Home Engine The difference in synthetics from mineral oil. What is the difference between synthetic oil from mineral. We start selecting the necessary transmission lubrication

The difference in synthetics from mineral oil. What is the difference between synthetic oil from mineral. We start selecting the necessary transmission lubrication

With advent different types Oils are not stopped by disputes about which oil is better to choose into the engine of his car. There are many supporters of each type of oils, but often their arguments are based on myths, so it is necessary to come to choosing the oil type in the car engine, just more thoroughly. Mineral or synthetic oil? Or maybe general semi-synthetic? This article will contain differences in the types of engine oils, in which their difference and whether lubricants can be mixed in composition.

The names of the types of oils themselves can guess that mineral is made on the basis of natural products (oil hydrocarbons), and synthetic is an artificial result of chemical reactions. Since mineral motor oils They have the characteristics embedded in them by nature itself, there was a need to create such lubricants that would have other parameters. The reason for the extreme conditions in which the parts of the automotive engine have to work. Thanks to the chemical synthesis, it was possible to obtain such oils that better meet the requirements and can differ significantly from natural analogues with their characteristics.

Now consider specifically, what differs mineral oil from synthetic, except for the origin:

  • reaction to temperature differences inside the engine;
  • the ability to maintain their initial characteristics (synthetics with this task is coping better);
  • fluidity (synthetic it is noticeably higher);
  • the ability to maintain performance with significant overheating (the additives in mineral oil gradually fade, as a result of which the parameters change significantly).

Thus, it is obvious that, in contrast to mineral oil, synthetics are capable of a long time and with extreme operating conditions successfully maintain its characteristics. In particular, it is possible to determine the type of oil by viscosity. So, with very low temperaturesah Mineral oil is thick. In the process of operation, the viscosity of mineral water drops, since the additives affecting this characteristic will burn out. But then decay products accumulate in oil, which leads to its thickening. Synthetic saves its viscosity more stable under different conditions.

The difference between synthetics and semi-synthetic

A compromise between different lubricants is semi-synthetic oil. It is obtained by mixing both types. With the mineral oil in the final product from 50%! Up to 70%!, The rest is synthetics. Such an intermediate option differs from synthetics in that it:

  • less resistant to extreme temperatures;
  • not so long retains its properties, therefore requires more frequent replacement;
  • it has more high viscosity, which leads to big weight loss for friction;
  • optimulated for high-profile engines and turbocharged units.

Basic differences

Mineral oil is made on the basis of oil derivatives (fuel oil) with the addition of anti-corrosion and other additives. Such oil is relatively cheap, ensures the basic protection of the engine, it has averaged washing and lubricating properties. Without additives, such oil is not suitable for use, since it has enough low pa-characteristics. That is, it does not "clinging" to the metal, does not react with Nagar (and does not remove it from the combustion chamber).

Synthetic oils are made artificially in laboratory conditions. In their composition - synthetic resins, pa-components, additives for viscosity control. It costs more than many characteristics superior to minerals.

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetics and mineral oil (approximate ratio, respectively, 20%! By 80%!). Located in the average price category, according to the characteristics a little better than mineral, but worse than synthetics.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main and most important difference between the mineral car from synthetic or semi-synthetic is to resist the mixture to various temperature modes of operation of the power unit. In winter, the mineral water at very low temperatures begins to crystallize and cannot provide normal pumping fluid on the lubricant system, as well as the drive launch without warm-up. In summer, this engine oil is diluted at high temperatures overboard the machine and cannot form a stable protective oil film on the elements of the motor.

Unlike other basic foundations, there are no additives in mineral fluids necessary for the normal operation of most modern engines.

Synthetic and semi-synthetic differ from mineral water in such characteristics:

  1. Fluidity. Mineralka is too thick for use in modern motors.
  2. Molecular structure. The heterogeneity of the molecular structure of mineral mixtures leads to a decrease in their crystallization and discharge resistance.
  3. Additives. In the synthetics and semi-synthetic additives better, they do not destroy at high temperatures overboard the car. Unlike them, a natural origin additives are used for mineral water, which will be fused at high temperatures.
  4. The difference in replacement time, synthetics changes much less often.
  5. Mineralka forms a larger sediment during the motor operation.

Among the advantages of mineral engine oil should be allocated:

  1. These liquids work better in engines with big mileage. Unlike synthetics, which has large detergent properties, mineral mixtures do not lead to a ripple of a car from the drive nodes and do not cause clogging of the lubrication system and motor channels. The mineral water launders the nagar from the inner elements of the motor gradually.
  2. Mineralka, in contrast to synthetics and semi-synthetics, less aggressively interacts with the rubber surfaces of the nodes of the lubricant system and the drive, does not result in their destruction.
  3. Improves the work of worn-out force aggregates. Mineral oils are quite dense, they are able to fill out increased gaps in motor friction nodes with a large mileage.

Synthetic or mineral water - what is better?

The main difference is the molecular level of these types of oils. In synthetic - synthesis of molecules is carried out with their properties already defined, and mineral molecules are created by nature itself. Mineral product is obtained by distillation of fuel oil. Technical agricultural crops can be raw materials for such oil. The advantages of mineral oil include efficient effects and a minor destructive ability to detail.

These positive qualities are manifested only in room temperature intervals and require additives, so the use of such oils in kind is inexpedient. Obtaining synthetic analogs occurs by synthesizing molecules. Such oils are characterized by stability and low dependence on the effects of environmental factors. The same quality of the engine in different modes provide high-quality synthetic products. Consequently, the main differences between synthetic and mineral oils can be formulated as follows:

  • various origins of molecules (synthetic and natural);
  • different properties when changing the temperature, in this case the advantage has synthetic;
  • miscellaneous degree of viscosity (for the use of mineral products, negative external ambient temperatures are unsuitable);
  • various degree of stability of parameters with different temperature mode: at elevated temperatures in the mineral analogue, the additives occurs, which harms the engine operation.

An important task for modern engine oil becomes cleansing engine parts from the final product combustion of the fuel material. When using mineral counterparts, the flushing of sediments with the parts occurs gradually, and the high fluidity of synthetic oils makes it more efficient to "scrape" the sediment from them. It should be noted higher resistance to oxidation.

Without synthetic oil today, the operation of the engines is impossible, especially in conditions of reduced temperatures. But the cost of producing such oils is small, and their price is higher compared to mineral oils.

What motor oil is better to use in winter

Low air temperatures in winter time The year is significantly complicated by the engine launch of the car. To simplify the startup process and save nervous cells of the driver, you need to know which oil to fill in the engine in the winter.

Choosing which oil pour into the engine in the winter, first of all it is worth looking into the technical documentation of the car.

As a rule, in such papers it is indicated which motor fluid (Brand, characteristics) need to pour in the car in the winter.

If you want to draw information from such documentation, it is impossible good lubricating fluid on certain tolerances and parameters. In the event that it is impossible (these characteristics are outdated), it will have to be relying only to the car chemistry and driver's knowledge.

Which oil pour into the engine is a purely personal decision of each car owner, and enthusiastic feedback from friends and words of sellers in this matter are not helpers: that fabulous material that came to another car, for your may be poison.

It is worth determining what kind of engine oil was previously floodied into the engine. The quality of lubricant is determined by its characteristics and impact on the motor.

If the car was acquired from the hands, then the former owner finds all the necessary information. In the absence of information, there will have to do the engine washing - the cost procedure that, however, guarantees an increase in the life of the car.

It is interesting: Independent replacement oil pressure sensor on mITSUBISHI car Lancer

Technical characteristics of the car and oil

When solving the issue of choosing a type of product, first of all, it is necessary to have complete information on the technical specifications and the car, and the motor. It is necessary to explore the provisions of the instruction manual. vehiclewhere the recommended product viscosity indicators for various seasonal conditions. The degree of motor wear is also taken into account, and which oil was used in it earlier.

If mineral analogs were used for several years, the sediments formed were filled with cracks of rubber, which when replacing oil and remained in them. If the synthetics are poured into such a motor, then it is blurring such deposits due to its acidic characteristics, which often leads to the flow of it through the liberated microcracks.

Therefore, the use of synthetics for new engines is recommended, as well as high turn motors (sports cars). For the old engine there will be a preferred more frequent replacement of mineral oil. Semi-synthetic selection will be a reasonable compromise option between mineral and synthetics. For a motor in which only mineral products used, this option will be non-critical under the condition of high quality selected semi-synthetic oil.

Motor oil in the engine - purpose

The initial purpose of the engine oils is the removal of heat from the driving parts inside the engine, as well as the possibility of removing metal particles that are formed during the friction process. In a long time, nothing has changed for a long time, and at the moment the execution of these tasks is presented when choosing an oil. However, it is worth considering the fact that with the advent of the market lubricants Semi-synthetic and synthetic oils. Car lubers begin to actively argue about when they can be used with the temperature mode of surrounding air. A large number of manufacturers of lubricants and their properly built marketing companies on attracting new customers only aggravate the case.

Mineral motor oil

For the production of mineral oil, agricultural crops are used or it is obtained by processing fuel oil and subsequent cleaning of processing products. Since this technology is quite simple and for many years, people successfully tried to simplify this process, then by this, and the low cost of mineral lubricating oils. As a positive effect on the use of mineral oil in the car engine, it is possible to highlight high efficiency when used, hydrolytic stability and a small mechanical effect when interacting with moving parts of the engine. In addition, mineral oil can be interfere with other identical and natural oils have an excellent anti-corrosion formation.

But all these positive properties of mineral oils are often achieved with a comfortable temperature range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. To use mineral oils at low or high temperatures, it is necessary to use various additives. But this and the obvious minus of the use of mineral engine oils lies: at high temperatures, additives are fused, and at low use of mineral oils is difficult due to their high viscosity coefficient.

Semi-synthetic motor oil

Such an intermediate type of engine oil can be obtained by diluting mineral oil synthetic. Experts recommend the use of proportions of 50%! By 50%! Or 70%! Mineral is 30%! Synthetic engine oil.

Synthetic motor oil

The engine coolant is obtained by synthesizing molecules. So in the process of operation, synthetic oils show better indicators for stability and not so much depend on the effects of low temperatures. The selection of synthetic oil is desirable to carry out according to individual parameters: region of accommodation and high or low temperature during the use of the car, the nature of driving and launch, etc. Of course, it is worth considering the fact that such oil in nature is not found in a constant form, but it is so firmly included in the use of modern life, that people do not think about its origin. The price of synthetic oil is the most expensive of all the above materials, but if there are very low temperatures. ambient It is a necessity than the privilege.

The advantages of the operation of synthetic petroleum products can also be attributed:

  • Elevated antifriction properties.
  • The additives use practically no need, since the main part was added by the manufacturer at the production stage.
  • The smaller coefficient of evaporation to mineral petroleum products.
  • Use at low temperatures.

Advantages of various lubricants in front of others

Synthetic and mineral composition - which oil is better: these petroleum products differ at the level of molecules. The molecular structure of synthetics was achieved by long-term tests to achieve the necessary properties, and the molecular structure of mineral petroleum products was laid by nature. If in some component synthetic oils worse than mineral lubricants, then there is continuous operation. But the fact is that mineral mixtures purify the engine continuously and approximately with the same efficiency, the synthetics in turn, due to its viscosity it produces cleaning quickly. Because of this effect, oil filters and oil belongings are literally clogged with the sediments of particles from the engine. In this case, with improper control of the elements of the oil system, the effect of "oil starvation" and the subsequent engine output is out of order.

Therefore, it is possible to highlight the main differences in two main types of oils:

  • Miscellaneous molecular structure.
  • Different nature of the response of oils to change the temperature regime, in this synthetic is much better than mineral.
  • Various oil fluidity: due to the effects of low temperatures, mineral oil becomes thick, synthetic is much more versatile in use.
  • Stability is the burnout of the additives of mineral petroleum products, which leads to a change in engine operation or its failure.

Mineral or synthetic oil? The answer will depend only on the car owner of the personal car.

Which oil is better: synthetics or semi-synthetic? What do they mean terms stability and stability when using synthetics? This means that the effects of low or high temperatures practically do not reduce viscosity, which means the efficiency of oil for a long time. When choosing in favor of the semi-synthetic oil, it is worth paying attention to the fact that in some cases its use of intelligent synthetics. For example, with a large impressive mileage of the engine, the synthetics can give a high carbonity, as well as when using the car at comfortable temperatures in the winter season - up to -20 degrees Celsius. However, replacement this oil It is required more often than synthetic.

Marketing oils for seasons

In addition to the molecular structure, petroleum products for cooling the engine are taken to break into the seasonality of use: summer, winter and all-season oil. Summer oil due to its viscosity is reasonable to use up to 0 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the likelihood is not possible that the engine will not be able to start or fail. Marking of summer oils: SAE 20, SAE 30 and so up to 60. The designation of the numbers indicates the viscosity of the oil at the engine operating temperature, the higher the numerical designation, the thick oil during heating.

Winter oils are labeled from 0 to 25 units with the W - Winter (winter) console. Discreteness after 5 units. The minimum threshold of the temperature mode is determined by subtracting from a given number of 40 units. For example, for oil products with labeling 5 W, the minimum temperature in which the correct pumping of the oil system is ensured, will be -35 degrees Celsius. But for winter petroleum products, it is also necessary to know such a criterion for choosing as turning. To determine this parameter, it is necessary to subtract 35 to determine this parameter, while it is safe to say that for oil 10 W lower limit for the safe start of the car's motor is 25 degrees Celsius.

All-season oils. The marking of the lubricant is indicated by the set of alphabetic and digital designations of the winter and summer Oil. As an example 5w - 30, it can be decrypted: winter label 5 W and Summer Marking 30 suggests that the safe start of the engine can be performed at a minimum ambient air temperature in -35 degrees Celsius and the maximum allowable viscosity at the operating engine will be 30 units. What is the difference between 5W-30 and 5W-40? The whole difference lies in the fact that the first of the presented types of lubricants in the summer period of the year has a more liquid consistency. Therefore, if in the region of living most of the year, positive temperatures are made, then for proper operation of the motor, lubricants are made with greater viscosity. In winter, these oils will ensure uninterrupted launch of the engine in -35 degrees Celsius. Motor oil classification viscosity table:

Small I. useful recommendations By choosing oil for a car from specialists:
  • Before purchasing a lubricant for the engine of its car, it is necessary to carefully read the recommendations on the use of a particular oil type directly from the manufacturer.
  • Storage of lubricants is allowed with a tightly closed capacitance cover, which prevents air, moisture from entering, moisture, or other foreign objects to the oil used.
  • Operation of more expensive oils is not always a reasonable choice, it can lead to a violation of the stability of the entire oil system.
  • Do not give in to the tricks of sellers, and buy the oil just hoping for their advice. It is necessary to understand that all lubricants, including mineral or synthetic oil, produce approximately one and the same technology. The whole difference is enclosed in the amount and quality of additives added.
  • The oil replacement should be carried out in the time-specified timeline or on the range of the car. However, it is necessary to take into account the situation that worn Engine Oil should be changed a little earlier. This is due to the need to remove more friction products and much more stringent working conditions.
  • Always when changing the oil change the oil filter, this operation is worth a minor money, but helps to provide high-quality filtering of lubricant material.
  • Is it possible to mix 2 different types of lubricants directly in the engine? Unambiguous answer - no! This leads to the formation of an insoluble sediment.
  • Carefully monitor the condition of the oil level in the engine, prevent it out of the upper or lower bounds, which are applied on a special probe.
  • If the engine is filled with synthetics (for example, 10w - 40 of a certain brand), then the best option In case of the necessary addition, carry a small container of the same oil. However, the addition of lubricant material of another manufacturer is allowed, but with the same label.
  • Sometimes it is used to clean the car engine oil system using special means And a large amount of oil. This allows you to fully update the lubricant in the engine and completely remove metal wear products.
  • Before purchasing a lubricant for the engine, it is required to explore its expiration date on individual packaging. Tip: to prevent the acquisition of poor quality fake oil Buying it the most wise of all from official suppliers or verified vendors in a hermetic metal packaging. This does not exclude the likelihood of fake, but reduces it to a minimum.

Now many inexperienced motorists will be able to replenish their knowledge luggage on the topic whether it is possible to mix and what the difference between different types of oils. Which oil is better to pour into your car on the basis of its knowledge about the properties and marking of these lubricants, as well as the nature of behavior at different times of the year, and not on the advice of annoying sellers and television advertising. And also determine the type of lubricant for cars with a large mileage, because it is not always expensive oil to be reasonably used instead of cheaper, but effective in a particular case.

Mineral engine oils are a product of oil hydrocarbon processing. Their structure consists of inhomogeneous molecules in shape and structure - this leads to the instability of the characteristics of the engine fluid at various temperature modes.

The mineral water, in contrast to synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, has natural origins, natural additives are used for its manufacture. Mineral mixtures structure Motor oil manufacturers are improved by two methods:

  1. Removal from the liquid impurities of harmful resins, acids, sulfur connections. The specified method makes it possible to obtain the oil base without harmful substances, but the viscosity of the mixture at high and low temperatures will change.
  2. More effective method Mineral liquids processing is considered hydrocracking technology. Thanks to her from the basic basis, not only deleted harmful substancesBut also changes the length of hydrocarbon chains. Thus, hydrocracking technology allows to obtain products with stable viscous characteristics to the temperature difference. Hydrocracing oil will be better to maintain properties throughout the entire operational period (which is pure mineral), it will practically not differ from synthetic mixtures.

Synthetic lubricants are obtained by the synthesis of hydrocarbon compounds, their cost is significantly more expensive than hydrocracking products. If you strive to purchase a fully synthetic automotive oil, and not the mineral base processing product, synthetics is distinguished by the designation in classifications, and also note: the inscription on the "Full-Synthetic" canister is fully synthetic.

Lubrication cleans the motor and protects parts

The final choice between synthetics and semi-synthetic, of course, remains behind the owner of the car, which takes into account all the standards and tolerances of the motor of your car. The semi-synthetic oil, as a rule, becomes the optimal and economical option for those who seek to extend the period of efficient engine operation.

What engine fluid to use in a specific case will prompt technical documentation motor vehicle. Mineral oils apply in force aggregates Old sample with big mileage. It is better to use them in the warm season, in other words, avoid a large temperature difference during operation.

Mineral water or synthetics - Which of these motor oils is better and why? In general, this question is asked by many motorists, but it is not very correct to compare these completely different lubricants. In fact, these are two of the three main types of lubricants that are sold in all auto shops and in the car market.

Of course, what oil is better than synthetic or mineral, and maybe semi-synthetic - it is said in the instruction manual for a particular car. At the same time you can pour any liquid into the lubricant system and the engine will start it and will work, but how long? All engine oils are divided into three categories:

  • mineral;
  • semi-synthetic;
  • synthetic.

In the selection of lubricant, it is important to take into account the properties of the working fluid.

What to take into account, choosing oil?

To help you decide between mineral water and synthetics, we will consider the main characteristics that must be considered when selecting a lubricant. First of all, take into account the recommendation of the automaker, which indicates the suitable oil for the motor in the instruction manual. It is denoted specifications lubricant on summer and winter periods. Also in the manual is always indicated, what type of oil is needed - mineral water or synthetics?

Experienced motorists in the selection of oil always take into account the degree of wear of the motor and personal preferences for the choice of the brand. Long operation of the motor on the same type of lubricant will affect its technical condition. For example, if the motor will work for a long time on the mineral fluid, its traces will remain on the gaskets and in secluded corners. If you roam the synthetic oil, it is the rebound of the emissions of mineral water and this will lead to through damage to the glands.

Be sure to listen to the opinions of auto mechanics, which you trust the maintenance of your car. Among experienced specialists there is an opinion that only the synthetics need to fill in new engines - it takes better high revs With aggressive ride. As for mineral water, it is best suited for older engines. The only requirement is the frequent replacement of lubrication.

If you wish to choose a compromise - pay attention to the semi-synthetic lubrication formulations. They are made of mineral water through chemical hydrocracking. We recommend reading more in a separate material. Such technology improves the operational characteristics of the mineral composition. The semi-synthetic is always cheaper than synthetic oils, and for a motor worked earlier on mineral, such a transition will be only plus.

There are other motives to apply one or another type of engine oil, but they are too subjective. For example, some motorists are categorically against mineral oils, it particularly concerns the owners of Honda, Subaru and the "Japanese" in general. They are not called objective reasons, but refer to many years of experience, but this is not an argument.

It is important to consider not a car brand, but his technical condition and mileage. Operational conditions are also important. For example, in normal conditions Mineral oil can be changed every 8-10 thousand mileage kilometers, and in harsh conditions it is twice as much.

If the engine is turbocharged, oil is also needed more often. In this regard, in such engines it is better to pour synthetic lubricant.

Characteristic differences in mineral and synthetic oils

  • Synthetic is thick and freezes at lower ambient temperatures compared with mineral water.
  • The properties of synthetic liquids are less sensitive to temperature differences. This is especially true of additives responsible for viscosity.
  • Synthetics burns less and almost not evaporates, so fewer slags and sediments are formed on the internal surfaces of the engine parts.
  • The mineral water service resource is less compared to the synthetic, roughly twice.
  • Synthetic liquid provides better motor protection against wear.

There are many other advantages of synthetics in front of mineral oils, but in contrast to them the mineral water is different affordable price. The difference can be fivefold, so to buy synthetics should be real good reasons. These include the recommendations of the automaker. If you wish to save, choose the mineral lubricant for the engine.

Subtleties of oil selection

The most important rule that you must take into account is never mixed in the motor synthetic and mineral oil. In addition, after synthetics, it is impossible to pour mineral water immediately, and on the contrary, it is not prohibited. To avoid problems when changing the type of oil, you need to wash the lubricant system with flushing fluid.

All petroleum products differ in quality and viscosity parameter. There is an international SAE parameter for which lubricants are divided into 11 viscosity types:

  • six for winter operational conditions;
  • five for summer.

Universal lubricants are most often marked by two indicators at once. For the winter, the engine oil is chosen according to rule 35, according to which from Number 35 you need to take the winter viscosity rate, and you will learn the temperature of the fluid. You can also use special tables.

Quality Oils for automotive engines are estimated on the API scale, which was developed in America. On this scale, oil is classified by type of use:

  • S Indicates that the fluid is suitable for gasoline engines.
  • C - confirms the applicability of fluid with diesel units.
  • S / C is a universal liquid suitable for diesel and gasoline engines.

The following letter indicates the category of liquid quality category. The letter is higher in alphabetically, the higher the quality of the fluid.

In order not to spend money in vain, lubricant for engines with mileage you need to choose the higher class than the automaker recommends. This rule Fairly for aggregates operated in harsh conditions.

So we figured out which oil is better - synthetics or mineral, which characteristics are different fluids and which one to choose for a particular automotive engine.

So, theoretically clear, synthetics are better than mineral water. But how much? And how much is it for the engine? The answer to this question must give a special experiment.

The experience was delivered in this way. We took two oils of one company, Mineralka 10W-40 and 5W-40 synthetics. The same engine on the stand worked first with one butter, then with another at the same mode of operation - with a given load and on the same turns of 120 hours. The engine mode corresponds to the speed of the vehicle with an average load at a speed of 100 km / h. If you recalculate on mileage, it turns out somewhere 12000 km. In the course of the tests every 30 hours, oil samples were selected and viscosity parameters were measured at different temperatures, an alkaline and acid number. The dynamics of changes in these parameters clearly characterizes the behavior of oil in the motor.

Kinematic viscosity of synthetic and mineral oil

Results - in drawings. They are very indicative. For mineral water, you first see a decrease in viscosity, and quite significant - it is a destruction of thickening additives. From some moment on, it begins to grow - and this is the effect of accumulating in oil products of its decay and oxidation. But a stable viscosity site is practically no. By the way, it is to a certain extent and the requirements of SAE - after all, according to them, a viscosity variation is allowed for these oils at 100 degrees. from 12.5 to 16.3 SST!

Viscosity yield for this range is one of the brewing parameters. If the viscosity of the oil either fell, or has grown above the boundaries of the range - all! I diagnose its death, urgent replacement is required.

"Mineralka", judging by the results of the experiment, died at 7,500 mileage kilometers. By the way, a very good result, but also the conditions for conducting an experiment for oil were almost perfect - no winter starts, standing in traffic jams ... But the oscillations of the viscosity of synthetics in the range of our measurements are stacked in the measurement error limit. Synthetic oil calmly drove 12 thousand kilometers, and ready to go further. In our opinion, quite a visual result!


Another indicative dynamics - a change in the alkali and acid number of mineral and synthetic oil during the same test cycle

The dynamics of alkaline number changes characterizes the pace of operation of detergent additives in oil. If their concentration drops less than half of the initial level, the oil begins to wash much worse, which means it does not fully fulfill its functions. For mineral oil, even with initially higher concentration, the rate of decrease in alkaline number is higher. And critical value it reaches about 5000 km during run. "Synthetics" is increasingly more stable, by the time of the end of the tests of the alkaline number remains. The reason is the higher stability of the synthetic base of this oil, it is less susceptible to oxidation, with the traces of which detergent additives are fighting.

Synthetics left behind the traces in the engine much less than mineral water, it is obvious. And - when initially smaller alkaline numberTherefore, there was a smaller content of detergent additives. Once again confirmed - synthetic oil is more stable in operation than mineral. So, in the direct competition "Synthetics-Mineralka" the first defeated the explicit advantage. And the difference in price in a thousand-bed and a half in this case is probably not so significant. After all, it is the reliability and resource of the motor, the calm and confidence of the driver - and this is much more expensive.

Approximately 60% of all engine breakdowns occurs due to the banal use of low-quality engine oil. No less rarely, the block of cylinders is due to overheating of the oil or operation of the vehicle with a non-heated engine: under such conditions, the viscosity of lubricants changes and they do not perform the main functionality. And what is the difference between mineral oil from synthetic and what exactly do specialists recommend using? Is it allowed to mix?

Mineral oil is made on the basis of oil derivatives (fuel oil) with the addition of anti-corrosion and other additives. Such oil is relatively cheap, ensures the basic protection of the engine, it has averaged washing and lubricating properties. Without additives, such oil is not suitable for use, since it has enough low pa-characteristics. That is, it does not "clinging" to the metal, does not react with Nagar (and does not remove it from the combustion chamber).

Synthetic oils are made artificially in laboratory conditions. In their composition - synthetic resins, pa-components, additives for viscosity control. It costs more than many characteristics superior to minerals.

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetics and mineral oil (an exemplary ratio, respectively, 20% by 80%). Located in the average price category, according to the characteristics a little better than mineral, but worse than synthetics.

Pros and disadvantages of different types of motor oils

High-quality mineral oil is almost never inferior to the synthetics. The only drawback of mineral water is a change in viscosity depending on the ambient temperature. Already at -20, it becomes drumming, much worse envelopes the details. It also increases the friction force of moving parts of the motor, the overall load on the engine grows significantly. It is for this reason that a motor before the trip has to "warm up".

And the mineral oil is poorly tolerates overheating. At temperatures above 110 ℃ irrevocably, its operational properties are changed (it becomes unnecessary).

Synthetics is less prone to change the characteristics at different temperature modes. Even with severe frosts, such oil retains its initial viscosity, even without prior warm engine warming, the mechanical load on the part will be minimal. But there are insignificant drawback from synthetics (characteristic and semi-synthetic oil) - it is quickly "polluted."

Mineral oil removes the net, the precipitate with the help of its sleeve properties, while the synthetics in this regard is more "aggressive" - \u200b\u200bscraps all residual combustion products. For the engine, the synthetics is considered better, but the oil has to be changed more often. And the probability of scoring oil filter, Synthetic oil pipelines are also higher.

Is it possible to mix

Mix the synthetics and mineral water is categorically not recommended.. Structure different oils It may include incompatible pa-components and additives, so after mixing its characteristics become unacceptable for further use.

The same applies to semi-synthetic. The only permissible option is mixing mineral water and mineral water different models or episodes. But this is done only in extreme cases. Drivers are always recommended to adhere to the rule of use of one oil brand.

How to go from mineral water to synthetics or vice versa

Follow this algorithm:

  1. Fully merge mineral water.
  2. Rinse the engine with a special shampoo (for automotive engines), in which there are PAO components to remove resins, ethers. Together with washing, replace the filter.
  3. Pour the synthetic.

Without flushing, the replacement is also possible, but following such rules:

  1. Fully merge the old oil.
  2. Pour a new high-quality mineral water.
  3. After 500 - 1000 kilometers to merge mineral water.
  4. Pour the synthetic.

But the first option, that is, with washing, more preferable, because after a complete plum of mineral water in the system remains from 5 to 10% of working out. It can be removed solely with a shampoo.

Conclusion

  1. Mineral. Optimal in most cases selection. It makes sense to refuse it only on high-performance motors (SUVs, sports cars) or when living in the regions, where in winter the temperature is often lowered below -20.
  2. Synthetic. IN modern cars Manufacturers often indicate the instructions for compatibility only with such oils. Also, he should be preferred for cars with productive motors or for accommodation in the regions where the temperature is often lowered to critical marks.
  3. Semi-synthetic. Such oil is recommended to be used in used cars in used cars, which have been actively used for more than 5-7 years, where there is an accelerated formation of Nagara.

Total, each type of engine oil has its advantages and disadvantages, it is worth choosing, taking into account the operational characteristics of the engine, as well as from the region of residence. Synthetic is considered the best option to protect the engine, but it has to change it more often, it costs quite expensive. Mineralwood - basic standard. The semi-synthetic is a kind of golden middle. But the final landmark is the recommendation of the auto-producer concentration.

Many motorists are constantly concerned about the same question - how can you extend the reliable and uninterrupted operation of the engine of your car. The key to the answer to it is proper selection and timely replacement High-quality engine oil is a task, from the right solution of which the service life directly depends directly.

How to make weighted and right choice In a huge assortment of modern lubricants? How does mineral oil differ from its synthetic "competitors"? What lubrication is better and can it be mixed with different types with each other? And finally - how to choose a high-quality, but not too expensive product? We will try to answer all these questions in one article.

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Modern materials that increase the wear resistance of parts of the automotive motor are divided into three main categories - mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oils. Consider each of the types of lubrication more.

Mineral

It is made from natural mineral - oil, by distillation, distillation and subsequent refining. There are three main types of mineral oils that differ in the composition of the hydrocarbons included in them: paraffin (most suitable for the manufacture of lubricants), naphthenic and aromatic. Sulfur, which is part of the source raw materials, increases the oxidative properties of the final product, so its content in high-quality lubricant should not exceed one percent.

Pure mineral engine oil very quickly loses the necessary properties, so it adds a large number of different anti-corrosion, detergents and increasing the wear resistance of "additives". Material is characterized by high viscosity, which allows it to be used in aggregates that have a considerable life and "production" of sealing elements.

Synthetic

This is a more modern type of lubricant for the automotive engine, obtained by the synthesis of certain substances. Several types of this product are distinguished: hydrocarbon, polyester, silicone, polyglycol synthetic oils, as well as oils made on the basis of phosphoric acid esters. Quite complex chemical production requires significant investment, therefore the product itself "at the output" is much more expensive than its mineral counterpart.

Naturally, its high cost is compensated by some advantages, namely:

  • reduced overheating sensitivity;
  • preservation of operational properties in low temperatures;
  • increased fluidity that reduces friction between the details;

Synthetic engine oil is practically no oxidized, it can be used in conditions of elevated loads on the engine and various temperature modes.

Semi-synthetic

This product includes mineral oils for the engine (or rather, their basic components), mixed with synthetic components in proportion 70 to 30. Such a lubricant is a certain compromise between the mineral water and "synthetics" - it has pretty good operational characteristics, but it is not very expensive.

Characteristics of mineral and synthetic engine oil

Consider the main characteristics of lubricants for engines internal combustion, summarizing them in a simple and convenient table:

Now, having studied the necessary parameters, we will try to answer the question more expanded than the diffuse mineral engine oil from synthetic and semi-synthetic.

What differ

Mineral water and synthetics

Already from the very name it can be seen that mineral lubricants are produced from natural oil hydrocarbons, while synthetic - the product obtained as a result of chemical reactions. Why did the need for a rather complicated synthesis? It's all about the operation of operating automotive engines - they are accompanied by a sharp change of revolutions, the difference between temperature modes, a change in friction speed and so on. Basic base Mineral engine oil can not always ensure the maximum stability of the work of the engine.Indicators of synthetic lubricants are much better, as they are less affected by external factors.

Let's consider in more detail, which is the difference between mineral oil from synthetic:

  • origin: The basis of "mineral water" was created by nature itself, "Synthetic" - the result of molecular synthesis;
  • reaction to the change in the temperature mode of the engine;
  • saving the main characteristics during the operation of the engine: "Synthetics" saves its basic parameters much longer;
  • fluidity: high degree of viscosity of mineral engine oil does not allow it to be used under conditions of ultra-low temperatures;
  • the change in the stability of the main parameters at high temperature: some "additives" in the composition of mineral lubrication may simply burn out.

So, the main differences between "synthetics" from mineral engine oil is the higher stability of its characteristics and properties in various temperature modes, as well as the timing of the units.

Mineral water and semi-synthetic

As a product obtained as a result of mixing two bases, "semi-synthetic" has higher rates of stability compared to mineral engine oil, slightly yield to synthetic. It is more often used in cars with significant mileage, which are operated at temperatures not lower than 20 º C.

What oil is better

Now will answer another important question - what kind of oil, mineral or synthetic oil? It seems that synthetic lubricants have an indisputable advantage over their mineral "colleagues", but we will not forget that everything in our world is relative. The fact is that the use of "synthetics" is not always an acute necessity. For example, we know the platinum better conducts an electric current than copper, but it still does not mean that the wiring in our apartment should be made of platinum elements. Copper wires are quite enough to use household appliances.

In certain cases, the use of "synthetics" for the engine lubrication is generally contraindicated - this applies mainly to the aggregates with a large mileage.Sealing glands in them, as a rule, strongly worn and high fluidity synthetic lubrication will not be able to provide normal work Motor - she will quickly flow or evaporate. If your car is released by the domestic producer and has a significant service life, do not doubt - boldly acquire Russian Mineral oils "LUKOIL", "AZMOL" or "TNK" - the quality of these products can provide reliable engine protection.

The advantage of mineral engine oil is also its ability to gradually "wash" deposit on the elements of the engine, while the flupent "synthetics" simply "scraps" them. At the same time, oil belongings and filters are clogged with large fractions of soot and nagar. If you are operating your car in the region, where the temperature in the winter does not fall below 20-25 º C, then there is no sharp need for the mandatory use of synthetic lubrication.

The main thing here is that all the basic parameters of lubricants approached precisely for your engine. The only moment is mineral or semi-synthetic engine oil requires more frequent replacement. With a competent execution of this condition, no harm to the engine from the use of "mineral water" and "semi-synthetic" will not be applied.

Attention! The replacement of mineral engine oil in the engine must be carried out at least than 5-7 thousand km of the car run.

Is it possible to mix

At the end of our review, let's talk about whether it is possible to mix mineral and synthetic oil for ICA. This question arises, as a rule, when replacing lubrication in the engine or in an emergency, when it is necessary to urgently add it. What to do if "at hand" did not turn out to us the brand of engine oil, and its level dropped to a critical mark? As always, listen to the advice of specialists.

Most experts argue that mixing various types of oils in the engine is a bad idea. They are confident - the formation of a "cocktail" from different additives contained in autosals can lead to chemical reaction With the formation of a mixture that does not correspond to any standards and requirements. However, the very fact of the existence of "semi-synthetic" proves to us that motor oils can still be mixed. Naturally, when performing these actions, you need to comply with the necessary conditions:


Attention! With mixing motor lubricants Use the products of one manufacturer, and at the first convenient case, perform full replacement Oils and be sure to change the filter.

Video about mixing car oils:

So, we still managed to find out if synthetic, mineral and semi-synthetic oil can be mixed without damage car motor. We also proved that the use of expensive high-tech motor lubricants is not always justified. We think that it was touched by a rather important topic that exciting many car owners and hope to reveal it in more detail in the following articles.

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