Why Synthetic Gear Oils Are Better Than Conventional Lubricants

Lubricants aren’t just oils for car engines. There are various types such as transformer oils, metalworking oils, gear and hydraulic oils. There are three lubricant base oils—mineral-based extracted from crude oil and synthetic-based oils that are artificially made. The third is semi-synthetic that provides many of the advantages of synthetic oils. This article informs on synthetic gear oils particularly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Synthetic Lubricants

Synthetic oils may offer improved properties, but this does not necessarily mean that they out-perform mineral oils in all aspects and sometimes result in some drawbacks. Depending on their base oil, synthetic lubricants don’t usually show their age, specifically at high temperatures. Due to their improved oxidation and thermal resistance, low tendency to form residues, and high viscosity index, they provide a longer service life. Like everything else, synthetic lubricants have their pros and cons, below are some;

Synthetic Gear Oils – Pros

  • Improved resistance to ambient media
  • Lower evaporation losses
  • Improved low-temperature properties
  • In some cases, there is improved lubricity

Synthetic Gear Oils – Cons

  • Higher costs
  • Reactions to the presence of water
  • Limited miscibility with mineral lubricants
  • Material compatibility problems

Application-related problems often prevail, particularly under critical operating conditions, which increases synthetic lubricants‘ use as gear lubricants.

When to Use Synthetic Gear Oils

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) is the base stock for most gear oils. PAO is an artificial version of the naturally occurring mineral. While many decide to switch, you must consider the cost factor while focusing on the optimum reference state (ORS); this is the best state for equipment under its environment and operating conditions. The equipment’s criticality should also be taken into account as this would cause a significant financial impact.

It is best to use synthetic gear oils when the operating conditions and environment of equipment are stressful, the financial impact is significant, and there are extended oil drains; this would justify the cost of using synthetic lubricants; otherwise, mineral lubricants can get you by.