Base oil is the primary component in lubricanting oil, it plays a key factor in enhancing performance and longevity of machinary, engine, providing sufficient lubrication, reduce friction and heat dissipation. Understainding base oil is the fundamental for selecting lubricating oil suitable for specific needs.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is extracted from crude oil through a refining process. It mainly comprised of different hydrocarbon molecules including paraffin, napthene and aromatic and may contains impurities substance depending on the quality of the crude oil and rifining process. Mineral oil is the most economical choice among base oil types due to its relatively uncomplicated production process. It is suitable for use in older engines that do not require high-quality lubrication. However, because mineral base oil contains a mixture of different hydrocarbon molecules, its physical and chemical properties are not uniform, making it challenging to control lubrication characteristics, especially in extreme temperature conditions.

Synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is manufactured through chemical synthetic processes in processing facilities so that it has high level of impurity and more molecule structure compared to mineral oil. This allows better control over oil properties such as viscosity, capable of stability at high temperature, extreme condition without degradation or loss of lubrication, exhibits better flowability at low temperatures, ensuring smooth engine startups in cold weather.

Additionally, synthetic oil has good oxidation resistance, minimizing sludge formation, and is used to produce lubricants for new, high-end engines or those operating under specific conditions (very low or very high temperatures).

However, the production process of synthetic oil is more costly than mineral oil, which can lead to higher-priced products. Some types of synthetic oil may not be compatible with certain gaskets in engines and may cause leaks.

Semi-Synthetic Base Oil

Composition: Semi-synthetic oil is a combination of mineral oil and synthetic oil. It is an effective blend of two types of base oils, providing a balance of properties from both. Its cost is only slightly higher than that of mineral base oil, but it is supplemented with the superior features of synthetic oil. Therefore, semi-synthetic oil is currently favored by many.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate type of base oil for an engine depends on factors such as application, operating conditions, and budget. Mineral oil is an economical choice that meets current standards for engine oil. Synthetic oil provides excellent performance for engines under extreme operating conditions. Semi-synthetic oil offers a balanced consideration between cost and performance.

With this article, DENIS OIL hopes to provide readers with useful information about lubricating oil, assisting in making accurate decisions when selecting the right lubricating oil for individual needs.