Motor oil is an important thing that keeps our cars and trucks moving; however, it is important to know the difference between oil types before you fill-up the tank. There are two primary types of motor oils: mineral oils and synthetic oils. Here’s a brief overview of the two to help you better understand what they can do.
Understanding Mineral Oil.
Mineral oil is derived during the refining process for crude petroleum. During this process, all of the natural contaminants are removed as it is refined. Mineral oil distributors may feature specific types for different needs.
Mineral oil is typically used for older vehicles that are optimized to run on less refined and advanced lubricants. This is also why if you head to your mechanic for an oil change, this option will cost less than synthetic. However, while it’s not always ideal, it is the go too choice for many motorists and transit companies who wish to keep costs low.
It’s worth noting that mineral oils will move through the engine slower than synthetic oils, which can result in an increase in fuel consumption. However, if it’s recommended for your type of vehicle, or if you have an older vehicle model, buying from a mineral oil distributor is a safe bet as they will still provide a high level of lubrication, in some cases more so than synthetics.
Understanding Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is designed for use in high-performance engines, and it is created as a result of transformed chemicals either in crude petroleum or via predetermined molecules. The biggest difference is in the transformation process, as synthetic oil undergoes more modification than its mineral counterpart. They tend to contain fewer impurities overall and are more chemically altered.
As with mineral oil distributors, synthetic options can come in a couple of different varieties, some tailored for specific uses. Specialized additives in certain brands can help protect against corrosion, oxidation, wear, and foaming. While synthetic oil is known for causing less wear, increasing the life span of engines, and requiring less frequent oil changes, the trade-off is in the cost.
Which One To Choose?
Both mineral and synthetic oils have their benefits, and which one you decide on will depend on what you’re using it in, and what results you’re looking to achieve. Older cars tend to run fine with mineral oils, while newer models are built with synthetic in mind. If you need additional information, reach out to synthetic and mineral oil distributors and ask what their products can do for you. Alternatively, you can also speak with a mechanic about what they would recommend for your specific vehicle.
