The standard operating temperature of an engine ranges between 90-degree and 105-degree and without proper engine oil, the engine, along with the gearbox, would stop working due to extreme heat exposure. Heating occurs when there is high piston friction against the moving parts.
When you invest in good engine oil, it reduces the wear and tear of the engine by 70%. Moreover, it also keeps the engine cool, thereby allowing it to burn less fuel and offering enhanced performance. Synthetic oil for cars is highly recommended due to their valuable properties. But semi-synthetic engine oil is also an engine oil option, which is popular in the market.
Synthetic Oil
These oils essentially are mineral oils, but they pass through a comprehensive treatment to convert them into oils that are more superior mineral oils. The oil is segregated into basic molecules that get rid of unwanted components and contaminants to a high level. Moreover, molecules of these oils are constant in their shape and size, providing stronger lubrication. These molecules are customized to meet various engine requirements such as performance in high or low temperatures, under extreme stress, etc. This breakdown process of mineral oil is quite extensive, making synthetic oils for cars more expensive.
Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is also referred to as synthetic blend oil and encompasses a small quantity of synthetic oil combined with mineral oil. This concoction is made to enhance the properties without increasing the price. The inclusion of synthetic oil improves the wear resistance and viscosity at higher temperatures and stressful conditions.
Is It Okay to Use Semi-Synthetic Oil Rather Than Synthetic Oil?
It is recommended to stick to the type of oil mentioned in the owner’s oil. If you use semi-synthetic oil in place of synthetic oil, then it is not likely to cause an immediate or drastic issue. But you will certainly not get the same level engine protection that fully synthetic oil provides.
But the engines that are required to use semi-synthetic oil tend to benefit from the enhanced level of performance and protection if you use synthetic oil rather than a blended version.
Blending Semi and Fully Synthetic Oils
It is suggested not to mix different types of engine oils together. You should always use engine oil recommended by the manufacturer. But nothing extreme will happen if you do decide to mix fully synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil. If this is your last resort, then it is better to mix the oil, then run out of oil, causing damage to the engine.
While nothing detrimental will be caused, your engine’s potential to perform will certainly be compromised. And if you continue using oil in the blended form, your engine may not last as long as it would have if you used a single-engine oil.
On the whole, it is clear that you should be using synthetic oil for cars. These oils are specially designed to offer better lubrication to reduce friction. And when there is less friction, it protects the engine wears, thereby allowing it to perform efficiently for a longer period of time.
