Are synthetic blends a good compromise?
Synthetic Oil is Superior to Mineral-Based Oil in Every Way:
Without getting too technical, suffice it to say that synthetics have a much higher resistance to heat than mineral-based oils. Because synthetic oil is composed of molecules that are uniform in weight and shape, its heat of vaporization is much higher (more than 600 deg. F.) compared to conventional oil, which begins evaporating at temps as low as 350 deg. F. This added stability at high temperature means that your hard-working engine wont burn up as much oil- and that means less sludge and fewer varnish deposits in the engine.
Added lubricity is another attribute of synthetics. The uniform diameter of synthetic oil polymers allows them to more easily slide over one another. The resultant reduction in friction shows up as more horsepower and torque and reduced internal engine wear.
Higher film/shear strength, however is one of the major benefits of synthetics. Film strength is what keeps oil molecules from being pushed away from each other under pressure. In an area where two metal surfaces meet, the film of oil between them prevents them from rubbing and wearing away at each other. Synthetics do a better job of this than conventional mineral oils. Synthetic oils does not shear as easily as petroleum oils and thus maintains a higher film strength and as a result does a better job at preventing wear, especially under extreme operating conditions. For more information on Amsoil products and how they out perform the rest please visit http://www.wolfesynthetics.com
Yes and no. With commercially available synthetic blends, you have no idea of what the synthetic to dino oil ratio is. One would assume it would be 50/50, but it could just as easily be 10/90. A better and more economical compromise would be to mix your own using a quality dino oil with a quality synthetic. This is an undertaking for more advanced users and should be performed only after careful research.
