SynBlends lead the trend toward lower viscosity synthetic HDMO

In an earlier article, we explored the trend toward synthetic oils on the trucking industry, and the differences between synthetic and conventional oils. Synthetics are certainly gaining traction as manufacturers recommend lower viscosity oils to improve fuel economy. Instead of going to full synthetics, however, many operators are choosing synthetic blends or “synblends.”

Synblend is more of a marketing term than an actual technical designation. It simply denotes a product that uses a combination of synthetic and mineral base oils. Within that definition, producers in the U.S. have a lot of latitude regarding the proportions of synthetic to conventional base stock. Many use a “Group III” base oil stock, which is primarily a synthetic but has some similar properties to conventional oils. Regulations are stricter in countries such as Germany, where an oil must use a “Group IV” or purely synthetic base stock in order to be labeled synthetic. The types and levels of chemical additives that make up the final product are generally the same across conventional, synthetic or blend-based oils.

Synblends are most commonly used to transition to lower viscosity grades, such as 10W-30 or 5W-30, when there is a need for low temperature performance or a desire for greater fuel economy. Delo® 400 XLE SAE 10W-30 is an example of a synblend in the new API CK-4 category, which is compatible with older engines. In contrast, Delo® 400 ZFA SAE 10W-30 is a synblend formulated to API FA-4 specifications, specifically designed for engines that comply with 2017 greenhouse gas emission standards (GHG 17).