15 Jun 3 Reasons Why the Automotive Industry Prefers Synthetic Oil

When you purchase a new vehicle these days, you might be surprised to find that the manufacturer specifies the use of synthetic oil. The move to synthetic oils is taking place for three reasons. The growth of smaller displacement turbocharged engines, rising CAFE fuel efficiency standards, and government laws to reduce tailpipe emissions are all contributing to these trends.

1. Meeting CAFE Requirements

OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) began to use synthetic motor oils to improve average fuel economy throughout their whole product line in order to fulfill CAFE fuel economy standards. In addition, consumers are more conscious than ever of fuel economy numbers. The prices at the gas pump are just one driver of this awareness. Environmental concerns are also a major motivating factor. For this reason, the use of conventional motor oil has decreased over time in favor of synthetic oils.

2. Turbocharged Engines Are Becoming More Common

Because OEMs use turbocharging technology to increase engine performance, smaller displacement engines run at greater temperatures and oil pressure. To compensate for the decreased horsepower delivered by smaller displacement engines, turbocharged engines now power more than 28% of new vehicles manufactured today. When an engine needs more power, a turbocharger pumps air into it. When the turbocharger is turned off, which is most of the time, the car is powered by a smaller engine that consumes less gasoline.

A turbocharged engine, on the other hand, runs hotter, necessitating the use of synthetic motor oil. This is why many OEMs now specify the use of synthetic motor oil. Turbocharged automobiles require a thin coating of oil to lubricate the turbo shaft, which must be able to survive the intense service of the shaft rotating at 20,000 revolutions per minute. As a consequence of the rising usage of turbochargers, synthetic oil has become more popular due to its ability to function and retain viscosity lifespan at higher temperatures.

Synthetic lubricants are better at maintaining viscosity under extreme operating circumstances than mineral-based lubricants, which means that engine components are better protected. Full synthetic oil performs better in extreme hot and cold temperatures and is 47 percent better than traditional oil in preventing metal-to-metal contact, according to tests.

3. Demand For Reductions in Emissions

Both consumer demand and government regulations are driving the preference for synthetic engine oil. Lower viscosity motor oil in the form of synthetic motor oil, which causes less friction and reduces fuel consumption, is one way OEMs are aiming to minimize tailpipe emissions. It requires more energy to move a more viscous oil. When viscosity is reduced, less energy is expended by the moving components and the fluid flowing around the engine. The less gasoline burnt, the less emissions are produced at the exhaust end.

When everything is taken into consideration, synthetic engine oil is the motor oil of the future. The entire automotive industry is behind synthetic motor oil for these reasons and more. If you need help finding the right product for you, contact authorized Amsoil dealer Dave Consalvo today.