Myth 5: Synthetic lubricants are not readily available.
This may have been the case two decades ago when Amsoil and Mobil 1 were the only real choices, but today nearly every major oil company has added a synthetic product to its lines.
Myth 6: Synthetic lubricants produce sludge.
Actually, synthetic motor oils are more sludge-resistant than their petroleum counterparts, resisting the effects of high temperature and oxidation. In the presence of high temperatures, two things happen. First, an oil's lighter ingredients boil off, making the oil thicker. Second, conventional petroleum base stocks are vulnerable to oxidation, thus forming sludge, gum, and varnish. One result is a loss of fluidity at low temperatures, slowing the timely flow of oil to the engine for vital component protection. Further negative effects of thickened oil include the restriction of oil flow into critical areas, greater wear, and loss of fuel economy. Because of their higher flash points and their ability to withstand evaporation loss and oxidation, synthetics are much more resistant to sludge development. Two other causes of sludge-ingested dirt and water dilution-can be a problem in any kind of oil, whether petroleum or synthetic. These are problems with the air filtration system and the cooling system, respectively, not the oil.
Myth 7: Synthetics can't be used with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.
There is little difference between synthetic and petroleum oils in regard to these components. Both motor oils are similar compounds, and neither is damaging to catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.
Myth 8: Synthetics void warranties.
No major manufacturer of automobiles specifically bans the use of synthetic lubricants. Actually, increasing numbers of high-performance cars are arriving on showroom floors with synthetic motor oils as factory fill. New vehicle warranties are based upon the use of oils meeting specific API Service Classifications (for example, SG/CE). Synthetic lubricants that meet current API requirements are perfectly suited for use in any vehicle without affecting the validity of the new car warranty.
Myth 9: Synthetics last forever.
Although some experts feel that synthetic base stocks themselves can be used forever, it is well known that eventually the additives will falter and cause the oil to require changing. Moisture, fuel dilution, and acids (the byproducts of combustion) tend to use up additives in oil, allowing degradation to occur. However, by "topping off," additives can be replenished. Through good filtration and periodic oil analysis, synthetic engine oils protect an engine for lengths of time far beyond the capability of nonsynthetics.
Myth 10: Synthetics are very expensive.
Tests and experience have proven that synthetics can greatly extend drain intervals, provide better fuel economy, reduce engine wear, and enable vehicles to operate with greater reliability. All these elements combine to make synthetic engine oils more economical than conventional nonsynthetics. In Europe, synthetics have enjoyed increasing acceptance, as car buyers look first to performance and long-term value rather than initial price. As more sophisticated technology places greater demands on today's motor oils, we will no doubt see an increasing reevaluation of oil buying habits in this country as well.