Synthetic Oil

[spencer785]

Just wondering right now when i get my oil change done i get synthetic blend every 5000km just wondering is it a lot better to put in full synthetic and can i go longer than 5000km with it. And also will it give better performance or mpg or anything. thanks

 

[BrianDye]

Not sure about MPG changes or anything, but synthetic blend is nothing special, id go full synthetic ive heard people going like a year without changing it, but synthetic blend is a waste

 

[spencer785]

how do you tell when u need to change your oil because i get it changed at a oil change place.

 

[celly]

My oil is rated at one year or 35,000 miles. I change mine at one year.

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I spend less on oil changes these days because of it and am using arguably the best oil on the planet at the same time. Win: Win I say.

 

[spencer785]

is any other stuff need to be synthetic like when i get service done every like 30,000km or so that a flush and stuff like that.

 

[celly]

is any other stuff need to be synthetic like when i get service done every like 30,000km or so that a flush and stuff like that.

Just change oil and filter. Some recommend that you do a flush before you switch. I did that. Engine flush was about $5/can from Amsoil. Haven't done a thing since (3+ years now on my current ride).

These questions get asked all the time. Save yourself a lot of trouble and type "synthetic" into the search engine and you'll see all the past threads in the archives. These "synthetic vs conventional" threads are a bit tiresome.

 

[beaudarvil]

Syn Blend vs Full Syn

Synthetics blends are essentially just conventional oils with high grade additives that you find in Full Synthetic oils. While better at keeper an engine clean and prolonging it's ability to suspend contaminants, these additives do not substantially enhance the oils ability to lubricate and protect your engine from extremes in temperature, heavy duty operation or prolong the service intervals.

A high quality Full Synthetic oil such as Mobil 1, changed regularly at intervals of 3500-5000 miles (or even as much as 7500 miles) is the best way to protect and prolong the life of your engine. Use a high quality oil filter as well. Motorcraft is fine but the best on the market currently for filtration is the Purolator Pure One filter that's readily available at most auto parts stores for a reasonable price. Advanced Auto, for instance, around here.

Another advantage to full synthetics is engine operating temperature. Your engine will run marginally cooler with full synthetics so mpg's may increase a bit. I wouldn't count on much measurable improvement however. Your engine's temperature is controlled by a computer and various sensors for the most part in any case. The best 'real world' solution for better mileage is to change your driving habits. Slow down, accelerate slowly and steadily and use cruise control whenever practical.

Hope this helps.

 

[spencer785]

thanks for all the info just wondering is there any other synthetic fluids i should be putting in my truck other than oil. And also does the oil filter really matter because i get my oil changed at penzoil or castrol quick oil change.

 

[beaudarvil]

Other Syn's

Nearly all conventional fluids and lubricants can be converted to synthetics these days. In fact, odds are that your truck has synthetic gear lube in the transaxle from the factory.

The oil filter matters a great deal since it captures and contains the particulates carried away by the cleaning action of the oil. The cleaner your engine oil, the more effectively it can protect your engine. The cleaner the engine, the more effectively it operates and longer it lasts. A high quality oil filter will also be less likely to leak or fail if the bypass mechanism inside it is needed. Cheaper filters can also be more restictive and add to damage done to your engine on a cold start-up. When I look at a cheap oil filter for $3 or a high quality filter for $7, I can't help but think that the $4 difference is cheap insurance to product an automobile I have thousands invested in.

You can purchase the better filter yourself and take it to the oil change shop as well. They'll gladly install it I bet.

You can read specifics about many oil filters here;
http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html

 

[eXcali]

thanks for all the info just wondering is there any other synthetic fluids i should be putting in my truck other than oil. And also does the oil filter really matter because i get my oil changed at penzoil or castrol quick oil change.

Go full synthetics whenever it is available. As for getting your oil changed at a quick change place you won't get them to add the synthetic oil thats rated for the 1year changes. Mobil1 has a 15,000 mile synthetic which you can buy at Walmart for $26 for 5 quart jug. I'm sure if you ask a friend or family they will kindly change your oil for $10 or free. In the end you will be out maybe $50-60, but your good for atleast 1 year. After that just change your oil filter or get this friend to do it every 3-5k miles, and top off your oil. Oil change takes about 30 mins with a cool engine, filter maybe 5 mins tops.

Quick change places are going to charge you $50-60 just for one service with the 3k sythetic oil.

 

[eXcali]

...
You can purchase the better filter yourself and take it to the oil change shop as well. They'll gladly install it I bet.

You would think they would, but most will not. The only work around I have found is if you can't avoid having someone else do it, *sigh* Walmart *sigh* will use anything they sell on their shelves. So you can buy the high quality one and have them install it.

Most shops will refuse to use it because they say they can be held liable for damages. Which I find funny because if your oil plug falls out leaving their lot you have to fight like heck to get them to own up to it.

 

[Sonny]

I guess I'm old school. I use full syn and change my oil at 4000 miles. Before you all tell me what a waste... the combustion engine is still the same as years ago, metal against metal, and to me I do not buy the idea that you can go a year between oil changes. I would not go a year if I only drove 4000 miles a year.

I change mine at 4k and the oil is black, that tells me the oil is dirty. A cheap investment for me. JMHO