Featured Article
| Gear Lube White Paper |
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AMSOIL has come out with yet another white paper, this time on gear lubes.
Be sure and have a look, as these tests were done by independent labs, no sales pitches, just the facts. You have a look and decide for yourself, which gear lube do you want protecting your investment?
When you get rid of all of the advertising hype, the choice is clear.
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Myth #1:
Synthetic motor oils damage seals.
Untrue. It would be foolhardy
for lubricant manufacturers to build a product that is
incompatible with seals. The composition of seals presents
problems that both petroleum oils and synthetics must overcome.
Made from elastomers, seals are inherently difficult to
standardize.
Ultimately it is the Additive
mix in oil that counts. Additives to control seal swell,
shrinkage and hardening are required, whether it be a synthetic
or petroleum product that is being produced.
Myth #2:
Synthetics are too thin to stay in the engine.
Untrue. In order for a
lubricant to be classified in any SAE grade (10W-30, 10W-40,
etc.) it has to meet certain guidelines with regard to viscosity
("thickness").
For example, it makes no
difference whether it's 10W-40 petroleum or 10W-40 synthetic, at
-25 degrees centigrade (-13F) and 100 degrees centigrade (212
degrees F) the oil has to maintain a standardized viscosity or it
can't be rated a 10W-40.
Myth #3:
Synthetics cause cars to use more oil.
Untrue. Synthetic motor oils
are intended for use in mechanically sound engines, that is,
engines that don't leak. In such engines, oil consumption will
actually be reduced. First, because of the lower volatility of
synlubes. Second, because of the better sealing characteristics
between piston rings and cylinder walls. And finally, because of
the superior oxidation stability (i.e. resistance of synthetics
against reacting with oxygen at high temperatures.)
Myth #4:
Synthetic lubricants are not compatible with petroleum.
Untrue. The synthesized
hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, diesters and other materials that
form the base stocks of high-quality name brand synthetics are
fully compatible with petroleum oils. In the old days, some
companies used untested ingredients that were not compatible,
causing quality synlubes to suffer a bum rap. Fortunately, those
days are long gone.
Compatibility is something to
keep in mind, however, whether using petroleum oils or
synthetics. It is usually best to use the same oil for topping
off that you have been running in the engine. That is, it is
preferable to not mix your oils, even if it is Valvoline or
Quaker State you are using. The reason is this: the functions of
additives blended for specific characteristics can be offset when
oils with different additive packages are put together. For
optimal performance, it is better to use the same oil throughout.
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