API CK-4 Synthetic Diesel Engine Oils: Welcome To The New Age

Despite the very obvious benefits that are attached to synthetic oils such as improved performance and increase drain intervals, many customers are suspicious of these as they feel synthetics might not work as well as the “real” thing. 

So let’s put this misconception into perspective. Basically, the main difference between synthetic engine oils and conventional ones is that the conventional engine oils use a mineral base and synthetics, as the name suggests, use a synthetic base. What’s important to note, is that these are both hydrocarbon products and, much like conventional engine oils, synthetic oils use additive chemistry to improve some properties. 

To further strengthen the argument for synthetic oils, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) only recommend using lubricants that meet the performance specifications of the engine regardless of it’s base. That means, as long as the requirements are met, you can very well reap the added benefits of using synthetic oils. 

Over time, a large portion of the oils available in the market today have some sort of synthetic element to them as they allow for greater variance and offer superior properties. Among SAE 10W-30 oils, the use of synthetic blends meeting the OEMs requirements have become a common practice. 

For colder climates, a synthetic base helps an engine oil gain superior performance. The high viscosity index allows engine oil producers to make lubricants that won’t freeze and allow for better start-up at low temperatures. These added properties also play a large part in improving fuel economy. 

For higher operating temperatures, like the one we face in Middle Eastern and African regions, synthetic based engine oils offer improved oxidation stability. Synthetic Engine Oils also tend to have lower volatility and higher Viscosity Index which allows lower oil consumption and longer drain intervals. 

Therefore, despite the reservations that some customers have about synthetics, they are surely on the roadmap for new API category CK-4 oils and more and more users are expected to adopt these Synthetic API CK-4 oils considering their benefit of reducing the total cost of ownership.