You may have heard of synthetic oil or seen ads for it on TV, but not many people really understand what it is. Here is everything you need to know about synthetic oil. Motor oil serves two purposes- to lubricate your engine to run more efficiently and to protect your engine from abrasion. Synthetic oil outperforms conventional oil on both fronts, and it is better for the environment.

How It's Made

Synthetic oils are made artificially in a lab, either using components of petroleum, without the crude, or from other materials. While the specific processes for making synthetic oils are patented by various manufacturers, they are designed using very advanced technology. Since they are man-made, their molecular structures are more uniform, with smaller, lighter, and more stable particles than conventional oils extracted from the ground.

Man-Made Molecules

Crude oil must be refined to remove contaminants that occur within it naturally. Even after refining, many of these impurities remain. Synthetic oil is made in a lab, and does not contain these defects. As a result, it introduces less corrosive components into your engine. The molecules are also more uniform, smaller, and lighter, requiring less energy to move around and smooth your engine parts.

Built Tough

Synthetic oil molecules also last longer, even for as long as 25,000 miles under the right circumstances. Since it lasts longer, you do not need to change your oil as often. Synthetic oil is also more resistant to extreme heat and cold, keeping your engine lubricated despite weather or harsh working conditions.

Uniform Molecules of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil molecules are uniform, so they slide against each other and your engine parts more easily. This makes sure that your entire engine is protected from friction and rust.

Smaller ; Lighter Molecules

Molecules in synthetic oil are also smaller and lighter, requiring less energy to move inside your engine. As a result, your engine uses less fuel.

History of Synthetic Oil: AMSOIL

Scientists began fabricating synthetic oils way back in the nineteenth century, but it was not until the 1930s that true breakthroughs were made. The strain on resources caused by World War II forced both sides to start looking earnestly for alternative options. Initially, aircraft purposes was the only use for synthetic oil, and it was in this capacity that a jet fighter squadron commander came across it in the 1960s. Al Amatuzio realized that synthetic oil lasted longer, protected better, and held up under harsher conditions than conventional oils. Aircraft needed the extra protection of synthetic oil, but Al thought its benefits could translate to the automotive market as well. In 1972, after years of research, he released a synthetic oil for cars under the brand name of AMSOIL. As the First in Synthetics, AMSOIL remains to this day the best-known name in synthetic oil. Nowadays, of course, AMSOIL does not just make synthetic oil, but offers a wide range of products to meet your automotive maintenance needs including filters, fluids, and additives. Call Absolute-Synthetic, your local AMSOIL Dealer in Longview, at 360-304-8595 for more information.  

Benefits of Synthetic Oil in Longview

Burns Cleaner

Even after the refining process, conventional oils still contain contaminants that can corrode your engine and reduce performance. Because they are made in a lab, synthetic oils do not contain these impurities, lasting longer and lubricating better.

More Efficient

Man-made oil molecules are more uniform, lighter, and smaller than those found in natural petroleum. As a result, synthetic oil requires less energy to circulate, improving your engine's performance.

Built Tougher

Synthetic oil was first used exclusively for planes because it is more heat resistant. As time went on, experience showed that synthetic oil is also more resistant to the cold. Whether you are pushing your engine to the max with heavy hauls and long trips, or driving in climates of extreme heat or cold, synthetic oil will continue to protect your engine after conventional oil breaks down.

Fewer Oil Changes

Synthetic oils have built-in additives that last longer than conventional oil. When your additives run out, you need to change your oil. With conventional oil, you can go 3,000-5,000 miles before an oil change. Synthetic oil can last as long as 25,000 miles in the right conditions. Less disposed oil is better for the environment, your schedule, and your pocketbook.

Maintain Viscosity

Since synthetic oil is more resistant to heat and pressure than natural petroleum, less of it gets burned in harsh conditions. When oil burns, it escapes through your tailpipe and into the air. By maintaining its viscosity, synthetic oil reduces emissions.

No More Drills, No More Spills

Synthetic oil gets produced in a lab, so requires no more offshore oil drills, no more fracking, no more pipelines, and no more oil spills. Producing synthetic oil is much better for the environment than the processes for drilling, refining, and transporting petroleum.

No More Crude

Contaminants found in natural petroleum not only corrode your engine, but also burn out your exhaust pipe. Synthetic oil is crude free, using less energy to lubricate and protect your engine. The energy savings means improved performance at the cost of less fuel. Lower emissions and better mileage are clear environmental pluses.

No More Dumping

Maybe not no more dumping, but synthetic oil lasts five times as long as conventional oil, so five times fewer oil changes, five times less oil to dispose. Even small improvements have big impacts in this respect. Increasing your drain interval from 5,000 miles to 7,500 reduces your oil dumped by 33%.

For Synthetic Oil in Longview

When it comes to your car, using synthetic oil is the best decision you can make. Contact your local AMSOIL Dealer, Absolute-Synthetic in Longview, at 360-304-8595 and we can get you the lubricants, filters, fluids, and additives you need. Shop for yourself at our online store.