Role and value of synthetic oils set to increase in transport sector

22nd November 2013

By: Anine Kilian

Contributing Editor Online

  

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Extensive research and development has seen the next generation of motor oils for both lightweight and heavy-duty vehicles move towards synthetics – complementing newer engine technologies, says petroleum industry company Shell South Africa commercial technical manager Raymond Abraham.

“This move has been driven to a large degree by product longevity and the difference between petroleum-based oils and synthetics in this regard,” he notes.

Abraham explains that petroleum-based oils are prone to higher rates of degradation, owing to heat and pressure inside the engine.

“This causes the chemical composition of the oil to change, mainly as result of oxida-tion, with the oil becoming contaminated with soot as a result. “It would then need to be replaced pre-maturely in some cases,” he points out, adding that, because synthetic motor oils have a higher tolerance to heat and ageing, its life span is longer.

“Research shows that petroleum-based oils generally need to be replaced between every 7 500 km and 15 000 km, depending on the amount used and type of used oil. “Synthetic lubricants have been shown to offer around double that service life,” he points out.

He notes that with synthetics offering enhanced engine protection capabilities and greater product longevity, usage can be expected to increase in the future, as motorists become more aware of its benefits.

“While many continue to debate the value of, and need for, synthetic lubricants, it must be noted that synthetic oil was originally developed for aircraft jet engines to ensure superior protection of engines under extreme temperatures,” he states.

He further notes that synthetics have additional benefits worth noting, especially regarding lubrication properties in colder weather.

“Petroleum-based motor oil thickens in cold temperatures, meaning both the starter and vehicle’s battery need to work harder to fire up a cold engine. “As low temperatures do not affect synthetic oil to the same extent, they ensure easier flow even in colder weather; as such, they protect the engine more effectively at start-up owing to their viscosity,” Abraham says.

He adds that, in the constantly changing fleet management arena, where logistics costs directly affect a company’s bottom line, using a lower viscosity synthetic product, such as Shell Rimula R6 LME, can contribute towards lowering fuel consumption by reducing the energy loss caused by friction.

“Engine tests also show a 56% rise in protection against engine wear using Rimula R6, which is vital in keeping long-haul vehicles performing at their peak between scheduled maintenance events,” he notes.

He adds that it is not just heavy-duty vehicles that can benefit from synthetic oil use.
“With consumers having to tighten their belts, owing to increasing fuel and main-tenance costs, improved fuel economy and engine protection can make a difference to a family budget.

“A lower viscosity oil like Shell Helix Ultra, for example, improves fuel economy by protecting engines for longer and being less susceptible to sludge build-up,” he explains.

Abraham adds that newer cars have service intervals that are spaced far wider apart and the excess stress placed on these engines during this extended period can have costly consequences if the oil in use has not been designed accordingly.

“Many vehicle manufacturers now recom-mend only using synthetic oil in their engines for this very reason,” he notes.

The main function of motor engine oils is to lubricate engine parts so that vehicles run smoothly and stay protected against wear and tear, therefore, lubricant choice is important from a performance perspective, Abraham points out.

“Before simply switching to synthetic oil, however, it is critical for car and fleet owners to ensure this is the best option for their individual vehicles. “Original-equipment manufacturer’s (OEM’s) recommendations should always be taken into account,” he points out.

He adds that the perception that one cannot go back to using mineral-based oils after trialling synthetics is also not true.

“Lubricant manufacturers will always recommend using one brand and type of engine oil to ensure that vehicle owners enjoy the full benefits of that specific product. “That being said, it is important to try new products on the market, especially as the latest additive technology is now being incorporated into these,” notes Abraham, adding that Shell oils are developed in collaboration with OEMs, such as Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari and German multinational automotive corporation Daimler Chrysler.

“Our products are designed to complement how the latest generation of engines work, as well as address challenges, such as reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption,” states Abraham.

With synthetic oil matching engine advances and developments, Abraham foresees greater switching to these products at both an individual and fleet level going forward.

“As consumers and logistics managers become more aware of the benefits of synthetic oil and see quantifiable savings, we can expect to see a greater local shift away from mineral lubricants. This will additionally be driven by the requirements of the engine technology used in new vehicles,” he concludes.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

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