COMPARISON OF SYNTHETIC OILS AND
CONVENTIONAL PETROLEUM OILS
Many people want to know what type of oil they should use in their cars,
synthetic or conventional. The information in this book about the differences
between the two types of oil and their applications was gleaned from Dan
Watson, a friend and colleague. Watson is a certified lubrication specialist
(STLE) and a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, as well as a
nuclear propulsion specialist. In addition, he is a lubrication consultant and the
owner of D&J Diversified, LLC, a lubrication sales and consulting firm. Watson
is also the owner and publisher of maxxTorque magazine www.maxxtorque.com.
His website on lubricants is www.thelubepage.com.
Watson’s article “Synthetic Versus Petroleum” discusses the differences
between synthetic and conventional diesel lubricants (this information also
applies to gas engine lubricants). The article appears in the maxxtorque.com E-
zine, winter 2009 issue, volume II, number 1, page 15. His evaluation of the
topic is thorough. Here are some excerpts from this article for you to consider
when deciding whether or not to use synthetic oil. The argument for synthetic-
based lubricants is compelling to say the least. If you’re considering the switch
over, consult your owner’s manual to make sure your carmaker does not
recommend against the use of synthetic oil, then consult a professional to make
sure it’s the best choice for you.
A note here regarding turbocharged engines: Engines equipped with
turbochargers benefit greatly from using synthetic motor oil because turbos,
being driven by exhaust, tend to heat up dramatically and tend to burn engine oil
resulting in viscosity breakdown. Synthetic motor oil is highly resistant to heat
and friction, thus maintains lubrication and protection to the turbocharger.