Why was it necessary to invent synthetic motor oil?

The conditions under which the engine works can be different. The operating mode of the motor is constantly changing. We started the engine - it warms up, stopped it - it cools down. And during operation, the engine constantly changes its own mode - the speed, and the temperature, and so on change. It is for this reason that a perfect engine oil can be such an oil, whose characteristics would remain measured under various modes of engine operation. But this is actually unrealistic.

Under various criteria, the base of a mineral motor oil cannot provide the stability of the substance. By synthesizing molecules, scientists were able to obtain a synthetic base. She is much less exposed to external causes. Its characteristics during long-term operation are more measured. The first time such a synthetic motor oil was used in aviation. At low temperatures during engine start-up, the mineral oil simply froze. At first, the cost of creating a synthetic oil was very high, and this did not allow its massive use in auto engines. Only over time has synthetic motor oil become cheaper. It was then that they began to use it in the auto industry.

So, we can summarize:

1. Synthetic motor oil is less afraid of temperature extremes.

2. Synthetic oil in the process of use is able to retain its characteristics longer.

3. It is unrealistic to maintain such an oil parameter as viscosity at a suitable level if a completely mineral base is used.

If the area where the car is operated is not characterized by temperatures below 15-20 degrees Celsius in winter, then there is no need to use synthetic engine oil.

Using mineral or semi-synthetic oil, you just have to change it more often.

There is also a semi-synthetic engine oil. It is created from a mixed base. 30-50% of it is a synthetic base, and the rest is a mineral base. Such oil has much better indicators of its own stability than mineral oil. But it's worse than synthetic motor oil.

Such a semi-synthetic engine oil should be poured into a modern engine and with a huge mileage. Usually, in such criteria, the waste of synthetic oil increases. Semi-synthetic oil is the best way out. Synthetics are contraindicated for such engines.

So can mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils be mixed?

The question of mixing can appear when one engine oil is changed to another, when it is necessary to add oil to the engine. In principle, it is not worth combining different oils. And this is not worth doing, therefore, that completely different additives are mixed, and what kind of chemical reaction will be with all this is not clear. The purchased mixture will not be able to meet the standards or requirements. Any kind of mixing is the last resort. Although the very existence of a semi-synthetic motor oil suggests the idea that it is possible to combine mineral and synthetic motor oils. True, with certain criteria:

1. It is possible to guarantee the comparability of only the base of the 1st manufacturer.

Different manufacturers use different technologies to get the base itself. The chemical composition is also different.

2. If it is necessary to add oil, then it is harmless to add another oil, but of the same manufacturer.

3. When there is an oil change, it is necessary to keep in mind that some of it still remains in the engine. It is mixed with the newly filled oil. For this reason, the characteristics of the oil change somewhat. For this reason, in several service cycles, the oil will have to be changed more often than usual.

Immediately it is necessary to warn that engine oils are faked much more often than gasoline. In auto markets, you can often stumble upon the "left" oil, although in spare parts stores you can also just run into a fake. If you ever have to take oil from an incomprehensible place, then it is better to get a not very advertised brand. It's just that they are faked less often. In any case, we recommend that you keep the receipt and canister until the next change. It will take.

Symbols of engine oils.

Let's take 10W40 as an example. According to the SAE standard, this is the designation for viscosity. The 1st digit (in our example it is 10) indicates the thickening index. You need to know that the lower the index, the more this oil can withstand lower temperatures. Thickening indices range from 0 to 15. The 2nd digit (and in our example it is 40) indicates the viscosity at the motor temperature of 100 degrees. Thicker oil is indicated by a larger number. Oil with a viscosity of 60 is the thickest. But the letter between 2 numbers indicates the time of its use. The letter W from the word WINTER is for winter. In other words, oil is "winter".

What kind of oil to choose for a car?

It is necessary to look into the annotation. There it will certainly be written which engine oil is recommended. 5W40 oil can be filled in place of the recommended 10W40 oil. But in the summer, such a substitution will not lead to either bad or excellent. It is not recommended to use engine oil that has a high viscosity. The highest viscosity promotes oil accumulation in the cylinder head.

According to the API standard, the property index is denoted by 2 large Latin characters. For example, with SF signs. The 2nd letter indicates the quality of the oil. And the better the oil is, the further down the alphabet is this letter. SF oil will satisfy not only most of the VAZs, but also suitable for foreign cars of the 80s of production. But SG oil is suitable for most new imported cars in recent years. Completely at any oil, as it is officially beginning to be created in Russia, counterfeits appear here.

The main difference between synthetic motor oil and mineral oil is the higher stability of its parameters at different temperatures and during long-term operation. This is what we talked about in our own article "How to distinguish synthetic oil from mineral oil."

- one of the key pledges of the normal operation of the machine. It is also true that if the choice of engine oil is approached condescendingly, this will adversely affect the functioning of its motor and can often even lead to its breakdown.

Knowing this, many drivers carefully choose the type of engine oil that is optimal for their car. However, there are many owners of vehicles, primarily those who do not have sufficient experience, for whom the subtleties of a competent choice are generally unknown or are known superficially. Therefore, experts provide competent recommendations for this important topic, talking about the main advantages and disadvantages, "pros" and "cons" of synthetic and semi-synthetic oils.

Advantages and disadvantages of synthetics

It is generally believed that synthetic oil is the most acceptable option for a car. There is no doubt, since he has many excellent qualities that provide. Although there are some small "buts" that should not be forgotten either. It is necessary to start with the fact that such oils were once specially created for their use in aviation and racing motors.

For this, a special version of synthetic synthesis was invented, which allows achieving a high level of homogeneity and functional stability of the oil. As a result, it remains, in comparison with mineral oils, more liquid at low temperatures, even in severe frosts, and also thicker in heat.

Such important features allow to minimize wear of the main engine parts, oil loss during friction, giving significant fuel savings. In addition, synthetic oils in the engine burn less, give almost no unwanted deposits, and last much longer. One of the undoubted advantages of such oil is that it is excellently suited for continuous operation of the machine in winter, providing an almost instant engine start, scanty wear of the piston group at the beginning of the engine operation.

Also, experts note the important advantage that such oils are best poured into a car operating in difficult off-road conditions, when driving in the mountains, over rough terrain, with a trailer, etc. It is also indispensable for those who use a turbocharged engine and are fond of a "sporty" driving format. According to many experts, its use allows you to increase the range of a car's mileage (with its proper operation) up to 30 thousand kilometers without changing the oil.

The advantages and disadvantages of semi-synthetics

Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of two types of car oils: synthetic and mineral. This combination made it possible to obtain an optimal, average version between full synthetics and natural oils. They took this step forcibly, as it turned out that synthetics, which have a set of many excellent qualities, including resistance to oxidative processes, outstanding protective detergent properties, are not suitable for all brands of cars. In turn, "mineral water" is in no way suitable for trips with high loads, at low temperatures.

Therefore, "semi-synthetics" made it possible to improve the characteristics of "mineral water", to strengthen its resistance to oxidation. The resulting product provides excellent motor protection against undesirable phenomena such as wear. What is important, semisynthetics do not lose their original qualities for a very long time, allowing them to be used for a very long time. Another unambiguous "plus" of this oil is that it can be successfully used for almost any car. Here is just one of many typical examples. If the engine used to have "mineral water", it is not recommended to fill in synthetics after it, as this can increase engine wear. But semisynthetics as the successor to "mineral water" will do without question. It also has the ability to resist low, high temperatures, which allows it to be widely used in frost, heat, and is more resistant than mineral water. It is also important that semi-synthetics are cheaper than synthetics, which also contributes to its widespread popularity and demand.

Differences between synthetics and semisynthetics

Many drivers are interested in how synthetic car oil differs from semi-synthetics . The experts have several answers. First of all, one must bear in mind what is the difference between semisynthetics and synthetics. So, the difference lies in the composition of these oils, which gives each of them their own specific characteristics and determines its own range of application.

Experts and experienced drivers share their secrets on how to distinguish synthetics from semi-synthetics. They do it visually without any problems, by the color of one and the other oil, although this method does not give one hundred percent guarantee on the accuracy of the diagnosis. A tested criterion is also their difference in fluidity.

The fact that synthetics have a greater fluidity, permeability, because it is thanks to them, it is able to ideally cover the nodes of a car engine, allows you to accurately determine synthetics. If you take grease and thin, thick, semisynthetics thicker by touch.

You can, of course, distinguish between these types of oils using the designation on the label , made by the manufacturer . One cannot discount such a practical factor as the cost of car oils. So, in synthetic it is higher.

Which oil is better

According to experts, which oil is better: synthetics or semi-synthetics for your car, will depend on:

1. Her brands. It is believed that each of them has its own, predetermined, optimal type of lubricant specified by the manufacturer. Most often, this point is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions or other accompanying documents.
2. The age of the car. Domestic and foreign auto experts recommend using synthetic oil for new cars, but for aged cars, worn out - semi-synthetics, which has a simpler and less saturated composition.

Therefore, when choosing an oil, you must carefully weigh all the points, consult with knowledgeable people, study the instructions and only then choose the one that is functionally suitable.

What happens if you mix synthetics with semi-synthetics

There is a lively debate among motorists when it comes to whether synthetics and semi-synthetics can be mixed. Opinions on this matter are polarly different. Some believe that such mixing is quite permissible and will not affect the operation of the engine in any way, therefore they recommend safely pouring a combined mixture of motor oils into the engine. Opposing or, opponents of such a transformation of two fundamentally different types of oils consider it absolutely unacceptable, give critical arguments and examples of what will happen if a mixture of synthetics and semi-synthetics is deliberately added to the engine.

As often happens in life, the truth in the dispute lies somewhere in the middle. If you ask an expert whether it is possible to mix synthetics with semisynthetics without negative consequences, he will give a positive answer, however, taking into account a number of those essential points, which have already been partially described above.

And yet, as a conclusion, it is necessary to warn against the obsessive desire to experiment with these two types of oils. Agree that if mixing them for any machine would be perfectly acceptable for any machine, it would have long been widely practiced both in our country and abroad. However, this is not yet the case, so there is no need to risk a car engine by pouring a mixture of oils into it at every opportunity. This is fraught with considerable troubles with the car, which will entail significant financial, time, and emotional costs.

The best prices and conditions for the purchase of new cars

How to distinguish natural fabric from synthetics? This problem occurs especially often when buying bed linen. People out of habit believe that if it is coarse calico, then it is necessarily pure cotton. But, be it coarse calico or poplin, this definition does not refer to the quality of the thread from which the cloth is woven, this is the name of the weaving technology. And weave, as you know, from any thread, even from wire.
Therefore, in order not to feel deceived, you need to know how to check which fiber the product is made of.

The first test is tactile sensation. Even if the fabric is natural, you don't have to like it. And this factor plays an important role when choosing. For example, for many, pure flax fiber seems coarse, just as they often talk about thick and high-quality coarse calico.

Satin seems thin to many, although it is completely opaque like calico, comfortable, it is pleasant to sleep on it. Therefore, relying only on tactile sensations, you can just buy soft, pleasant, velvety, but synthetic underwear.

There is a simple homemade way to test the naturalness of the thread - you need to set fire to it.

If you buy clothes, then, as a rule, you have a spare piece of fabric on which you can experiment.

It is more difficult with bed linen, a sample of fabric is not applied to it, so you have to be smart about how to check whether the fabric is really natural, as stated by the manufacturer.

So, if you have a piece of fabric or at least a thread, let's start doing research. For this we need a safe place, matches, the ability to ventilate the room.

How to distinguish natural from synthetic fabric

• Cotton fiber burns with a light flame, burns very quickly and does not leave a strong odor, to someone it slightly resembles the smell of burnt paper. There is very little ash left, and it is completely weightless.
• Flax also burns quickly, leaving very little bright gray ash, but leaves no smell.
• A pure woolen thread burns very slowly and reluctantly, as a result it shrinks into a ball, filling the space with an unpleasant smell resembling burnt hair or feathers.
• Artificial wool burns very quickly and beautifully - the flame is blue, and the smell will be, as if paper was set on fire.
• Viscose, obtained artificially from wood, i.e. cellulose is considered a natural fabric. Viscose burns very quickly, but smolders for a long time, actively smoking and giving off the smell of burnt cotton wool. The remaining gray ash crumbles well.

How to distinguish natural from artificial silk

Natural silk does not want to burn at all, no matter how hard you try. The thread will shrink into a black knot, and the flame will immediately go out. The smell vaguely resembles burnt keratinization (nails, claws, horns), if you've ever heard such a smell.

It is very easy to distinguish artificial silk from natural. It burns well and quickly, without crackling or odor.

When buying a silk item, you will not start a fire in the store, so just squeeze the fabric in your hand, after a while, open your fist and see if the fabric is wrinkled. Artificial silk will have noticeable creases, natural silk will wrinkle quite a bit.

A characteristic difference between all burnt natural samples is the ability to easily crumble combustion residues. Artificial thread does not give such an opportunity, in addition, when the artificial material burns, it emits a smell with an admixture of acidity.

Acetate silk can melt in acetone, which cannot be said about natural.

Recently, a lot of mixed fabrics have appeared, containing natural thread in combination with artificial one. The manufacturer is obliged to indicate the percentage of all types of threads - it can be acrylic, acetate fiber, lavsan and other artificial additives. If you set fire to such a fabric, then the flame will be like the thread, which is the most in the composition. The smell will also determine the composition, but the residues of combustion cannot be easily crumbled.

Blended fabrics used in the production of bedding are usually very pleasant to the touch, have a durable color, practically do not wrinkle and serve for a long time if used correctly.

Be able to distinguish natural from artificial fabric it is also necessary in order to properly care for the product.

Usually, it is not difficult to distinguish synthetic fabric from natural in a store. It is enough to read the composition of the material on the price tag, or ask the seller. In addition, natural fabrics are often much more expensive than synthetics. Nevertheless, there are many situations when the composition of the tissue is unknown. How to find out what the fabric is made of? Read under the cut.

Serious doubts about the composition of the fabric can arise if you buy a cut from your hands, or if you find at home large deposits of fabric of an already unknown origin. :) Sometimes I doubt the composition of the fabric, even in the store. For example, if the cotton seems too silky or stretchy. Or if he doesn't wrinkle at all.

But why so scrupulously find out the true composition of the material? First, to understand the fabric of your choice. And secondly, . I am among them. I'm hot in synthetics, but the worst thing is allergic reactions. Of course, there should be an integrated approach, and food, as well as cosmetics, should also be as natural as possible. But clothing can be a big factor in combating unpleasant skin reactions.

In my opinion, with experience, you can learn to identify many fabrics by touch. For example, natural wool has a very recognizable smell, but it is easy to recognize by touch. But, of course, you can always run into a very well-made synthetic fabric. How to determine the composition of the fabric? For this we need ... Matches or a lighter. Yes, yes, we will check the composition of the fabric in this old-fashioned way.

For my experiment, I selected:

Viscose lining.

An unnamed fabric, which I feel is synthetic.

Nameless chiffon looks like synthetics.

Let's start the experiment. The general rule for all natural fabrics is that ash should be ground into powder. Ashes from mixed fabrics cannot be ground into powder; lumps will still remain between the fingers.

How should wool behave?

The wool curls up into a ball and gives off the smell of burnt pile.

Result: I confess that it was the hardest thing for me with wool. Since almost all wool was added, this slightly changed the reaction of the fabric to ignition. And, as you can see, the ash was not ground into powder.

Cotton should burn like paper.

Result: the piece of cloth caught fire like paper, the ash was perfectly ground into powder. It was very easy to confirm the composition of the cotton.

The burning silk should "bounce" over the match and not emit any smell.

Hello. I very often heard questions of the following kind: is this calico made of natural cotton or is this cotton fabric natural? Of course, these questions do not arise out of nowhere, especially in our difficult time, where on every corner they offer a fake at the prices of a natural product. After such questions, there was a desire to write an article, thanks to which attackers will have much less chances to deceive you.

1.
2.
3.
4.

A little about cotton and cotton fabrics.

Cotton is an environmentally friendly product.

Cotton, and, as a result, natural cotton fabric is in itself a natural and environmentally friendly product. Such famous types of fabrics as coarse calico are made from cotton, and, at the same time, they may differ in price. It's all about the varying complexity of production. The cost can vary from 1,000 rubles to 10,000 thousand or more. Agree, I would not want to buy satin for 5-6 thousand rubles, which is made of synthetics and is not even worth a fifth of this money. That is why we read on and gain useful knowledge. By the way, I want to draw your attention to the fact that cotton and cotton fabric are one and the same.

9 ways to identify natural cotton products from synthetic counterfeits.

Now let's talk directly about how to distinguish synthetics from quality cotton. There are various methods, some are quite easy to use, we will analyze them first, some are more complicated.Regardless of the method, I advise you to first look at the product tag. According to all the rules and laws, the manufacturer is obliged to write the truth on the product label. However, if you have any doubts about the authenticity of the product, we proceed to check.

Easy ways to identify a fake "on the spot":

• 1st way: definition product weight ... Any cotton product is heavy enough. Everything here is hidden in cotton fibers, they are much heavier than synthetic ones. If you take a set of bedding, the same density, then linen made of natural cotton will be much heavier than synthetics. Pay close attention to this, the usual weight of a set of cotton bedding ranges from 1.9 - 2.5 kg, while a set of synthetics weighs 0.5 - 1 kg.
• 2nd way: electrification... Electrification is the property of a material to accumulate static charge. Simply put, if you rub a synthetic fabric, it will crackle and glows in the dark. Cotton fabric will never behave like that, from the point of view of electrification, it is neutral.
• 3rd way: definition by touch.Cotton fabrics are very soft to the touch and quickly take on body temperature, i.e. become warm. In turn, synthetic fabrics always stay cool.
• 4th way: shine... Cotton fabrics are naturally non-shiny. This property is inherent in synthetic fabrics. However, there is an exception in the form of satin; for this fabric, this advice will not be relevant. Due to its weaving and twisting of threads, there is still a slight sheen on it, however, other types of fabrics are coarse calico, poplin, etc. do not shine and you can safely use this method.
• 5th way: wrinkle.Crumple a piece of fabric, if it turns out to be cotton, it will crumple up enough, synthetic fabric practically does not wrinkle and very quickly recovers its shape.
• 6th way: cost... The cost indicator can provide an excellent hint when choosing a quality cotton product. If you see a set of cotton sateen bedding in a store for 600 - 800 rubles, you should know that this is a fake. High-quality satin bedding cannot cost so much. The right decision would be to compare the price in two or three different stores and form an average price for yourself for a certain type of fabric. After that, take into account the average cost indicator, and do not chase the "super" cheap price. Remember, the miser pays twice!

The beauty of the above methods is that they allow you to identify a fake at the purchase stage. Remember them and don't forget to apply.Now let's talk about more complex methods. By themselves, they are certainly not difficult, but at the stage of purchase they most likely will not work.

• 7th way: combustion... Cotton fabrics, when burned, give off the smell of burnt paper, and after burning they leave ash. Synthetic fabrics, in turn, do not burn, but smolder and leave their own specific smell.
• 8th way: pellets... Cotton fabric never forms unpleasant pellets during use, which cannot be said about synthetics. Look at your old cotton clothes and you will be convinced of it. By the way, you can try this method at the stage of purchase, even a new synthetic fabric forms a few spools if you stroke it a little and take a good look.
• 9th way: drying after washing... Bed linen made of natural cotton after washing dries much longer than any synthetics.

The last two methods are 100% in determining the naturalness of the product, but, most likely, no seller will allow you to use them at the purchase stage. And as a rule, you can use them after purchase.

Let's summarize.

On this I will finish my article. Be careful when choosing bedding or cotton fabrics. Use all the voiced methods, choose the best. If you have a lot of experience in defining natural cotton fabric, I and all readers will be glad to hear them. Leave your tips in the comments. Don't forget to repost.Best regards, Victoria Morozova.