Lubricating oils are like blood for engines, with different classes for different purposes. Synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are common, with further divisions for commercial and service use. Synthetic oils are reliable in extreme climates, while semi-synthetics are cheaper but less reliable. Different classes are designated for diesel and gasoline engines.
Lubricating oil is to engines what blood is to the human body. Just like the different blood types found in different bodies, there are different classes of lube, each with a distinct purpose. Synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are the most common classes of lubricating oils. Within each of these classes, the oils are divided into further classes for commercial classes and service classes.
Motor oil and crude oil are not the same thing. It would be impossible to run an engine or keep metal joints well lubricated using the thick black petroleum of the ground. Initially, motor oil and lubricating oils were made from a by-product of the petroleum refining process, but this proved too unreliable for most situations. For this reason, synthetic oils have been developed to mimic the lubricating properties of oil by eliminating its tendency to clog and spoil. With this invention, two distinct classes were born: synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil chemically alters the composition of petroleum, primarily to improve its texture. This class of lubricating oil can be relied upon to protect moving parts during extended periods of use. This class of oil is sought after in extreme climatic conditions because its chemical structure allows it to function reliably in cold or hot climates. One of the major users of purely synthetic oils is the aviation sector, because engine turbines require this class of oil.
A more common lubricating oil is the semi-synthetic class. Purely synthetic oils are usually quite expensive, but semi-synthetics are cheaper. This comes from its composition; it is made up of as much as 70% mineral oil and the rest is synthetic oil. This oil provides excellent lubrication to moving parts, but suffers from inferior performance and reliability. These oils are found in more household products, such as lawnmower or automobile engines.
These two primary classes are further divided according to their usage. Oils that have been given a Class C designation are considered a commercial lubricating oil. This refers to engine compression ignition, usually found in diesel engines, and is built to withstand the rigors of commercial use. Class S designated oils are reserved for the class of service lubrication associated with automobiles and trucks that run on gasoline engines. These classes are created by government boards in many nations, such as the American Petroleum Institute in the United States.
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