Common myths surrounding synthetic motor oils.

With so many myths surrounding synthetic motor oils, the saying, “a little knowledge is dangerous” comes to mind. From the extremes of wild claims of indestructible properties to the myths that synthetic oils are not compatible with certain petrols, synthetic engine oils elicit a lot of discussion.

Find out about the importance of oil additives in motor oil.

Whenever oil performance is discussed the importance of oil additives in motor oil usually takes backseat to oil viscosity as the main focus. This is usually due to a lack of understanding of the true role of oil additives in blending a quality engine oil.

Understanding the unseen cost of changing motor oil.

When it comes to the unseen cost of changing motor oil many companies merely look at material costs and the direct labour component of the lube change. They are ignoring the significant periphery costs that must also be taken into consideration when managing lubrication schedules and maintenance.

Too often, we schedule a motor oil change to rectify a contamination problem or when excessive wear is detected. In neither case is the engine oil change a certain correction of the root cause of the problem and it wastes good money and further increases the unseen cost of changing motor oil. The

The engine oil viscosity index modifier is vital in modern oil.

The first engine oil viscosity index modifier was developed to overcome issues of changing operating temperatures: In the early days they were simply identified as motor oil additives.

With the introduction of the engine oil viscosity index modifier in the 1960s, it became possible to formulate engine oils with good viscosity at high temperatures whilst flowing more easily at low temperatures than conventional mono-grade oils. The result was that the

Finding out when to select synthetic gear oil.

Why would it be important to know when to select synthetic gear oil? Simply because the correct choice can save you time and money whilst reducing down time and repairs.

Although regular oil has been good enough for a hundred years or more.. I’ll explain why in this day and age it’s crucial to select synthetic gear oil.

How safe is it to use synthetic motor oil in an older Opel?

We often get asked: “if it’s safe to use synthetic motor oil in an older Opel”? In actual fact many owners of older vehicles share this concern.

When is it safe to use synthetic motor oil in an older Opel?

The effect of engine oil on engine life must not be under estimated.

The effect of engine oil on engine life and performance is well documented. A breakdown in lubrication will lead to overheating, seizure or at best excessive engine wear. With the cost of replacement parts engine oil is a vital link in the chain to maintaining a healthy engine, extending engine life and engine oil change intervals while reducing running costs

Turbocharged engines must use synthetic motor oil if they are to last.

Although mineral engine oils are improving in quality it’s still vitally important that turbocharged engines must use synthetic motor oil to prevent premature failure and expensive repairs.

Good quality synthetic motor oil prolongs engine life and saves money.

Synthetic motor oil prolongs engine life and has a major impact on performance and running costs. A breakdown in engine lubrication will lead to overheating, seizure or at best excessive engine wear. With the cost of replacement parts engine oil is a vital link in the chain to maintaining a healthy engine; synthetic motor oil prolongs engine life and engine oil change intervals while reducing running costs.

Do you know how to save money on Synthetic Air Compressor oil?

If you manage a large manufacturing company chances are you’ve often wondered how to save money on Synthetic Air Compressor oil? After reading this article you’ll see it’s really not that difficult to achieve some pretty major savings, just by following some best in class practices:

There is a very real danger of antifreeze in engine oils.

All coolant systems require the use of antifreeze, however have you ever thought of the danger of antifreeze in engine oils? Obviously this was never meant to be, but even the slightest internal leak can result in antifreeze (Containing Glycol) engine oil contamination.

The most important reasons why synthetic gear oil is best.

 When purchasing gear lubricants do you know why synthetic gear oil is best? Have you ever felt like a kid in a candy store when trying to select synthetic gear oil from a glitzy pamphlet? How many times would you have paid someone to explain why synthetic gear oil is best?

Read on to find some about facts about hydraulic oils.

The first fact about hydraulic oils is that they are not readily compressible: Have you ever driven through a deep puddle of water only to have your hapless engine lock solid after ingesting a cylinder full? This is known as hydraulic lock and is an expensive illustration of hydraulic power which hydraulic oils convey.

In this article I’ll be focusing on some interesting facts about hydraulic oils as opposed to brake fluids, which

Do you know how to extend engine oil change intervals significantly.

There are many benefits when you extend engine oil change intervals: Not only in saving money, but also to the environment.

Typically prescribed engine oil change intervals are 15,000Km for petrol engines and 10,000 (In some cases even 5,000Km) for diesel engines. But is it possible to extend engine oil change intervals?

How to determine the best low temperature motor oil.

The best low temperature motor oil beats all other lubricants by getting the lubricant to where it’s needed as quickly as possible after startup, while still retaining lubricity at operating temperatures.

Low ambient temperatures negatively affect the flow characteristics of a lubricant. Dropping below the pour point with a higher viscosity lubricant not only restricts oil flow to bearings and other machine elements, but also

Modern synthetic lubricants can reduce the impact of oil on the environment.

Reversing the global pollution trend synthetic lubricants can reduce the impact of oil on the environment. Consuming more energy, natural resources and threatening the environment are trends that have to be reversed for the wellbeing of the planet.

One product that has a particularly bad reputation is oil; with many organisations working on reducing the impact of oil on the environment, whilst still meeting the

Why is it possible to extend the synthetic oil change interval?

It’s generally understood that the synthetic oil change interval can be extended compared to regular oils; but what should the correct synthetic oil change interval be?

We all understand that we need to change oil: Whether it’s in the chip fryer or in our car engines! But What is the correct synthetic oil change interval? And why does it need changing in our cars?

Industrial synthetic oils can solve problems that regular oils can’t.

Although mineral lubricants can work in many applications industrial synthetic oils can solve problems that these oils were never designed to cope with. Whenever there’s a problem with a piece of industrial equipment that touches on lubrication, the smart money inevitably believes that industrial synthetic oils can solve problems. But what are the facts? What can reasonably be expected of the performance of synthetic industrial oils?

The explanation of what is synthetic motor oil.

What is synthetic motor oil? Everyone should know that it’s an artificial oil! Well; right and wrong. Strange it may seem there are also mineral lubricants that are classified as synthetic motor oils.

Synthetic base stocks are man-made and tailored to have a controlled molecular structure with predictable properties, unlike mineral base oils, which are complex mixtures of naturally occurring hydrocarbons.

How is the classification of base oils used in lubricants made?

The API classification of base oils used in lubricants is the most important determinant of an oil’s performance: But how is the classification of the base stock oils made? In order to fully understand base oil definition we also have to look at the evolution of lubricant base oils.

Selecting the correct synthetic gear oil viscosity is critical in optimising performance.

Selecting the correct synthetic gear oil viscosity is a key factor in selecting the best synthetic gear oil. In the previous article we’ve looked the benefits of selecting the correct synthetic gear oil for the application; however this would be meaningless if we didn’t explain the importance of selecting the correct synthetic gear oil viscosity.

Why you need to use the best the best synthetic gear oil in industrial gearboxes.

As the world changes consumers are beginning to understand the value of using the best synthetic gear oil. There are several reasons for using the best synthetic gear oil in your industrial transmission system.

As manufacturers continue to push the limits of machine performance to increase productivity, reduce downtime and energy costs, suppliers need to offer increasingly creative solutions. Interestingly, one of the most effective ways to achieve these performance levels is also one most frequently overlooked: proper lubrication.

Can you use synthetic motor oil in an older VW engines?

It seems as if everyone is asking: “can I use synthetic motor oil in an older VW”? The real question actually applies to any older vehicle that’s grown old on a diet of regular engine oil.

Do downsized turbo engines use more motor oil?

Whilst manufacturers strive to meet stricter emissions regulations and higher customer expectations the resultant downsized turbo engines use more motor oil. Maybe it’s not quite true to say the downsizing results in higher consumption – it’s more the higher cylinder BMEP’s and thinner ring packs that create the problem.

These are the downsides to turbocharged engines.

This information is corroborated by a recently released report from American company “Consumer Reports”.

How do thinner motor oils reduce fuel consumption in modern engines?

Thinner motor oils reduce fuel consumption and improves overall efficiency and engine performance. With the turbulent global economy and rising cost of crude oil, being able to save on fuel costs is important to most drivers, not to mention the reduced exhaust gas emissions.

What Are The Worst Diesel Engine Oil Contaminants That Cause Engine Failure?

If you own, operate or manage a fleet of trucks, it makes sense — operationally and financially — to have samples of used diesel engine oil analyzed regularly to detect the onset of the worst diesel engine oil contaminants.

Analysis can tell you how well engines are operating and their general service condition. It will also yield diagnostics to help you spot problems before they lead to engine failure.

Synthetic motor oil is better than regular oil in everything but price.

There’s no longer any doubt that synthetic motor oil is better than regular oil. Even the unbelievers concede that synthetic lubricants’ performance is superior to regular crude derived oils.

Fully synthetic oil is engineered to have constant properties that meet the toughest of requirements. This process not only ensures no impurities contained in crude oil but also enables individual molecules in the oil to be tailored to the demands

Switching to SAE 16 motor oil is driven by the need to improve fuel economy.

In North America switching to SAE 16 motor oil will enable manufacturers to achieve future CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. Currently fuel economy is 34.9 mpg, in 2016, this requirement will go up to 37.8 mpg; and by 2025, all vehicles and light-duty trucks sold in the United States will have to post 54.5 mpg, nearly doubling today’s mileage standard.

There are numerous advantages of synthetic turbine oil over mineral lubricants.

Although petroleum-based mineral oils function very well as lubricants in many turbine applications, the advantages of synthetic turbine oil under severe conditions is undeniable.

Limitations of mineral lubricants where the advantages of synthetic turbine oil are indisputable.

Understanding the dangers of mixing mineral and synthetic motor oils.

The dangers of mixing mineral and synthetic motor oils depend on the types of synthetic bases that were mixed with mineral bases. Polyalphaolefin and diester synthetic bases can be mixed with mineral oil bases, which is done regularly to create “blend” products.

Remember, modern engine lubricants are sophisticated products, formulated to meet the demanding lubrication requirements of modern engines.

What are the best ways to extend motor oil service intervals?

There are many ways the average motorist can extend motor oil service intervals: From oil condition sensors to the relatively simple change to synthetic engine lubricant.

For many decades the motor industry considered 10,000 KM motor oil change intervals to be the best for proper lubrication. However with improved lubricants and developments in engineering 15,000Km is now the norm

Do you know what the synthetic base oil API group is?

Before discussing the synthetic base oil API group it’s interesting to follow the history of synthetic oils: Dr. Hermann Zorn of I.G. Farben Industries in Germany actually began to search for lubricants with the properties of natural oils but without the tendencies to gel or gum when used in an engine environment.

New turbine engines require high performance advanced turbine engine oils.

Prevailing trends in aircraft turbine engine applications are driving the development of advanced turbine engine oils to their limits. These continued drive towards more powerful, lighter weight engines, with accompanying reductions in noise, emissions and fuel consumption, as well as ongoing improvements in reliability, maintainability, and longer intervals between engine overhauls has seen the birth of a new generation of advanced turbine engine oils.

Ever wonder if 0W20 is better than 5W20 synthetic engine oil?

It’s not really a question of whether 0W20 is better than 5W20 synthetic engine oil, the main reason 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil is specified for your engine is to improve fuel consumption and thereby meet regulations such as the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) or EURO emissions.

CAFE is the combined average fuel economy of all of a vehicle manufacturers product line. Minimum CAFE

Do you know when to change synthetic motor oil?

The widespread use of synthetic lubricants have many people confused as to when to change synthetic motor oil. Oil chemistry and engine technology have evolved tremendously in recent years, but oil change intervals are still on the conservative side. Driven by an outdated 10,000KM oil change commandment, consumers are still spending millions and spilling an ocean of contaminated waste oil.

Ever wondered how different types of synthetic oils are made?

In the 1930s, Dr. Hermann Zorn of Germany found out how synthetic oils are made while searching for a lubricant with the properties of natural oils derived from crude oil but without the undesirable properties (high pour points, tendency to gum or gel in combustion engines, low oxidation resistance at higher temperatures, etc.).

Germany was also in need of a product that was not derived from crude oil, as the nation’s access to crude oil

Selecting the correct synthetic gear oil is difficult!

Selecting the correct synthetic gear oil is made difficult not only because of the different types of synthetic lubricants available, but also the question: why should I move away from mineral based oil?

Synthetic base oils, unlike their petroleum counterparts, are built from the molecular level. The molecules can be manipulated to improve specific lubrication characteristics. With their consistent and predictable chemical structures, and exceptional performance profiles, synthetic oils are displacing petroleum oils that can no longer meet the needs of

Using turbine oils in other applications.

Although "Turbine Oil" is primarily designed for use in turbines it’s not uncommon to find turbine oils in other applications. It was originally a high quality, straight mineral oil with good water separating qualities. Typically turbine oils are kept clean by activated earth filters which remove oxidation products, as well as outside contamination. It has gradually evolved into a rust and oxidation inhibiting oil, which gives long service

Hydraulic fluid used in aircraft systems have different requirements.

Hydraulic fluid used in aircraft systems is a topic often overlooked:Virtually all aircraft have hydraulic systems of some description. In small, general aviation aircraft, the hydraulic components may be limited to wheel brakes. In larger aircraft, hydraulic systems can also provide the motive power for many other systems including nose wheel steering, landing gear retraction/extension, flap and slat retraction/extension, flight control actuation, emergency electrical generation and other ancillaries such as airstairs and cargo doors. This means that hydraulic fluid used in aircraft systems is vital to the safe

Are there any advantages of biodegradable compressor oil?

Much has been said and written about the advantages of biodegradable compressor oil over the past several years. Manufacturers and blenders of these products promote biodegradable lubricants for use based on the importance of biodegradability and nontoxicity.

But performance issues - like oxidation stability, antiwear protection, hydrolytic stability, viscosity- temperature properties and cost factors - are usually presented only wherever these features provide an advantage to the particular manufacturer.

Is mixing mineral and synthetic motor oils safe?

Mixing mineral and synthetic motor oils in error is relatively easy, but what are the consequences? Is it possible to safely change from regular crude based motor oil to full synthetic engine oil?

What the experts say about mixing mineral and synthetic motor oils?

How do you extend the shelf life of synthetic motor oil?

Every now and again the debate around the shelf life of synthetic motor oil raises it’s head. In these debates it’s important to remember that motor oil retains its chemical properties if the oil is properly stored. Correct oil storage protects the oil, and consequently increases the engine oil shelf life over extended periods.

Synthetic oil does not contain contaminants like paraffinnic waxes, which are present in crude oil. Shelf life of synthetic motor oil basically depends upon the chemical compounds and additives being used and the storage environment.

Specialised hydraulic fluid for use in aircraft systems in the 21st century.

Specialised hydraulic fluid for use in aircraft systems came to the fore as aircraft performance increased in mid-20th century. The force required to operate mechanical flight controls became excessive, and hydraulic systems were introduced to reduce pilot effort.

Referring to the hydraulic principles, the hydraulic actuators are controlled by valves; these in turn are operated directly by input from the aircrew (hydro-mechanical) or by computers obeying control laws (fly by wire), all requiring specialised hydraulic fluid for use in aircraft systems.

Amazing polyphenyl ethers used in the SR 71 for lubrication set new standards.

Polyphenyl ethers used in the SR 71 for lubrication are a class of lubricants having unusual properties, most significantly high thermal and radiation resistance, chemical stability, a high refractive index, and positional stability. They are most useful as robust lubricants in a variety of extreme environments.

In 1906, during the exciting early days of synthetic organic chemistry, a German researcher named F. Ullman set out to make diphenyl ether. By

Is synthetic motor oil best for your airplane?

While several aviators still ask whether synthetic motor oil is best for your airplane, other industries, such as automotive, are already convinced of the benefits.

In the 1960s, Shell ran several flight evaluations of oil formulated with an all-poly alpha olephins (PAO) base oil. The oil performed very well except in large engines, (turbocharged 520s and 540s). In some of these engines, the oil failed to absorb the lead salts from the combustion process, which in this age have been eliminated with unleaded fuel. This resulted in gray sludge buildup in the ring lands.

Tips on selecting synthetic gear oil.

Selecting synthetic gear oil can produce significant savings, but before making a decision it’s important to gain a better understanding of the critical points.

Synthetic gear oils are usually chosen when mineral gear oils can not meet the application requirements; by way of example, extreme temperatures, high loadingss, extreme ambient conditions, or special requirements such as flame retardant requirements.

Why should you use synthetic aircraft engine lubricants?

When they use synthetic aircraft engine lubricants operators not only extend the operating life of equipment but also reduce operating costs and increase safety.

Since the 1940’s engineers have noted the many advantages of using synthetic aircraft engine lubricants. Initially the value was found in the 2nd World War where icy winter conditions and increasing operating altitudes meant that lubricants’ temperature stability was becoming increasingly important.