Synthetic Oil?

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:19 pm

Any one here use Synthetic oil in their cars/trucks?

I've been thinking about trying Mobil 1 synthetic, as it claims that I can go up to 7500 miles without an oil change at 3000 miles. I'm hoping to improve my gas mileage by going synthetic.

Here are some articles that I found on the subject:
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english ... 201so.html
http://www.synlube.com/oil.htm

The Synlube link claims changes as high as 150,000 miles! I know when I tried using Amsoil about 10 years ago, it just did not seem right when the oil was black in color. That was at 7000 miles, but it was suppose to go up to 20,000 before it needed to be changed. It also required a special oil filter. According to the instructions that came with Amsoil, at 7500 miles, the oil filter gets changed and a fresh quart added.

Qui Gon-Jinn · Post by **Qui Gon-Jinn** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:51 pm

Depends on what you run it in..

Buddy has 03 Ford Lightning.. and runs synthetic.. and gets good results..

I have my 2000 Dakota.. 104k miles. and I run the High Milage oil.. costs me $8 more per oil change.. and I try to change it every 3k.. or like last time.. uhh 8k miles..

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:29 am

I run mobile one in all my vehicles. I tend to push my oil changes a little too far for conventional oil. I noticed a small improvement in fuel milage in my civic but not in my avalanche. It is nice not to have to change my oil till 5000mi, and when I do, it still looks clean. I have worked on a couple older cars (rings and valve guides wore) and put synthetic oil in them to reduce exhaust smoke. Worked pretty good too, one guy had an elcamino that would kill every mesquito withing a mile and it stopped smoking considerably after some synthetic oil was put in the ole crankcase.

nexus_7 · Post by **nexus_7** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:28 am

Synthetic is great! I use castrol but mobil 1 is good also

Greg

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:55 am

I've used Amsoil series 2000 severe duty 0w30 in my Volvo since I replaced its original engine 6 yrs/75K miles ago but I still change it every 5K miles. Oil turns black from heat btw, normal. The engine burns no oil between oil changes.
As for gas mileage, you won't get any better mileage at all (total BS IMO) so that in itself shouldn't be why you switch or you'll be disappointed.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:08 am

Originally posted by EvilHorace
I've used Amsoil series 2000 severe duty 0w30 in my Volvo since I replaced its original engine 6 yrs/75K miles ago but I still change it every 5K miles. Oil turns black from heat btw, normal. The engine burns no oil between oil changes.
As for gas mileage, you won't get any better mileage at all (total BS IMO) so that in itself shouldn't be why you switch or you'll be disappointed.

I was hoping you would chime in John - a car expert. I have a 2001 F-150 Super Crew and my mileage is only 15-16m/g. I've installed a K&N air filter, and noticed a slight improvement, but that was 3 years ago. I even have a camper shell and have not noticed any difference.

The guy that I carpool with has also noticed less mileage with his Chevy truck also, getting about the same as me 16m/g. We think it might have to do with the special formulated gas they sell here in Southern California, or it's a consperisy by the oil companies to make you use more gas.

I know when I got my truck used in 2002, I was getting 19m/g.

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:42 pm

I like synthetics for a variety of reasons but mileage isn't one of them as I don't believe that idea. If you think about it, there'd have to be something seriously wrong with an oil that'd cause enough added friction to increase gas mileage compared to the sliperiest of synthetic oils.
My turbo Volvo gets pretty bad mileage for a 4 cyl BUT it's modified, has a HP cam in it, double boost, my foot's in it often and my average speed on the freeway is 85mph. It has to burn premium too.
Another thing that decreases mileage here is the reformulated gas that we're forced to use in this area and perhaps you have that too? If I'm traveling up north where they don't use that stuff, my car gets better mileage.

nexus_7 · Post by **nexus_7** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:37 pm

yea, that winter gas sucks ASS!

Weight, the largest gas milage thing you cna change. Remove stuff from the car.

Plan on doing stuff to the car? CHange your rims and tires to lighter ones.

I know my car proforms better with better oil, havent noticed a gas milage change though...which i would like as both of mine average about 20mpg W/ the required premium.

Greg

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:41 pm

I always use synthetic, mainly because it flows better at lower temperatures and doesn't break down as easily at higher ones. I'll spend the extra money to protect my engine, especially considering my driving style

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 11:11 pm

Is it OK to go back and forth between regular oil and synthetic? For example, what if I use Mobil 1 during the hot summer months, then switch back to regular oil in the fall and winter months?

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:10 pm

Considering you're in Cali.... well it does get somewhat cold.... I dunno I might consider running the syn in the winter for added cold startup protection.
I think regular oils should be good enough to handle the summer season without breaking down much, and I especially wouldn't worry about it if you don't drive hard.

But yes, you can switch back and forth no problem.

Brianm77 · Post by **Brianm77** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:07 pm

Originally posted by Executioner
Is it OK to go back and forth between regular oil and synthetic? For example, what if I use Mobil 1 during the hot summer months, then switch back to regular oil in the fall and winter months?

I have always herd (in college an from a couple of people that know about oil) that you don't mix the two if you want to go back and forth go with a blend insted of full synth. you will still get most of the benifits a blend is suposed to be compatible with both. I use mobil 1 with the gold top. they claim 15,000 miles on bottle. I change at 10k and it is still nice golden brown till 9,000 or 9,500. when i bought the truck and wanted to switch to synth. oil I did one oil change with a blend first to flush out all the petro.

BTW you are wandering about the benifits of full synth. I used to work at the chevrolet house. When you buy a new corvett the warranty is void if full synth is not used (or at least from what I understand, I have never been able to afford a new corvette) When you take of a valve cover they still have the shinniest aluminum color like it just rolled off the assembly line, even after 60k or 70k unlike with penzoil!<-crap