The most significant drawback of synthetic oils, according to available information, is their higher cost.
While synthetic oils offer numerous performance benefits, their price point is a major consideration for many consumers and businesses. Based on referenced information:
Key Disadvantages of Synthetic Oils
Synthetics come with specific downsides compared to traditional lubricants:
- Cost: This is often cited as the primary disadvantage. The initial purchase price of synthetic oil is considerably higher than conventional oil. Specifically, the price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. This significant price difference can add up over time, especially for vehicles or machinery requiring frequent oil changes.
- Cold Storage Additive Precipitation: Another potential issue is that synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions. This means that certain performance-enhancing chemicals within the oil might separate or settle out when stored in very cold environments before use.
In summary, while synthetic oils excel in performance under various conditions, their substantially higher cost is the most prominent disadvantage, alongside potential issues with additive stability in cold storage.
