What's the difference between synthetic and mineral oil?

Both mineral and synthetic engine oils are available on the market today. The former are the result of direct crude oil processing, the latter are produced through molecule synthesis.

Specialists note that synthetic oil is priced almost a third higher than mineral lubricants. But it's also more practical, since it easily delivers a longer mileage before the next oil change. Using it regularly lets you avoid, in a number of cases, such an expensive job as, say, a Honda Accord repair.

Synthetic oil stands out for its excellent chemical and thermal stability. That is, no oxidation or wax build-up occurs while the engine runs. Viscosity is preserved. It provides easy engine starts in cold weather and protects parts from wear during high-speed, high-load operation. Synthetic oil also flows more freely and has better penetrating ability.

Some problems can arise when switching from mineral lubricants to synthetic ones. These are usually caused by using low-quality oils, irregular oil changes, or foreign particles getting into the oil. As a result, there's a risk that deposits will form in the power unit and that seals will crack and lose their elasticity. And then, without meaning to, you'll end up needing, say, a Honda repair shop that handles both engine troubleshooting and Honda body repair.

With mineral lubricants, the "side effects" aren't as severe. Deposits build up more slowly in that case. Synthetic oils, being more free-flowing, mean deposits manage to clog even the oil pickup screens and oil channels. As a result, the oil's approval rating drops. And that risks causing engine faults. What's more, if there are cracks in the seals, "synthetic" oil will simply leak out of the engine.

That's why specialists don't recommend using synthetic lubricant during a car's running-in period, right after a major overhaul, or in rotary engines. In every other case, using synthetic oil improves how the engine runs.