4 Myths Associated with Synthetic Oil and Diesel Engines

We all know that diesel engines are categorized as ‘heavy-duty’ machines. Usually, these engines are installed in trucks, construction vehicles, and other 4×4 cars that are not used by the average Joe. Diesel engine cars have a cult-like following from all over the world. It is just a matter of taste for some drivers, as they believe that such vehicles foster a sense of authority and aggressiveness on the road.

Anyhow, we are here to shed some light on a couple of all-time famous myths associated with the use of synthetic oils on
a diesel engine.

Myth No. 1 – It Is Not Wise to Switch to Synthetic Oil:

To be honest, this myth is very common for both diesel and non-diesel vehicles. A majority of car owners think that whatever type of oil you have started using from day one, it is better to stick with it throughout the lifetime of the car. The logic is not wrong technically because it takes a long while for the engine oil to settle in.

If you switch from regular engine oil type to a synthetic version, it could mess up the engine’s performance. But then again, there are millions of proud vehicle owners who made the switch and couldn’t be happier. The key lies in making the switch the right way. The process is simple; you start with mixing synthetic engine oil and diesel engine oil for a month or two. Then you make the transition to synthetic engine oil after making sure that the engine’s performance is not affected.

The entire process should take a couple of months at least. During this time period, you have to be patient and take regular readings of your engine’s mileage. Also, be careful about the maintenance factor. Keep everything in top-notch shape and you are good to go.

Myth No. 2 – Synthetic Engine Oils are Not That Good for Diesel Engines:

This myth is associated with the preconceived notion that synthetic engine oils are “slippery”. In actuality, it should be called lubrication, but many auto experts and naïve car owners think that the “slipperiness” of the oil can cause the engine to overheat or something.

First of all, the first batch of synthetic engine oil was released several decades ago. Back then, the lubrication percentage was high, which caused the oil to leak through the engine gasket and other areas. Such incidents gave rise to the aforementioned myth. Ever since then, technology has advanced and many companies have worked hard to maintain the synthetic oil lubrication at optimal levels.

The latest batch of synthetic engine oil for diesel engines has the perfect blend and chemistry of lubrication & heat resistance. No matter how long you use the oil, it won’t lose its viscosity as compared to whatever regular diesel engine oil that you have been using before.

The modern breed of synthetic engine oil for diesel vehicles can prevent metal on metal contact, wear-related break-in mechanical failures, and many other incidents. You only need to select the right type of oil to get started. For more details, you can consult with your diesel engine’s instructions manual.

Myth No. 3 – Mixing Synthetic Engine Oil with Regular Diesel Engine Oil Boosts Performance:

While technically, it is true that you can use a small portion of synthetic engine oil with your already in use diesel engine oil to maximize performance, a lot can go wrong. For a small-time period, this “blend” will increase performance because the synthetic engine oil will act as an additive to supplement the end result of your diesel engine.

In reality, this effectiveness is only temporary. Once the blend settles in, it will cause issues for your diesel engine. We recommend going full synthetic, or just sticking with your regular diesel engine oil rather than “experimenting” between the two halves.

Myth No. 4 – Don’t Trust the Diesel Engine Dipstick!

Looks can be deceiving. A lot of diesel and non-diesel engines don’t impact the engine oil to an extent where it changes its color. This phenomenon gave way to the suspicion that it is okay to use the engine oil for as long as you want while disregarding the oil’s color.

The engine oil dipstick is there for a reason. Don’t ignore it. If the color of the oil has darkened, that means that the quality has depreciated and you need to change the oil sooner or later. Likewise, if the oil has lost its viscosity and looks more like a dark slick, that’s a strong indicator of the deteriorating oil state.

We have seen many motorists who like to go by the whim, instead of relying on the oil dipstick. Although, oil changes color for a variety of reasons, most of the reasons are associated with some kind of mechanical fault in your engine.

On the same note about oil color vs. dipstick indicator, there is another myth that is related to the long life of engine oil. Whether it is synthetic engine oil or regular engine oil, it has to be changed sooner or later. There are many naïve diesel and non-diesel engine owners who don’t bother to change the engine oil as if they are under the assumption that oil is immune to any deterioration or vice versa.

By not changing your engine oil, you are only causing additional damage to your engine. In the end, be careful when it comes to switching between one oil brand and another oil brand. No matter how good the oil quality is, if the API rating of the engine oil in question does not meet the diesel engine rating, your machine is headed for a mechanical failure.

Consult with a specialist before making the switch. It might require you to spend a few bucks to get professional services, but doing so will save you a ton of hassle for years to come. Good luck and drive safe out there.