Article on AOL: Oil Change Options

Nickdfresh · Sep 8, 2006

Oil Change Options Breaking down a slippery subject By DEBBIE MURPHY Traditional wisdom tells us that a synthetic creation is usually not quite as good as the original it strives to emulate. (The difference between clothing made of polyester versus silk comes to mind.) Does that same truism apply to synthetic oil, when compared to automotive oil derived from crude? Fundamentals To grasp this slippery subject, we first need to cover some fundamentals. Synthetic oils are a result of scientific manipulation of non-conventional fluids, but here the silk-or-polyester analogy stops. Synthetic oils are definitely not the equivalent of polyester leisure suits; in fact, they are generally priced three to four times that of conventional oil. And, more to the point, synthetics are an improvement over their conventional kin. Let's break down the details of synthetics, and what makes them better. One definition of "synthetic" is big molecules built up from small ones. Like genetic engineers, the oil companies figured they could improve the performance of engine oil and eliminate some of the shortcomings in the laboratory. In the simplest terms, the base stock of synthetics, polyalphaolefin (PAO) starts as ethylene gas, a simple two-carbon molecule that is built up to a 10-carbon molecule. Three of these super molecules are combined to form PAO, a base stock that offers a number of advantages over Mother Nature's version. Synthetics are more stable, flow at lower temperatures, are more resistant to boiling off, and less susceptible to oxidation, which causes thickening with prolonged high temperatures. Driving Cheap College and Auto Insurance 10 Top Cars Under $16K Window Stickers Demystified The inherent element with crude stock for motor oil is the molecular construction. Conventional motor oil is a batch of short-chain and long-chair carbon and hydrogen atoms. In extreme heat, the short chains can evaporate and these unstable molecules oxidize and break down. In addition, contaminants and reactive and/or unstable hydrocarbons can sneak through the refining process. What's It Worth? Are synthetics worth the extra cost? Universally, the answer is yes, whether for a high-revving turbo motor or an older engine that gets little use. Using another vivid comparison, French champagne is also worth the extra expense over sparkling wine, but it comes down to matters of your taste and bank account. Note, too, that most auto manufacturers do not specify synthetics, so unless you're one of the few who need synthetic oil, rest assured that you're doing no harm with good old-fashioned crude as long as you follow the owner's manual recommendations on viscosity and grade. On the other hand, synthetics are better on a number of levels. They keep the engine cleaner through improved sludge and varnish protection, reduce engine wear at high temperatures with more stable viscosity, protect the engine when it's running under severe conditions at high temperatures, provide better cold-temperature starts with faster oil flow at ignition and improve fuel efficiency. Myths As with any new technology, there are a number of myths and advertising claims that need to be explored. Back in the late 1990s, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus ruled that "synthetic" could be defined as the product of an intended chemical reaction. As a result of this battle of semantics, the NAD, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute ended up with broad interpretations of "synthetic." What that means to the layperson is this: if you want full synthetic or semi-synthetic or whatever, read the label to make sure you're getting what you want and what you think you're paying for. One urban myth surrounding synthetic oil is its compatibility with conventional oil. At one time, those who switched from conventional to synthetics had to stick with synthetics—there was no going back. Synthetics expanded the seals in the engine; then, when conventional motor oil was used, that engine sprang multiple leaks. Usage Now, while the companies don't recommend mixing or switching back and forth, one company's synthetics are fully compatible with others and compatible with conventional oils. The source of compatibility problems was high levels of ester in the earlier synthetics. Considering the consequences, it's best to verify this compatibility, either on the company's website or with your trusted mechanic. Next, oil changes. The PAO base stock does hold up longer than petroleum-based oils, but the additives in both wear out at the same rate. The oil companies have tested their synthetics for longevity, but they still recommend following the specific owner's manual for oil change intervals. As for special oil filters or special disposal techniques for those who change their own oil, that's easy. You can use the same filter and follow the same disposal procedures that you would with conventional oils. So, should you bite the bullet and fork over more money for synthetics? Sure, if you want to. If you are in a fully committed relationship with the car of your dreams, and have decided that car is worth the cost, spring for that Dom Perignon. Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2006 2006-08-22 16:49:12

EricZoom · Sep 8, 2006

Thanks for posting that. For some reason i couldn't access that on my AOL screen. I also agree with the article, and i use Mobil 1 in my 04 Mazda6 with great results.

avette · Sep 9, 2006

This article is probably the most simplistic take on the subject I've ever seen. But still a good read for those who can't tell between motor and olive oils.

Nickdfresh · Sep 9, 2006

Agreed. I thought I was going to get flamed for posting this. [Razz]

Bernard Feltzer · Sep 9, 2006

I think it is whorable that all woman think about is clothes, wine, and commitments. Woman should not be allowed to repair cars, or even drive them.

Pablo · Sep 9, 2006

whorable? WHAT does that mean?

Thermactor · Sep 9, 2006

quote:
Originally posted by Pablo: whorable? WHAT does that mean?

quote:
Originally posted by Bernard Feltzer: I think it is whorable that all woman think about is clothes, wine, and commitments. Woman should not be allowed to repair cars, or even drive them.

Women are whorable!

Quattro Pete · Sep 9, 2006

GROUCHO MARX · Sep 9, 2006

NOW is coming after someone here.

salesrep · Sep 9, 2006

Triple_Se7en · Sep 9, 2006

Another topic that dissects oils... but leaves out the best part. Doesn't anyone have the guts to rate oil brands these days... other than Amsoil?

Nickdfresh · Sep 9, 2006

quote:
Originally posted by Thermactor:
quote:
Originally posted by Pablo: whorable? WHAT does that mean?

quote:
Originally posted by Bernard Feltzer: I think it is whorable that all woman think about is clothes, wine, and commitments. Woman should not be allowed to repair cars, or even drive them.
Women are whorable!

I think women are just awhoreable. [Smile]

rpn453 · Sep 9, 2006

quote:
Originally posted by Nickdfresh: What's It Worth? Are synthetics worth the extra cost? Universally, the answer is yes, whether for a high-revving turbo motor or an older engine that gets little use . . . Note, too, that most auto manufacturers do not specify synthetics, so unless you're one of the few who need synthetic oil, rest assured that you're doing no harm with good old-fashioned crude as long as you follow the owner's manual recommendations on viscosity and grade.

I disagree with her statement that it is always worth the extra cost. Apparently she does too, since she states that using conventional oil will do no harm. If it will do no harm, how can spending extra improve that?

quote:
Originally posted by Nickdfresh: They keep the engine cleaner through improved sludge and varnish protection, reduce engine wear at high temperatures with more stable viscosity, protect the engine when it's running under severe conditions at high temperatures, provide better cold-temperature starts with faster oil flow at ignition and improve fuel efficiency.

I also believe that all these benefits she claims depend more on specific oil type, grade, and specifications than whether the oil is synthetic or not. For example, GC will lower fuel economy compared to an energy-conserving 5W-30 dino in most situations, and a 0W-30 synthetic will likely be much less stable at high temps than a CF-2 rated SAE40 conventional oil. It appears to me that Debbie has done some basic research and can reproduce what she's heard from somewhat credible sources, but I don't think she should be writing articles like this; she hasn't properly immersed herself in the oil sub-culture! [Big Grin]

TooSlick · Sep 9, 2006

Bernard, I can't speak for the bimbo's you seem to have hooked up with, but my wife happens to have a Phd in Mechanical Engineering. She's also a pretty decent shade tree mechanic. Maybe you just haven't found the right woman? LOL! TS

HardbodyLoyalist · Sep 9, 2006

quote:
Considering the consequences, it's best to verify this compatibility, either on the company's website or with your trusted mechanic.

I we've seen here on BITOG that your "trusted mechanic" is probably the LAST person you want to ask about oil.

Ray H · Sep 9, 2006

quote:
Originally posted by rpn453: It appears to me that Debbie has done some basic research and can reproduce what she's heard from somewhat credible sources, but I don't think she should be writing articles like this; she hasn't properly immersed herself in the oil sub-culture!

It appeared to me that Debbie Murphy had her research handed to her on a silver platter by ExxonMobil. (and she got to keep the silver platter...)

Bill in Utah · Sep 10, 2006

quote:
Originally posted by Ray H:
quote:
Originally posted by rpn453: It appears to me that Debbie has done some basic research and can reproduce what she's heard from somewhat credible sources, but I don't think she should be writing articles like this; she hasn't properly immersed herself in the oil sub-culture!
It appeared to me that Debbie Murphy had her research handed to her on a silver platter by ExxonMobil. (and she got to keep the silver platter...)