Fully Synthetic Oil vs Semi Synthetic Oil

Monday 3rd April 2023

Oil is a vital part of your vehicle’s heath – it manages engine heat, reduces friction and also protects it against damaging toxins.  

As part of your?regular car service, your vehicle’s oil will be changed. And, you may be wondering whether to use semi-synthetic oil instead of fully synthetic. Choosing the right oil is crucial for your vehicles’ health and performance. Find out the difference between semi synthetic or fully synthetic oil, and which oil is best for your car in our helpful guide. 

Fully synthetic vs semi synthetic oil?

What is fully synthetic oil?

Who wouldn’t want consistent superior performance for their vehicles? Well, fully synthetic engine oil is specifically manufactured to achieve just that.  

Fully synthetic oil is purely synthetic – made with no mineral oils. But why do you need fully synthetic motor oil for your car? The oils are designed to offer high levels of performance and durability for your vehicle. They are also now more recently a requirement for most modern vehicles. 

The key benefits of fully synthetic oil are:  

• Better overall performance: Fully synthetic oil is designed for the purpose of reducing friction and wear on your engine.  
• Improved fuel efficiency: Fully synthetic oil is thinner than semi-synthetic oil, which means it takes less energy to pump it through your engine. For more tips to improve fuel economy read our guide.  
• Lasts longer than semi-synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is more durable than semi-synthetic oil, meaning you can go longer between oil changes.  
• Less impurities: Synthetic oil contains fewer impurities and contaminants, which helps keep your engine clean.  

What is semi synthetic oil?

Semi-synthetic oil, on the other hand, is a blend of mineral oil and synthetic oil. It’s the cheaper alternative to fully synthetic oil. But it doesn’t offer the same level of protection and performance. 

 This is because semi-synthetic oil has a less consistent molecular structure than fully synthetic oil, which can lead to more friction and engine wear. However, if you drive an older vehicle, it may still require semi-synthetic oil, and it can still provide adequate protection and performance for most vehicles. 

The main benefits of semi-synthetic oil include:  

• Cost effective: Semi-synthetic oil is less expensive than fully synthetic oil, which makes it an affordable option that will outperform mineral oil.  
• Compatibility: Some older engines will require semi synthetic oil as fully synthetic oil will overload the engine.   

Can I use semi-synthetic instead of fully synthetic oil?

Ultimately, the choice between fully synthetic and semi-synthetic oil depends on the requirements of your vehicle. Unsure if your car needs fully or semi-synthetic oil? You should be able to access this information in your vehicle handbook. If you’re still not sure, talk to one of our trained experts who can advise you on which oil is right for your car. 

Upgrade your oil for a better performance

If you want to further increase the life of your engine, improve fuel consumption, and ensure your engine runs efficiently, consider adding on?oil upgrade?to your service when you?book online. An oil upgrade is a cost-effective way to improve your vehicle’s performance and give your engine the protection it needs.  

Whatever your requirements, trust Formula One Autocentres for all your engine and vehicle maintenance needs. With over 50 years of experience and 130 centres across the UK find your nearest autocentre today!