Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil VS Fully Synthetic: Difference & Details 2023

semi synthetic vs fully synthetic

The difference between semi-synthetic engine oil vs. fully synthetic oil is based on this different definition. Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of 25 % synthetic and 75% mineral oil; full synthetic oils are 100% synthetic oil and are not allowed to mix with others. In addition, the cost, ability, resistance, and performance of fully synthetic oil are better than semi-synthetic oil.

Fully synthetic oils are mainly produced artificially in laboratories. The procedure of fully synthetic oil depends on chemical substances. For this reason, they are more significant than others. Semi-synthetic oil is made from mineral oil and synthetic oil.

Mineral oil is converted from crude oil and has some limitations than fully synthetic oil. However, today’s discussion will compare mineral oil vs. semi-synthetic vs. fully synthetic oil and other related topics.

Difference between semi-synthetic vs fully synthetic

To lubricate the different parts of the engine, you need to know different oil types as it reduces friction and minimizes unnecessary loss of power. For example, the substance of oil will be various according to the oil’s nature, like semi-synthetic oil or fully synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oil consists of mineral oil and synthetic oil.

As two various substances have been included here, it’s normal to variation of oil more than fully synthetic oil. On the other side, fully synthetic oil is manufactured artificially in the laboratory with chemical substances.

So fully synthetic oil contains a higher manufacturing process than others. Moreover, there is a common oil use named mineral oil. This mineral oil is manufactured from crude oil without any synthetic process. It’s true for the best performance and long-lasting stability of the engine.

Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil VS Fully Synthetic

Which is best semi-synthetic oil vs. fully synthetic oil?

In a word, fully synthetic oil is more acceptable than semi-synthetic oil though fully synthetic oil is more expensive. The molecule size of fully synthetic oil is approximately the same. For this reason, it is possible to lubricate the engine parts to reduce the fraction and minimize the loss of power.

In addition, fully synthetic oil is based on quality or one type of oil and is not mixed with anything. On the other side, semi-synthetic oil has various sizes of molecules as it is based on two types of oil, mineral oil and synthetic oil. For this reason, it can’t contribute to friction and minimize unnecessary loss of power activity than fully synthetic oil.

But semi-synthetic oil is cheaper than fully synthetic oil. Mainly synthetic blend oil is one kind of mixture of conventional motor oils as well as synthetic base stocks. Synthetic blend oil gives more performance and protection than mineral oil.

Comparison among Mineral oil vs. semi-synthetic oil vs. fully synthetic oil

Mineral oil consists of crude oil without the need for synthetic processes. Semi-synthetic oil consists of mineral and synthetic oil as I discussed in the previous step of this article. On the other hand, fully synthetic oil consists of pure synthetic oil. Engine performance and cost of oil will be various according to their ability and manufacturing process quality. For this reason, fully synthetic oil is the best oil for engines.

Why is a fully synthetic oil used more than others?

It’s true; full synthetic oil is used more because of certain reasons. This oil has high efficiency that creates a choice than others. But the cost of oil changes the user’s mentality to choose.

On the other hand, the internal function of the engine chooses fully synthetic oil rather than semi-synthetic oil or mineral oil, as the substance of oils is totally fine. There is another reason, that is temperature and viscosity. In summer, the temperature is higher than in winter. We know that temperature can affect viscosity.

All oil has a viscosity as its nature. Semi-synthetic oil and mineral oil’s viscosity are changed according to changes in the temperature in summer-winter variation. The change in viscosity damages the performance of the engine. But only one full synthetic oil doesn’t change its viscosity according to variation of season.

For this reason, the performance of the engine is sustainable and long-lasting. That’s why full synthetic oil is used more than others. But you can use semi-synthetic oils which may suitable for aspirated and turbocharged petrol and diesel vehicles.

You Can Read:5W30 Semi Synthetic Vs 5W30 Synthetic

FAQs

Q. Can I use semi-synthetic oil instead of fully synthetic oil?

Yes, you can use semi-synthetic oil instead of fully synthetic oil. It is unlikely to cause any severe or immediate problems, but semi-synthetic oil doesn’t protect your engine perfectly if your manufacturer recommends fully synthetic. In addition, some symptoms have been found day by day, such as reduced engine performance.

Q. Is semi-synthetic oil good?

Semi-synthetic oil is better than mineral oil but not better than fully synthetic oil. In the sense of saving money, you can use it instead of fully synthetic oil. But in general, semi-synthetic oil is good.

Q. How do synthetic and semi-synthetic oil differ?

Fully synthetic oil is 100% synthetic oil and has only one type of substance, also having high efficiency. Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil. It’s noticeable that fully synthetic oil is costly, but semi-synthetic oil is cheaper than fully synthetic oil.

Q. Does semi-synthetic oil last longer?

Yes, semi-synthetic oil lasts approximately 5000 miles. The temperature change can affect the viscosity of semi-synthetic oil. It confuses its sustainability. It’s my suggestion to you, you should change the oil every 5000 miles, along with your engine oil filter.

Final thoughts

The difference between semi-synthetic engine oil vs. fully synthetic oil depends on mixing substances like synthetic oil and mineral oil. This variation also varies the price of the oil. You need to know about better oil for your engine. Hopefully, you can realize which oil will be sustainable for your engine. So use the best oil according to the knowledge that you have gained from this article.

Now Read Monograde Vs. Multigrade Oils

Emon

Emon is Lubricants specialist who studied on Petroleum Engineering in UAE. He have more than 10 years experience on different kinds of lubrication including automobile troubleshooting.

READ MORE