Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/112433
MAINTENANCE MATTERS designed to provide a certain characteristic to the ���nished product. Some confusion begins when we bring the term ���Synthetic��� into the discussion. For many people, the term synthetic implies something arti���cially made, usually from petro-chemicals. So how does oil get to be synthetic when (nearly) all motor oil is made from petro-chemicals? The answer is re���nement. Everybody has heard the term ���crude oil,��� and if they���ve ever seen any of it, that would be the last thing that they���d want in their truck���s engine. The base stock in regular motor oil is re���ned from crude oil, as is the base stock in synthetic motor oil, but the difference is that synthetic oil is much further re���ned. It may be helpful to make a comparison with water. While ���re���ning��� the water by running it through a sediment ���lter might be good enough to use to wash your truck, you���d probably better have that same water ���more thoroughly re���ned��� by distillation or chemical treatment before you drink it. Mobil 1 was the earliest synthetic motor oil to hit the mass market here in North America back in 1974. The product was an outgrowth of research to develop lubricants for extreme temperature requirements such as those found in military aircraft or Arctic construction equipment. The fuel price spike during the early seventies inspired considerable research into fuel economy improvements. Because the synthetic motor oil was able to maintain its ability to protect engine surfaces at lower (thinner) viscosity grades, it was able to improve fuel economy by reducing drag, without the negative effects of added wear. Although we���ve all seen the viscosity ratings on motor oil packaging, many don���t fully understand what these ratings mean. Though FAST - Bound in 20 Minutes RELIABLE - A+ Rated Carrier CONVENIENT - Credit Cards Accepted *Physical Damage *Non-Trucking Liability (Bob Tail) *Occupational/Accident *Temporary Coverage 10 & 30 days available! INSURANCE GROUP Trucking Division / OWNER OPERATOR/ MARCH 2013 / / 62 OO 0313_text.indd 62 2/6/13 4:29 PM