What is the difference between semi-synthetic oil and natural, synthetic oil?

A mineral oil (or conventional motor oil) is an oil that has been refined from crude oil. Crude oil is composed of many different hydrocarbon structures, each having its characteristics–some of which are not helpful for lubrication and considered contaminants.

What’s the difference between semi-synthetic and synthetic motor oils?

Mineral oils, for example, contain wax that must be reduced or eliminated. While the wax is great for candles, it can’t be used in motor oils. Refining is a process that removes contaminants from hydrocarbon structures and makes them more desirable. A mineral or conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, is a refined mineral oil that has been “cleaned up” to be used as a lubricant.

Mineral-based oils can be refined to produce better products than those made just a few years back. Despite improvements in the performance characteristics, there have been problems with inadequate lubricant performance. There is always a need to find something better.

Synthetic motor oils are lubricants that have been designed and not refined. This means that the desired performance characteristics of the synthetic lubricant are included to offer enhanced benefits and features. Full synthetic motor oils are more stable than mineral oils, perform better at low temperatures, have lower deposits, and are less volatile. They can still be compatible with mineral oils. Synthetic oils require less frequent oil changes than conventional motor oils.

Some oil companies mix mineral oils with synthetic oils to increase the performance and benefits of lower-priced oil. This is to keep the price lower than that of 100% synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic motor oils are these synthetic blends.

However, customers should be aware that there is no standard for how much synthetic oil must be blended with mineral oil to qualify as semi-synthetic oil. A synthetic blend oil can be as low as 30%, 5% or more synthetic. The customer must weigh the benefits and costs of semi-synthetic motor oils versus using mineral oils or full synthetic oil products.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about synthetic and conventional motor oils and blended oils products. Also, we can help you determine which oil product is best for high-mileage vehicles. We can help determine which oil is the most efficient for your vehicle’s fuel consumption or which oil is best for heavy-duty vehicles.

Because synthetic oil has more benefits than regular oil, informed drivers want to run their engines on it. Semi-synthetic oil is often better than traditional oils but can be purchased lower than full synthetic oil.

Why is synthetic oil so efficient but at a higher price?

High Precision Composition and Purification

To eliminate impurities, high-quality synthetic oil is reduced to its basic molecules. The oil is then reformulated using additives to meet the demands of modern engines.

Every additive used to make synthetic oil has a purpose.

• To increase the oil’s durability and extend its life expectancy.
• To ensure it can withstand high temperatures without losing its viscosity and lubricity.
• Protect your engine from freezing temperatures to keep it running smoothly.
• There are no impurities, so there is no self-destruction or sludge accumulation. This may be an option for older engines that are still in good mechanical condition but have sludge buildup problems from poor quality oil or improper maintenance.

Semi-Synthetic oils combine conventional oil to reduce costs

Because of all the research and development that produces quality synthetic oil, it may be more expensive than customers might be able or willing to pay. Semi-synthetic oils are the solution. Hybrid lubricants mix synthetic oil and conventional oil in different proportions.

The price of the product and its efficiency will affect the mix ratio. The higher the amount of synthetic oil in the blend, both the price and peak performance, will affect the mix ratio. Semi-synthetic blends may contain only 5% to 10% synthetic oil, as there are no mixed percentages requirements. The increased cost of conventional oils may make the benefits questionable. The buyer should know this fact and not be deceived by unscrupulous marketers.

Which oil should you use?

It is best to stick with the recommended oil level. You should never run an engine that uses synthetic oil. This can increase wear, reduce engine performance, and void your warranty.

However, synthetic base oil can be used on any mechanically sound engine and will result in better performance. This will extend oil life, reduce engine pollution, improve engine performance and fuel economy. This will result in lower cumulative maintenance costs, which means you’ll get more mileage before your engine needs major servicing. You also get better fuel economy. While a high-quality synthetic oil might have a higher cost per gallon, it is cheaper. Buyers should not mix up price and cost.