How does synthetic gasoline engine oil help reduce vehicle exhaust emissions?
Publish Time: 2025-09-09
Synthetic gasoline engine oil plays an increasingly important role in modern automotive environmental protection. Its superior performance is not only reflected in engine protection, but also plays a significant role in reducing vehicle exhaust emissions. With increasingly stringent global environmental regulations, such as the implementation of China VI and Euro VI emission standards, automakers and lubricant companies are seeking more effective emission reduction solutions. With its advanced formulation and excellent physical and chemical properties, synthetic gasoline engine oil has become a key contributor to achieving clean emissions.Firstly, synthetic gasoline engine oil exhibits excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance, maintaining its chemical structure under high-temperature and high-load engine conditions and reducing oil degradation. Conventional mineral oils are prone to oxidation reactions at high temperatures, producing acidic substances and sludge. These byproducts not only affect lubrication but also generate additional harmful emissions such as hydrocarbons and particulate matter during combustion. Synthetic oils, with their high base oil purity and low impurity content, significantly reduce the formation of these harmful substances, thereby helping to reduce pollutants in exhaust gas.Secondly, the low volatility of synthetic gasoline engine oil effectively reduces evaporation losses. During engine operation, some oil evaporates due to high temperatures and enters the combustion chamber, a process known as "oil consumption." High oil volatility and evaporation not only increase the frequency of oil replenishment but also cause unburned oil components to be expelled into the exhaust, increasing hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions. Synthetic oils utilize highly stable synthetic base stocks, such as polyalphaolefins (PAO) or esters, which have a Noyak volatility significantly lower than that of mineral oils. This effectively suppresses evaporation losses and reduces the additional pollution caused by oil combustion.Furthermore, synthetic gasoline engine oil exhibits excellent detergency and dispersancy. Modern synthetic motor oils contain highly effective detergents and dispersants, which effectively prevent the formation of carbon deposits, sludge, and varnish within the engine. These deposits not only affect engine efficiency but can also interfere with the proper functioning of the fuel injection system, valves, and piston rings, leading to incomplete combustion and, in turn, increased emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. By keeping the engine clean, synthetic oil helps maintain an ideal combustion environment, improving combustion efficiency and thus reducing the production of harmful gases.Furthermore, the low viscosity of synthetic gasoline engine oil also helps reduce emissions. As engine technology evolves towards smaller and more efficient engines, low-viscosity engine oils (such as 0W-20 and 5W-30) are becoming widely adopted. Synthetic oil, with its excellent shear stability and low-temperature fluidity, can maintain sufficient oil film strength at low viscosity, reducing internal engine friction. This "energy-efficient" engine oil reduces energy loss during engine operation, improving fuel economy and indirectly reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Furthermore, lower friction means smoother engine operation and more complete combustion, further improving emissions performance.Finally, synthetic gasoline engine oil is more compatible with modern engine exhaust after-treatment systems. After-treatment devices such as three-way catalytic converters and gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) have strict requirements for engine oil ash, sulfur, and phosphorus content. High-quality synthetic gasoline engine oil typically meets the latest specifications, such as ILSAC GF-6 and API SP. It utilizes a low-SAPS (low sulfur, low ash, and low phosphorus) formula to prevent harmful substances from depositing on the catalyst surface, extending the service life of the after-treatment system and ensuring continued, efficient exhaust purification.In summary, synthetic gasoline engine oil contributes to reducing vehicle exhaust emissions on multiple fronts through its thermal stability, low volatility, clean dispersibility, low viscosity, and excellent compatibility with after-treatment systems. It not only protects the engine but also provides crucial technical support for achieving green mobility and addressing environmental pollution challenges.
