Understanding the nuances between synthetic and conventional formulations, including their benefits and potential challenges, is essential for choosing the right lubricant to optimize your fleet operations. Learning about the advantages of synthetic engine oils and greases will help you make the best-informed decisions for your equipment needs.
Synthetic vs. conventional products: Heavy-duty engine oils & greases
When considering synthetics, it is important to understand what differentiates these products from their conventional counterparts. In the engine oil department, conventional oils are typically derived from crude or base oils through refined processes. Synthetic oils are engineered from chemically synthesized base oils and undergo specific manufacturing processes to achieve the desired performance characteristics.
Conventional and synthetic oils alike must adhere to specific API and OEM certifications. In 1993, the American Petroleum Institute developed publication number 1509 to provide standardized guidelines for the classification of base oils used in lubricants. This publication also aimed to ensure the quality, reliability, and safety of lubricants, and provide transparency around categorizing base oils. Under API 1509, conventional oils are classified as Group I (solvent-refined) and Group II (hydro-processed) base oils, while synthetic oils classify under Group III (severely hydro-processed), Group IV (polyalphaolefins) and Group V (synthetic esters and polyalkylene glycols) for their unique manufacturing processes and chemical compositions, influencing their performance characteristics.
While engine oils make up a great portion of the lubricants market, greases are also an integral component of the industry. Grease is composed of a thickener matrix that suspends lubricating oil, and helps it adhere to metal surfaces. Grease provides a protective layer between metal surfaces, long-lasting protection in high friction areas, and prevents wear especially in harsh environments. Heavy-duty grease is designed for applications where conventional lubricants like oil may not stay in place or provide sufficient protection. It is commonly used in heavily loaded or high-friction areas such as bearings, gears, and other moving parts.
When speaking of synthetic in greases, “synthetic” pertains to the base oil component being either fully synthetic or a blend of synthetic and conventional oils. Synthetic greases incorporate synthetic base oils and are engineered to enhance performance across various applications.
The benefits of synthetics
Synthetic products offer an array of operational advantages that are impossible to ignore. Synthetics offer:
- Enhanced stability at extreme temperatures: synthetic oils provide superior thermal stability in extreme temperatures, particularly during cold weather start-ups, ensuring quick flow and lubrication.
- Extended maintenance intervals: Synthetic HDEOs provide longer intervals between oil changes backed by oil analysis for cost savings and operational efficiency. Synthetic greases can also increase regreasing intervals.
- Superior oxidation resistance: Synthetics exhibit superior oxidation resistance, maintaining oil integrity and performance over extended periods compared to conventional counterparts.
- Engine cleanliness and fuel efficiency: Synthetic HDEOs promote engine cleanliness, improve fuel efficiency, and boast a lower coefficient of friction. They are engineered to meet or exceed stringent industry and OEM standards.
Choosing the right synthetic products for your fleet
While synthetics offer a compelling list of benefits, fleet operators must research diligently when choosing the right product for their fleet operation. When selecting a synthetic engine oil, it is important to consider:
- Engine compatibility: ensure compatibility with API and OEM requirements specific to your fleet’s engine types.
- Customer testimonials: Consider peer feedback on performance and reliability.
- Seek expert advice: Consult specialists for tailored recommendations on optimizing performance and cost-effectiveness.
When selecting a synthetic grease for your vehicles, it is important to prioritize the following factors:
- Temperature resilience
- Regreasing intervals
- Compatibility with seals to prevent equipment damage
Challenges and considerations of synthetics
The primary challenge in adopting synthetic products is the cost differential compared to conventional products. While synthetics offer extended relubrication intervals and superior performance, their higher upfront cost may pose a barrier for some operators. In this case, consider synthetic blends as they offer a more cost-effective alternative to full synthetics. Synthetic blends deliver many of the benefits of synthetics at a fraction of the cost. It is important to consider the total cost of ownership when determining the oils and greases that are right for your fleet.
CITGARD and Mystik offer premium synthetic lubricants
CITGO Lubricants offers a wide range of synthetic oils tailored to diverse commercial vehicle applications. For instance, their CITGO CITGARD 1000 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Engine Oils cater to specific viscosity requirements, optimizing efficiency for over-the-road and on/off-road operations. CITGO Lubricants extends comprehensive support programs, such as the LubeAlert, the state-of-the-art fluid condition monitoring service used for predictive and preventative equipment maintenance. Moreover, CITGO Lubricants emphasizes adherence to environmental regulations, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
By combining synthetic and conventional oils, CITGO synthetic blends provide enhanced mobility, stability, and performance, catering to your fleet’s diverse needs. CITGO Lubricants continues to refine grease formulations to meet evolving industry needs. Products like Mystik JT-6 Heavy Duty SynBlend 460 #2 Grease represent the latest in grease technology using an optimized blend of mineral and synthetic base oils, offering excellent wear protection when operating with higher loads, resulting in longer equipment component life, and exhibiting superior performance properties over a wide operating temperature range (-5° to 350°F).
In the synthetic blend category, CITGO CITGARD 700 Synthetic Blend Engine Oils deliver the performance needed for newer engine designs while improving performance in older engines. These premium oils are engineered with a proprietary additive technology that protects engines running at higher operating temperatures and fuel injection pressures while meeting tighter wear limits and lower emission requirements. Their SAE 10W-30 viscosity grade helps attain the new fuel efficiency standards by improving fuel economy (up to 3% fuel economy advantage over conventional SAE 15W-40 oils), increasing cold start-up lubrication, and providing superior engine durability.
In conclusion, synthetic products offer undeniable benefits for fleet operations, from enhanced stability and extended maintenance intervals to superior performance in extreme conditions. By understanding these advantages and considering specific operational needs, you can make informed decisions to optimize efficiency, reduce downtime, maximize equipment longevity and ultimately drive long-term cost savings.
