Even though both mineral and synthetic oils are used as automotive engine lubricants, they are very different. The two oils are differentiated in their prices, properties, composition, among many other parameters. We all know that automotive lubrication is very important for your vehicle’s engine. For this reason, before settling on one lubricant, you should explore all the options available so that you pick the best one. Since synthetic lubricants and mineral oils are the most common engine oils you can find anywhere, it’s important to understand the differences between the two to aid with your decision.
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What Is Synthetic Lubricant?
Synthetic engine lubricants are engine oils made from artificial chemical transformations performed on petroleum using preselected molecules or by drilling. As a result, synthetic oils are very pure, uniform in molecular sizes, resistant to breakdown, and less vulnerable to oxidation than other oils. Even though synthetic lubricants are fit to be used as engine oils, when you add more synthetic molecules to them, you end up increasing their lubricant nature. Synthetic oils were designed first by scientists to reduce friction and increase the ultimate lubricant effect.
What Is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oils are lubricants that are distilled directly from crude oil. This lubricant is colorless, odorless, transparent and usually contains some mixtures of alkanes inside it. The simple nature of production makes mineral oil so readily available and very cheap compared to synthetic lubricant. Although mineral oil is used for different purposes, there have been constant doubts about the safety of using it. This is also why scientists had to go ahead and find a more refined alternative for automotive oils. Since most petroleum derivatives contain carcinogenic polycyclic compounds, there has been constant fear that mineral oils might contain the same. What is the difference between synthetic lubricant and mineral oil?
The following are some of the aspects in which synthetic and mineral oils differ and what makes users prefer a certain choice over the other.
Composition
When it comes to composition, synthetic oils often contain synthetic molecules and other performance-enhancing additives that make them more suitable for automotive engine applications. On the other hand, it’s important to note that mineral oils only contain natural components and are purer compared to synthetic oils since they do not go through any chemical reactions.
Source
Synthetic oils are most manufactured using artificial methods and undergo chemical reactions for purification. On the other hand, mineral oils come directly from crude oils, using oil and gas machining with less distillation involved. These massive rigs require a crew, and ongoing maintenance. It’s common for these machines to break down in the middle of nowhere, so the need for fabricated replacement parts from companies like Amiga Engineering and machining services, is crucial for the production of crude oil.
Lubrication Capability
Synthetic lubricants’ lubricating capabilities are far superior since there are a lot of performance-enhancing impurities used to reduce friction and keep it in the best condition at all temperatures. On the other hand, mineral oils are inferior in their lubrication abilities.
Cost
Synthetic lubricants are relatively expensive compared to mineral oils.
Uses
Synthetic lubricants can only be used as automotive engine lubricants, while mineral oils are used for a variety of purposes such as food, medicine, automotive lubricant, cosmetics, cleaning and maintenance, hygiene products, among many others.
Conclusion
Both synthetic lubricants and mineral oils are useful as lubricant oils. However, if you’re looking for a much more efficient option for your vehicle, synthetic lubricants are the way to go.