic and Blend
When it comes to the cost, synthetic blend vs full synthetic is no contest at all. Synthetic oils are about 30% more expensive as the average synthetic blend, and their increased life span doesn’t always compensate for that cost. However, for a typical price difference of $8 to $9 per 5 qt, car owners can enjoy benefits such as the use of engine oils that are three times stronger against viscosity breakdown and far better behavior when subjected to high pressure and temperature fluctuations.
Full Synthetic vs. Synthetic Blend Change Intervals
The amounts of time you can wait before changing your oil tends to differ greatly between conventional and synthetic oils, however, synthetic blend engine oil is much closer to the average full synthetic change interval. Even on the lower end, synthetic motor oil can still last for up to 5,000 miles before you need to change it. The most expensive synthetic brands can go up to 10,000 or even 15,000 miles. With a semi-synthetic brand the figures are less impressive, however, the average change interval is in the vicinity of 6,000 miles, with some brands exceeding a recommended value of 7,500.
The Long Term Use of Synthetic vs. Blend Oil
Statistics show that 45% of all cars, SUVs and pickup trucks currently use synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. How will they fare in the long run? Compared to the two, conventional oil can help your car reach 200,000 miles with ease. Due to improved chemical and shear stability, better high and low temperature viscosity performance, a better viscosity index in general, and far greater resistance to oxidation, oil sludge concerns and thermal breakdown, full synthetic compounds are known to increase the odds that your car will live longer. By comparison, in the case of synthetic blend vs full synthetic, the differences can vary as a result of the concentration of mineral oil, which can reduce the performance of the oil and decrease the overall longevity of your engine.
