Synthetic Oil Set to Take Over Conventional Engine Oil – Know Why?

  • Editorial Team
  • Heavy Construction Equipment
  • 29 February 2024

Is conventional oil better than synthetic oil? Is it efficient to shift from conventional engines to synthetic oil? What’s the main difference between conventional oil and synthetic oil?

According to heavy equipment engine experts, synthetic oil helps in increasing the engine’s performance rather than conventional oil.

However, previous conventional oil is famous for its adequate lubrication attributes but synthetic oil protects and maximizes engine performance.

Synthetic oil is a redefined form of oil as compared to conventional oil. The following are the attributes that you can find in conventional oil;

  • Decreased chemical stability
  • Easily oxidize and acidify
  • Less durable and degrades more rapidly

To make the right choice you must know the pros and cons of conventional engine oil as well as synthetic oil. Mentioned below are the facts, benefits, and tips for choosing the right engine oil;

Advantages Of Synthetic Engine Oil

The main chemistry behind synthetic oil involves complex processes. It is extracted through petrochemical operations to gain the exact molecular attributes for defined applications.

According to the report by the American Automobile Association, synthetic oil is better performing as compared to conventional oil or even synthetic blends.

Here are the main benefits of synthetic engine oil to know before you try it;

Engine Protection

Conventional oil tends to sludge the engine throughout usage which minimizes the quality and lifespan of the engine. Synthetic oil has additives that prevent corrosion, rust, and common wear and tear in heavy equipment engines. Moreover, synthetic oil demotivates the sludge characteristic of conventional oil comparatively.

Capability To Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Conventional oil is known to get thick in cold temperatures which is the common temperature in different U.S. regions.

Since most of the construction work happens outdoors, installing an oil that can bear different weather without degrading the engine performance is a must for owners or contractors.

Synthetic oil smoothly circulates within the engine to different parts of the equipment even in cold temperatures.

Additionally, synthetic oil offers heat resistance and does not evaporate which is optimal for hot running equipment engines.

Maximization Of Fuel Economy

Conventional oil easily gets thick in cold temperatures and with high viscosity oil movement negatively impacts the fuel consumption rate.

Contrarily, synthetic oil flows smoothly within the engine and helps in increasing fuel economy.

Extended Oil Changing Intervals

Synthetic oils last longer than conventional engine oils. It also depends on the oil’s quality, equipment brands, and usage of machinery.

Some synthetic oils run for 8000 to 10,000 miles while other brands have drain intervals up to 25,000 miles which is high.

Furthermore, to extend the performance of your heavy equipment’s engine follow the user manual instructions and change the engine oil accordingly.

When To Choose Conventional Oil Over Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic engine oil wins the hearts of heavy equipment users due to its extended life, better performance, and productivity it offers over conventional oil.

Still depending upon the following factors you can decide if conventional oil is better or synthetic oil will help in increasing your equipment’s health;

  • the driving habits
  • equipment type
  • mileage required
  • equipment’s age 

If the engine is older then synthetic oil can affect the seals and result in engine leaks.

Synthetic oil removes hazardous deposits, minimizes chemical breakdowns as well as eliminates engine wear and tear.

5 Clear Signs Heavy Equipment Engine Oil Needs Changing

Are you aware of the fact that the engine oil serves as the lifeline of your equipment and if it is left unattended it can cost engine repairs or even replacement?

Here are the 5 indicators that you must not ignore; 

  • a problematic equipment engine
  • the strong burning aroma of petrol 
  • the difference in engine oil color 
  • the engine indicates light 
  • the increased consumption of engine oil 

Takeaway

As a heavy equipment owner maintaining your fleet and extending its lifespan are the two primary operations you can’t neglect.

With a better-performing engine oil, you can not only extend the lifespan of the equipment’s engine but you can also maximize its productivity which will ultimately add up to greater business revenue as it nurtures successful projects.

Before deciding the engine oi make sure you have gone through the equipment manufacturer’s guide.

Secondly, if you still feel confused seek guidance from heavy equipment’s expert or engine’s technicians to come up with an informed decision either to shift to synthetic oil or to continue using conventional engine oils.