Ask the Editors: What Makes Synthetic Oil Better?
Well, first let’s talk about the good news- keeping your ATV engine’s oil frequently changed is always beneficial. The fact that you are up on this maintenance is far more crucial than the type of oil you select. That said, there are some distinct benefits to running a synthetic (or blend)- not the least of which is more consistent cold-weather performance, especially during a dead start when oil tends to thicken up.
Mobil-1 has this to say about what it means to be conventional oil versus synthetic: Conventional oils come from crude oil that is pumped from the ground. Crude oil is made up of a complex mixture of molecules that form chains and rings of different sizes and shapes. Long chains of carbon atoms produce a thick, viscous fluid that flows slowly. Shorter chains produce fluid that flows more readily.
In an oil refinery, crude oil is separated into various fractions. These become the basis for lubricating oils and fuels. Thick tangled masses of carbon chains become asphaltic materials used in roofing tar and road work. Very short chains and ring compounds of carbon are volatile and can be refined to produce gasoline and other products.
While petroleum refining is an advanced science, small amounts of contaminants, such as sulfur and reactive hydrocarbons, cannot be completely removed from petroleum, and may end up in motor oil base stocks.
All motor oils are made up of base oils and additives. In general, fully synthetic motor oils contain non-conventional, high-performance fluids. Synthetic blends usually use some non-conventional, high-performance fluids in combination with conventional oil.
In summary synthetic is going to flow easier in cold conditions, therefore offers up better protection to moving parts on a cold start up. Also, it is highly resistant to viscosity breakdown from heat, friction, or chemical contaminants.
The biggest downside is, of course, the cost. There’s no getting around the fact that these are days of ridiculously high oil cost be it in gasoline, roof tar or engine lubricant. Synthetic can cost more than double that of conventional oil.
