Date: 7 Nov 1997 04:36:18 GMT From: "Jacob Family" <jacob4nopsamnet> Subject: Re: Mobil 1?
Advantages of synthetic are that the molecular bonds which keep the molecular chain intact are not as easily broken by high temperature. Thus, at higher temperatures the oil is less prone to breaking down. However, most engines never see these temperatures and if yours does there is something wrong! Synthetics also will be less viscous (easier flowing) at low temperatures (sub freezing). This is a real advantage if you live in a cold climate area as the engine is not dragging through stiff oil on start up. This means you end up using less amps out of your battery to start the car. Also, the oil will reach the upper cylinder area much faster in cold temps due to the easier flow which reduces wear. Synthetics will not last longer than conventional oils as they will get dirty at the same rate as ordinary oils and your oil filter can only extract particles down to a certain size (around 10 microns on average I think) so forget about extended oil change intervals. In fact there is no real wear advantage to synthetics versus a proper oil change schedule (3000 miles) with ordinary oil. The real advantage is cold weather performance. I usually run regular oil most of the year and synthetic during the winter. John jacob4nopsamcom