These are the ten best-known lies told about synthetic lubricants by fossil oil companies that can "see the handwriting on the wall" in this "breakthrough product."In the sixties, I led the nation in sales of such a product, one that eventually made carbon paper obsolete. I love marketing such products because I like to see the panic in the eyes of those whose entire career is invested in marketing a product that is soon to be obsolete. I imagine you could see the same look in the eyes of buggy whip manufacturers on the invention of the "horseless carriage," otherwise known as the automobile. I imagine similar lies were told about the automobile by buggy whip makers, in an attempt to salvage their businesses from progress.
Here they are:
They're too expensive: Not even close to being true. "Linear thinkers" only think of the cost per quart, rather than the cost per mile. Figure the cost of 4 quarts and two filters in 25,000 miles, as opposed to 40 quarts of oil and 8 quarts to go the same number of miles. That's a significant savings, just on the cost of the oil and filters, alone.
Synthetics void warranties: This one is still being told by many mechanics, most of whom don't know it to be true, but who have been told it by "old timers," who should know better. In actual fact, most major engine manufacturers specifically recommend the use of synthetic oils and other lubricants. Many high-performance cars are coming to showroom floors containing synthetic oils, from the factory. New vehicle warranties are based on the use of oils meeting specific API Service Classifications. Today's synthetic lubricants meet these requirements and are thus covered. In almost 30 years, AmsOil, the original synthetic lubricant for automotive use, has been in used in extended service situations over billions of miles and have not been faulted one time for voiding an automaker's warranty. They have even been used in racecars doing up to 200 miles per hour for up to 500 miles at a time without failing.
Synthetics damage seals: Wouldn't synthetic lubricant manufacturers be stupid to make a product that will destroy their customer's engine?
They're not compatible with fossil (petroleum) oils: That used to be true in the case of one oil, whose name shall not be mentioned (they're still trying to convince the world their oil is full synthetic and that they are the oil "that changed oil," but have yet to have guts enough to claim 25,000 miles usage). Again, wouldn't synthetics makers be stupid to make a product that was not compatible with what used to be in the car?
Synthetics cause cars to use more oil: Untrue. In fact, they resist "shearing back" way better than do fossil oils. When you put them in an engine and run it, they do NOT "thin out" as do fossil oils. So it's not necessary to use a thicker oil than you need to stop an already leaking engine. These oils are designed for use in an engine that does not leak, although synthetics can sometimes stop a small leak that was there because of the better sealing characteristics of synthetics.
Synthetics are "too thin": Again, why would they make a product that was "too thin" to stay in an engine? Again, to be classified in any SAE grade (10W-30, 10W-40, etc.) it must meet specific guidelines as to viscosity (thickness). In fact, a full synthetic will start your car easily (like in summer) in the "dead of winter" down to 60 degrees below zero. Try that with fossil oil.
They're not readily available: Twenty years ago when AmsOil atarted out to show the world that synthetic lubricants were "the wave of the future," that might have been true. Now that AmsOil has convinced the world synthetic is better, every major oil company has "jumped on the bandwagon with oils they call synthetics. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find one that is anything but a partial synthetic good for only 15,000 miles.
Synthetics can't be used with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors: Wrong! There is no difference between synthetics and fossil poils with regard to these components. They're similar compounds and neither will damage catalytic converters or oxygen sensors. In fact, synthetics are better than fossil oils in this regard because engines tend to run cleaner using synthetic lubricants.
Synthetics create more sludge: Not even close. They are, in fact, more sludge resistant than fossil oils, since they run cleaner and cooler. They have higher flash points and a better ability to withstand evaporation loss and oxidation. They're much more resistant to sludge development. Ingested dirt and water dilution can be a problem with either type of oil and are problems with the air filtration and cooling system, not the oil.
Synthetics last forever: I only wish that were true. I could sell synthetic oils for one-time use for the rest of my life and not run out of customers. Some say the oil itself will last forever, but the additives will eventually break down. Even so, synthetic lubricants will still protect an engine long after a similar amount of fossil oils have degraded.
Some people are still telling these lies, but fear not; the word is getting out and soon we will reduce or eliminate our dependence on foreign oil by replacing it with synthetics. You are the one who will benefit, since your costs will be significantly reduced. Not just those involved with buying synthetics, but also those involved with years of use, since synthetics will cause your engine to run cooler and smoother, causing it to last about 50% longer. It will start like summer on the deadest winter day (it was, after all, designed as a "cold-weather oil" from the beginning). It will stop vapor locks in the summer and there will never be a "dry start" because the oil "clings" to the parts, unlike fossil oils, which drop down into the oil pan. Those are only a few of the reasons to switch to synthetic oil.