Whether mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic, engine oil consists of a base oil and additives. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this essential lubricant, and the role of the main additives used.
Composition of mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oil
There are three kinds of engine oils: mineral oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil. Each of these engine oils has a different composition: the base is either refined crude petroleum, or polymers manufactured in the laboratory.
Mineral oil: composition of a natural oil
Mineral engine oil is made from crude petroleum. Once extracted and transported to a refinery, the crude petroleum undergoes several refining processes to remove as many impurities as possible. This oil mainly consists of hydrocarbons (oxygenated or non-oxygenated), but it may also contain traces of compounds such as sulphur or nitrogen. After processing, additives are added to the so-called mineral engine oil to improve its performance.
How do you make synthetic oil?
Synthetic oil can be created chemically in the laboratory, but it can also come from refined petroleum. Refining synthetic oil is a more complex process than for mineral oil: it involves modifying the structure of the hydrocarbon molecules. The processes of obtaining the oil ensures that only the best molecules are retained and many additives are also added. Given its composition, so-called synthetic engine oil is considered a high-end oil that is purer and delivers a higher performance than mineral oil.
What is semi-synthetic oil made of?
Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of synthetic oil and mineral oil. The proportions in the mixture are not equal: semi-synthetic oil contains at the most 30% synthetic oil. It is interesting to know that oil with as little as 1% synthetic oil is also called “semi-synthetic oil”.
What is the purpose of the additives used in engine oil?
To ensure the quality, performance and lifespan of engine oils, additives are added to both mineral oils and synthetic oils.
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Type of additive |
Role of additive |
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Oxidation inhibitor additives |
Over time, engine oil oxidises. It lubricates engine parts less effectively. That’s why engine oil must be changed regularly. However, the oxidation inhibitor additive slows this process, improving the engine oil’s lifespan. |
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Detergent additives |
The main property of a detergent additive is to remove the deposits and microparticles that form on engine surfaces when the vehicle is used. |
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Dispersant additives |
Dispersant additives keep all the deposits and impurities that form when the engine is running in suspension, thus avoiding deposit build up on engine parts. The deposits are then carried to the oil filter. |
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Antifoam additives |
The use of detergent additives can generate foam on the surface of the oil. This prevents the oil from lubricating engine parts properly. This additive is used to prevent this occurrence. |
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Anti-wear additives |
Also called friction modifier additives, anti-wear additives add a layer of solid oil that lubricates the engine as soon as the vehicle starts up, thus avoiding friction between parts. This additive is mostly used in mineral oils. |
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Corrosion inhibitor additives |
An engine is made of metal parts that are sensitive to rust. Corrosion inhibitor additives protect parts from rust. |
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Viscosity index modifiers |
These additives reduce the difference in viscosity between cold oil and hot oil. |
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Antifreeze additives |
These additives help adapt the various engine oils to their environment by modifying the oil’s hardening temperature. They increase the fluidity of cold oil. |
This list contains the main additives, but is not exhaustive. There are other types of additives as well.