You live in Saskatoon where the current temperature is -41o C. What happens when you suddenly have to go to the hospital and your car's engine oil is as thick as jelly, making it hard for the car to start properly? What will be your first priority when changing your petroleum-based motor oil to synthetic oil or deciding not to go to the hospital even if you absolutely need to? Let's see below why I mentioned synthetic oil as one of your choices. Synthetic Oil: Introduction and Purpose Many years ago, engineers realized that petroleum-based oils break down and lose their lubricating capabilities under high temperatures. Over time, petroleum-based oils also begin to oxidize and create sludge, leaving harmful residue inside engines. This problem led Dr. Hermann Zorn (German) to develop a synthetic oil for high temperature use in jet aircraft engines. To overcome the degradation problem of petroleum-based oils, synthetic oil is formulated in a laboratory and does not contain natural chemicals that break down at high temperatures. Additionally, synthetic oil is made without most of the chemical compositions that contribute to oil oxidation and sludge buildup. Synthetic oil tolerates temperatures at which petroleum-based oils would burn. Synthetic oil is not distilled from crude oil. It is made using a chemical process known as the Fischer-Tropsch process. It undergoes numerous chemical reactions using methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as raw materials. Synthetic oil not only performs better in heat, but also provides various benefits in extremely cold weather. Petroleum-based motor oil thickens at low temperatures, making the starter and battery work harder...... middle of paper ...... are known as inorganic chemists while the people who deal with the use of synthetic oil are known as physical chemists, and sometimes aerospace researchers/engineers. The Future of Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil is primarily used in transportation engines such as aircraft jet engines, car engines, and military vehicles. As consumer, government and industry concerns shift toward increased efficiency and reduced emissions, particularly in the United States, Europe and Japan, synthetic oil strives to meet all requests. The reasons for its use in transportation engines are mentioned above. Work cited: “Synthetic motor oils”. Car reviews. January 9, 2014 “Synthetic oil”. Wikipedia. September 1, 2014. Wikimedia Foundation. January 9. 2014 .