Scott D. Galbreath asks via our Facebook page about the pros and cons of synthetic blend motor oils. Thanks for the question, Scott. Making sense of motor oil can be confusing and frustrating. Choosing among full synthetics, synthetic blends, semi-conventional, conventional, high-mileage full synthetics and synthetic blends is just the beginning.
Unlike food and drug companies, which must disclose the ingredients in their products, lubricant manufactures aren’t held to the same mandate, which can cause confusion if you’re shopping for synthetic motor oil. Store shelves are lined with oils described as “full synthetic,” “semi-synthetic,” “synthetic” and even “100% synthetic.”
The Internet is abuzz over the latest Blackstone Labs newsletter. OK, “abuzz” may be a stretch. But the newsletter certainly has sent the motor oil geeks among us into a tizzy. The distinguished oil analysis laboratory sought to answer the age-old question: Does it really matter which brand of motor oil your use?
Most motorists understand the primary functions of motor oil: reduce friction and wear. However, motor oil and other lubricants must do more to protect your vehicles and equipment. With engines and equipment becoming more powerful and sophisticated, it takes a properly formulated, well-balanced lubricant to carry out these seven critical functions.
It’s been a long, long time since motor oil was “just oil.” In the 1930s, someone decided to begin putting wax modifiers in the oil to address the problem of wax residue after the refining process. Thus was born the motor oil additive market. Today, motor oils, whether petroleum or synthetic, contain a variety of
