Synthetic VS Regular Motor Oil

[AkumaX]

Do you use synthetic? Do you use both? Do you switch back and forth between changes? Do you use one at higher mileage than another?

I'm at 90k and thinking of using Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W30 (cheap deal in HD), but does that mean I have to use synthetic from now on?

 

[amish]

i don't use synthetic because some have a waxy substance in them that can affect your engine.

edit: oh, there is an oil out by mobil1 that is rated to go over 5,000 miles and it may be a synthetic. i would use that.

 

[DingDingDao]

I've always used Mobil 1 on every car I've owned. IMHO, the best motor oil you can buy.

 

[nakedfrog]

Basically, it goes like this: everyone has their own opinion and their own research to back them up. Use whatever you like, as long as you change it often enough.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: AkumaX
Do you use synthetic? Do you use both? Do you switch back and forth between changes? Do you use one at higher mileage than another?

I'm at 90k and thinking of using Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W30 (cheap deal in HD), but does that mean I have to use synthetic from now on?

No... why would it? Maybe you are referring to the no longer true idea that you can't mix synthetic with regular oil. That hasn't been true for quite some time.

 

[Ilmater]

Don't use synthetic on a car with 90k miles on it. Other motor oils can leave a lot of gunk in your engine. If you switch to synthetic now, it will clean all that out. That sounds great, but actually that could cause your engine to leak. Only use synthetic on a reasonably new car and continue to use it. And I refuse to answer your second question. While you don't HAVE to stick to synthetic, you'd be ignorant to buy a car and use synthetic for a long time and then switch to an inferior oil.

Amish, stop being paranoid. Mobil 1 won't hurt your engine, and neither will any other major synthetic oil. All it will do is protect your engine better than any non-synthetic oil on the market. However, I wouldn't count on it lasting 5k miles. I've heard that it burns off a little easier than most oils and should be changed as usual every 3,000.

 

[AkumaX]

i see. it just seemed tempting since that deal in HD has everyone raving how you can get Mobil 1 Synthetic for $2.33/quart (when it's usually $4/quart).

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: amish
i don't use synthetic because some have a waxy substance in them that can affect your engine.

Care to elaborate.

To OP: www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

[BillGates]

oil threads get a little out of control sometimes....

 

[Trevelyan]

I've heard 5W synthetic oil is the best to use for new cars.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: AkumaX
Do you use synthetic? Do you use both? Do you switch back and forth between changes? Do you use one at higher mileage than another?

I'm at 90k and thinking of using Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W30 (cheap deal in HD), but does that mean I have to use synthetic from now on?

Waste of money. Just stick with whatever the manufacturer recommends for your car and change it every 3k miles.

 

[StageLeft]

I use both, so that I can have good protection (what little real-world benefit it offers), and so that I can change my oil every 7500 miles.

 

[Apex]

Depends on the vehicle. It's probably not worth it for most cars.

For turbocharged vehicles, it's probably worth the money. The blades run about 1250 degrees F, and the extra heat stability of synthetics will give you an increased measure of protection (especially if you run em hard and don't bother cooling them down before shutoff).

Edit: fatfingered the post.

 

[cavemanmoron]

i use Synthetic 10-30 oil in the winter,
I live near Albany NY USA,and leave my vehicles parked outside,that get used in the winter,
it gets cold here,sometimes to -20f {about -29c}.

The engine seems to turn over easier,and the oil pressure doesn't peg the guage,so I know the oil
is thin enough to be moving and protecting parts.

I change my oil every 6 months,or around 2500-3500 mile intervals,if they get enough mileage.
{my van i use for going back and forth to work usually, I changed the oil around Halloween,
it was changed in April,and only had 1900 miles on it.}

More opinions on oil than brands types of oil.

I recall a test for Mobil 1 they put it,and soem other non-synthetic oil in a Cold freezer,
like -30f if I recall correctly,and the non-synthetic oil was like Molasses,the Mobil 1 was pourable.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Originally posted by: AkumaX
i see. it just seemed tempting since that deal in HD has everyone raving how you can get Mobil 1 Synthetic for $2.33/quart (when it's usually $4/quart).

Hmm, I can't seem to find this deal in HD. Could you post a link? Thanks :heart:

 

[cavemanmoron]

http://www.mobil1.com/index.jsp

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn? helps provide significant advantages over conventional motor oils, such as:

Anti-Wear
Superior protection under heavy engine loads/stresses, such as hauling and towing.
Minimizing oil degradation.

All-Temperature
Faster lubrication at start-up in low temperatures.
Superior protection at high temperatures.
Superior resistance to thermal breakdown

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever

Originally posted by: AkumaX
i see. it just seemed tempting since that deal in HD has everyone raving how you can get Mobil 1 Synthetic for $2.33/quart (when it's usually $4/quart).

Hmm, I can't seem to find this deal in HD. Could you post a link? Thanks :heart:

yueah

 

[Linux23]

Normally used Syn oil after about 20K miles or so, and change every 5000-7500 miles. Dino oil changes about 3000 miles.

 

[GrassR00t]

I use Mobile 1 synthetic in my Talon TSI, I pick it up at Target for $2.50 a qt. best price in town for it.

 

[PCMarine]

I use regular 5W-30 oil in my Taurus (80K miles). I change the oil religiously at 3,000 miles, and the engine still runs great at 80,000 miles.

 

[alent1234]

consumer reports once did a six month test with NYC taxi cabs comparing different motor oils. They said synthetic is a waste of money for normal driving. It didn't make any difference in the taxis.

 

[Sundog]

AMSoil 0W-30 Changed every 12 months or 25K miles...whichever occurs first. Filter chanhed at 6 mo. intervals.

Last oil had 20,000 miles.....previous oil change had 18,000 miles

 

[alphatarget1]

I'll post the oil i sent in from my dad's 1996 Accord V6, switched at around 90k i believe, now at 111k.

The oil is Mobil 1 10w30, btw.

 

[Sundog]

Originally posted by: PCMarine
in my Taurus (80K miles).... and the engine still runs great at 80,000 miles.

Yep...that is exactly what I said with my old Taurus. New transmission at 120K, new engine (longblock) at 160K.

 

[Vette73]

How long do you plan on keeping the car? If for a LONG time and/or it is Turbo then Mobil1 will be worth it.
If you are not sure how long you will keep it, then look into Mobil's Drive Clean Plus 10W30 high milage semi-syn oil. Cost around $2.50 at Autozone and is a great all round oil for cheap.

If not keeping it long or worried and you change it every 3K then reg. Mobil 10w30 year round will be fine.

And of course DON'T use fram filters.

Marlin