Why is one synthetic oil so much more expensive than another?

There are three types of synthetic oils, Hydrocracked, Polyalphaolefin (PAO) and Ester oils. Hydrocracked oils are not really synthetic at all, they are highly refined and modified mineral oils that due to a court case can legally be sold as synthetic oils. All cheaper oils and the 'synthetic' component of semi-synthetic oils are hydrocracked mineral oils.

PAO synthetics are genuine, lab-made synthetic oils that are better lubricants than hydrocracked oils as they are built for their specific use, rather than the hydrocracked oils that are modified to perform a purpose.

Ester based oils are the top end of oil technology and give the best protection available. The ester content (usually ester oils are mixed with PAO oils) has several functions that are very useful. Esters are electrostatically charged so they stick to metal surfaces, meaning that when the vehicle is started, there is already a layer of oil present. They are also more stable at higher temperatures, making them ideal as performance lubricants. The ester content also helps to make those oils better lubricants in general.

Updated on: 07/01/2019