For almost any heavy equipment, no matter what kind, oil is critical for the proper operation of the machine and to avoid catastrophic failure. In the automotive world, regular oil changes are considered to be the single most important maintenance task. In industrial machines, this holds as well in many cases.
You have a choice when it comes to what kind of oil you will use. Namely, you can choose between mineral or synthetic oil. So, what’s the difference, and which is best for you?
Comparing Synthetic Oil and Mineral Oil
No matter what kind of oil you use, it will protect key components from heat, friction, and abrasion from metal and other particulates.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is made from petroleum and other naturally occurring substances. However, because mineral oil is natural, it tends to burn and break down faster than other options, though it is often more cost-effective than other options on the market, like synthetic oil.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is entirely different. It is composed of artificially formulated materials that are stronger and longer lasting than conventional oils. Synthetic oil absorbs more heat, protects against abrasion better, and lasts longer than mineral oil.
Synthetic oil better protects against both heat and cold. It breaks down much more slowly, and in automobiles, it can even improve fuel economy. By reducing friction, it eliminates a degree of mechanical drag, improving the efficiency of your equipment. You will find there is significantly less sludge when you change synthetic oil, making your oil exchanges easier, cleaner, and more complete. Finally, you will need to replace it less frequently, a fact which many people believe offsets the higher cost.
Different Oil Types
There are many types of both synthetic and mineral oil, each with its costs and benefits.
Mineral Oils:
- Base Oils
- White Mineral
- Low Volatility Mineral
- High Viscosity White Mineral
- Process Oils
Synthetic Oils:
- Synthetic Blend: a mix of mineral and synthetic oil, superior to mineral oils and less expensive than full synthetic
- Full Synthetic: 100% manufactured, synthetic oils will outperform any mineral oil and can be obtained in a range of heat tolerances and viscidities.
When to Use Synthetic vs. Mineral Oil
Synthetic oil will be superior to mineral oils almost 100% of the time. However, you might choose a mineral oil when better performance and greater mechanical functionality are not at a premium. You might save money on higher-quality synthetic oil when a machine is near the end of its operational life, or when your budget is very tight.
But you should keep in mind that using higher-quality synthetic oils will reduce wear and tear over time and will need to be replaced less often. Arguably, synthetic oil may even be less expensive over the long term for these reasons.
Trust Inventory Express for Quality Oils and Lubricants
To learn more about these and other categories of machine lubricant, get in touch with the industrial lubricant experts at Inventory Express today. Our team is dedicated to helping you keep your equipment in great condition longer!
