Engine oil is very important for your vehicle. Engine oil is vitally important because it plays a vital role in the longevity of your engine. It prevents rusting and corrosion, protects gears, and keeps surfaces moving smoothly.
In this article, we are going to look at how much synthetic oil is in the synthetic blend oil, without wasting any more time let’s jump straight to it.
How much synthetic oil is in synthetic blend oil?
The exact formula used by oil manufacturers varies from one brand to another, but a typical synthetic blend engine oil will use 20% to 70% synthetic oils and 30% to 80% petroleum oils. This is just a general rule.
The big advantage of semi-synthetic oil is that it can provide better performance than conventional oil at a lower price. Using less expensive petroleum-derived oil (30%) in the mixture means more money in your pocket at the pumps while keeping your ride protected with enough detergents and lubricants to keep squeak and wear at bay.
Synthetic blend oils (also called semi-synthetic or just semi) are a mixture of petroleum and synthetic oil. The exact ratio of each component varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most contain a minimum of 51% petroleum.
Because semi-synthetic oils are made of both petroleum and synthetic oil, they have the best properties of each other.
The high viscosity index of semi-synthetic oil helps protect engines from sludge build-up, while the detergents in the oil help clean deposits.
What is synthetic oil?
Fully synthetic oil, also known as pure synthetic engine oil, is a type of motor oil, usually made from petroleum-based components or from a blend of such oils with other polyalphaolefin.
It is usually marketed as being more durable and providing better performance than conventional petroleum-based oils. It should be noted that not all fully synthetic oils are identical in their chemical composition.
Some are simply non-detergent, while others include detergent additives to help clean the engine. The key characteristic that qualifies an oil to be labeled fully synthetic is its chemical composition: it must contain only the molecules of three carbon groups: methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), and propyl (Pr).
What is a synthetic blend?
A synthetic blend or semi-synthetic oil is composed synthetically with a balance of conventional petroleum oil. According to the American Petroleum Institute, the percentage by volume of petroleum is at least 51% (platinum group).
Synthetic oils provide better performance and engine protection than conventional oils can provide. They have higher viscosity indices and lower volatility.
Synthetic oils help improve fuel economy by preventing sludge build-up in engines, they are also resistant to thermal breakdown and oxidation which can cause a loss of power and efficiency.
Does synthetic blend mean full synthetic?
No. Synthetic blend oil is a blend of synthetic and conventional oil, not a substitute for fully synthetic oil. It typically contains up to 70% petroleum-derived oil, although sometimes it contains slightly more or less than 50%. In North America, the term “full synthetic” refers to oils that use 100% synthetic base stocks.
What is better full synthetic or synthetic blend?
There is no easy answer to this question, of course. The best engine oil for your car is the one that meets the manufacturer’s specifications and gives you the best performance and protection for your vehicle.
If you are in doubt about what type of oil to use in your vehicle, we recommend you consult with your vehicle manufacturer or a reputable automotive expert who can confirm your engine’s requirements. If that’s not an option, choose semi-synthetic oil — it has all of the advantages of synthetic oils at a lower price point.
Is synthetic blend oil any good?
Yes, synthetic blend oil is good. Like synthetic oil, it contains detergents and anti-corrosion additives to protect your engine. It is also more resistant to viscosity breakdown and thermal degradation than conventional oil and provides increased lubricity that prolongs transmissions.
On the downside, it doesn’t provide as much protection as fully synthetic oil. This means that some wear and tear may occur during the use of synthetic blends sooner than it would use a fully synthetic version of the same brand. All in all, though, a blend of 20%-70% synthetic oil with 30%-80% petroleum oils offers a good balance of durability and cost at an optimum performance level for most people’s needs.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.