What are the advantages and disadvantages of motor fuel?

Answer 1

Advantages

Manufacturers claim the following benefits for synthetic oils:

Improved viscosity at low temperatures. Mineral oils tend to include wax impurities which coagulate at lower temperatures. A typical 10W-30 oil remains liquid at -50 °C (-58 °F)

* Better high temperature performance. Synthetic oils have few low molecular weight hydrocarbons which evaporate at high temperatures.

* Higher purity

* Decreased oil consumption

* Reduced friction and engine wear

* Improved fuel consumption through better engine lubrication

* Longer intervals between oil changes

* Resistance to oil sludge problems

* Crude oil doesn't have to be used for the production of the lubricants

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage of synthetic oils is that they cost significantly more than mineral oils. The manufacturers of synthetic oils argue that this is offset by an extended working life. As synthetic oils tend to be more fluid they are also more prone to leak through worn seals.

Many argue that the advantages of synthetic oils are only significant in high performance applications such as motor racing and aviation, road haulage, or for general lubrication in extreme environments.