Synthetic gear oils are used whenever mineral gear oils have reached their performance limit and can no longer meet the application requirements; for example, at very low or high temperatures, extremely high loads, extraordinary ambient conditions, or if they fail to meet special requirements such as flammability. Even though additives can improve many properties of mineral oils, it is not possible to exert an unlimited influence on all their properties. http://www.seltecuae.com/product/industrial-lubricants/gear-oil