Why understanding synthetics matters

A basic understanding of lubricants – and the differences between synthetic and mineral oils – leads to cleaner engines that operate more efficiently, deliver more power and consume less fuel. A few South Africans spend much thought on what oil to use in their engines. It is important to note that engine oil, if chosen correctly, can work to protect your engine’s moving parts while also significantly improving fuel efficiency and performance,” says Raymond Abraham, Commercial Technical Manager of Shell South Africa. Cleaner engines can operate more efficiently. Efficient engines are likely to deliver more power and have lower fuel consumption. So, the next time you top-up your engine oil remember that the oil you choose must protect your car’s engine against wear and tear, reduce sludge and filter deposits away from critical parts. It should also minimise friction and deliver a more responsive drive – literally keeping your engine clean on the inside. As such, it’s important to make the right oil choice.

There are two main types of base oil: mineral and fully synthetic. Engine oils labelled as “part” or “semi-synthetic” or “synthetic technology” contain a mixture of these two types. Synthetic base oils give enhanced performance because they are manufactured using a more expensive chemical process than that used in mineral oil production.
Base oils also affect viscosity – the “thickness” of the oil. If your oil is too “thin”, it might not create enough of a film between your engine’s moving parts to lubricate them properly. This can cause wear-out problems when the engine’s temperature increases. If the base oil is too thick however, the oil might not flow correctly. This means that it won’t transfer heat away from the engine as it should. The oil itself could also start to oxidise – and deposits and sludge could form because of this. This is often the case with mineral-based oils, which are thicker than the newer synthetic oils on the market.

Modern cars have extended service intervals, which can put increased stress on the oil and engine parts, and can lead to reduced responsiveness and performance. Synthetic oils should also offer you improved cold starting and fuel efficiency, whilst reducing oil consumption – meaning you have to “top-up” less often. As such, you need to pay attention to what is stated on the back of the bottle, especially when it comes to the promised benefits. As a general rule of thumb, a lower viscosity oil means better fuel economy. In the case of the latest synthetic oils on the market, they’re usually more heat resistant and keep their viscosity characteristics over a wider temperature range (this means your car will drive optimally in the coldest and hottest areas in the world).

Are all synthetic oils created equal?

Before you ask for synthetic oil for your car, it’s important to note that not all synthetic oils are created equal. Because of their long-term oxidation stability for example, synthetics are able to protect your engine’s moving parts better. “How much better?” then becomes the next question. “What I can tell you is that it can be up to as much as 30% – as in the case of Shell Helix Ultra. In-house testing also demonstrated that Shell Helix Ultra removed up to five times more dirt and sludge, and reduced twice as much engine wear as compared to other synthetic engine oils” says Abraham. Shell Helix Ultra is specifically formulated for high-performance engines that are fitted with catalytic converters and blow-by-gas recirculation. It meets vehicle manufacturers’ extended service specifications, has formulations for different fuels, engines and environmental conditions, and is the only oil to be developed in association with Ferrari. The next time you need to top-up or change your oil, it’s worth considering your options. “By taking a little more time to read the pack, you could make a far smarter decision and help your engine to become more responsive, perform better and operate at its full potential until its next oil change” concludes Abraham.

TIP: Want to become an expert in correct engine oil selection? Shell’s LubeMatch service (at www.shell.com/lubematch <http://www.shell.com/lubematch> ), lets you identify the right oil for your car quickly and conveniently. Type in your vehicle type, make and model and Shell LubeMatch will make recommendations about the best Shell oil for your vehicle.