Sometimes, regular motor oil just doesn't cut it. As temperatures drop or increase, the flow of your engine oil either slows down or thins out, leading to more wear and tear. To assist with your engine’s efficiency, it’s critical to understand the different types of oil.
Although conventional oil, made from refined petroleum, is common, newer vehicles that require EPA compliance often require the use of synthetic oil.
What is Conventional Oil?
Refined from crude oil, conventional oil is often used in older vehicles to lubricate components, helping to reduce engine heat. Favoured for their affordability and availability, conventional oil costs significantly less than synthetic oil. They’re also easier to find and work well with traditional or simple engines.
What is Synthetic Oil?
Made from a distilled crude oil base, synthetic oil is chemically enhanced to offer a more stable formulation, making it ideal for heavy equipment applications and extreme weather conditions. In low temperatures, they continue to flow smoothly, and their engine cleaning properties make for longer-lasting performance.
While synthetic oil may cost more upfront, a less viscous formulation helps promote fuel efficiency, requiring less power and fluids to combat friction. With greater stabilization, synthetic oil also oxidizes less and perform well in a wider range of temperatures, making it suitable for heavy duty operations.
Synthetic Versus Conventional Oil
Temperature Performance
Since synthetic oil has a higher viscosity and is more chemically stable, it works well, even in high heat or Canadian winter sub-zero temperatures. This property is especially important for winter and year-round performance, preventing any sludge buildup or hardening. In intense industrial operations, synthetic oil continues to flow easily, allowing consistent lubrication.
Engine Protection
Engine parts are prone to constant friction, and selecting the right motor oil is key to protecting moving components. Compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils are less susceptible to breakdown. Over extended distances, their protection lasts longer, keeping engine components in optimal condition.
However, it’s recommended to check your vehicle’s manual, as older models often call for conventional oils, and using synthetic oils in these cases may reduce performance or cause leakage.
Change Intervals
While conventional oil typically requires a change every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometres, synthetic oil is designed to go the distance. Thanks to its chemically stable base, synthetic oil can often last between up to 15,000 kilometres (or more, depending on manufacturer specifications). For Alberta fleet managers and heavy equipment operators, this translates to less downtime and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Why Choose Synthetic Oil for Alberta Winters
In regions like Alberta, temperatures can plummet to -40°C and having proper lubrication can make the difference between a smooth or locked engine start.
Faster Cold Starts
In the cold, conventional oil moves slower and can form sludge, forcing your battery and starter to work harder. In sub-zero temperatures, synthetic oil flows quicker. Overtime, this makes a difference in preventing long-term damage to your vehicle.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Conventional oils tend to thicken more easily, which means more friction from delayed engine startups. Synthetic lubricants, however, are formulated to flow consistently, making them ideal for smooth operation under heavy loads, intense environments, and extreme weather conditions.
Reduced Oxidation
Ongoing temperature fluctuations are common throughout the winter season. These frequent changes can speed up oil degradation and increase the amount of deposits. Oxidation is common with conventional oils, since they're less chemically stable. Using advanced anti-wear additives, synthetic lubricants continue to retain their properties, reducing wear and constant oil changes.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Equipment
While synthetic oil offers superior protection, the "best" oil is always the one that meets your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
- For Newer Vehicles/High-Performance Engines: Synthetic is almost always the standard.
- For High-Mileage/Older Engines: A high-mileage conventional or a synthetic blend may be used to prevent leaks in older seals.
- For Heavy-Duty Industrial Equipment: Synthetic lubricants are recommended to maintain uptime in Alberta’s unpredictable climate.
Local Expertise: 49 North Lubricants
At 49 North Lubricants, we understand the unique challenges of the Canadian climate. We don't just sell oil; we provide fluid solutions engineered to withstand the harshest environments on earth. Whether you are managing a construction fleet in Edmonton or a personal vehicle in Calgary, choosing the right lubricant is the most cost-effective insurance policy you can buy.
Maximize your engine’s lifespan this winter. Explore our range of engine oil products or contact one of our specialists today to find the perfect match for your equipment.