Mineral vs Synthetic Oils: What’s the difference?
When it comes to lubricating your machinery, not all oils are created equal, especially when deciding between mineral and synthetic oils. Each type offers unique benefits depending on the engine type, workload, climate, and service conditions.
At the Green Goanna, we supply both mineral and synthetic lubricants from top brands like Shell, Fuchs, Castrol, and ENI.
What’s the Difference?
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is derived directly from refined crude oil. It's the traditional base oil used in many older engines and standard applications. Mineral oil is a cost-effective solution that performs adequately for engines with moderate demands. It's also widely available, making it a practical choice for many operators. However, it does come with some drawbacks, including a shorter service life, less stability in extreme temperatures, and the need for more frequent oil changes compared to synthetic alternatives.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide enhanced performance. These oils are refined further or fully man-made for consistency and stability. Synthetic oil offers excellent performance in both high and low temperatures, making it ideal for demanding environments. It provides extended drain intervals, superior engine protection under heavy loads, and promotes cleaner engine operation, which can reduce maintenance needs over time. However, it is more expensive per litre than mineral oil and may not be suitable for some older engines that weren't designed for synthetic formulations.
Synthetic oils are ideal for modern diesel engines, high-performance machinery, long-haul fleets, and harsh working environments.
Synthetic vs. Mineral
| Feature | Mineral | Synthetic Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Temperature Stability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Oil Change Interval | Shorter | Longer |
| Engine Protection | Basic | Advanced |
| Best for | Older engines, basic use | Modern engines, heavy-duty or extreme use |
The Hybrid Option: Semi-Synthetic Oil
A semi-synthetic (synthetic blend) offers a middle ground, with better performance than mineral oils with a more affordable price than full synthetics.
Choosing between mineral and synthetic oil comes down to your equipment type, operating conditions, maintenance strategy, and budget.