Long time member here. I've read so many threads on what kind of oil to use. Admittedly, I'm not a tribologist. To help me understand the more important characteristics of a specific oil, I'm asking for those interested to list the three, or more if necessary. most important attributes of an oil you look for that moves you to use it, and if so inclined, why. I'm assuming already that a full synthetic is a given. Appreciate the help.
Attributes of a motor oil you look for
- Thread starter Sierra048
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Oils which retain their positive attributes while in service are preferred.
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I'll throw a wrench into this by adding an attribute that is subjective and that some members will agree with and some will say isn't real:
Quiet engine operation/perception of smoothness. What leads to this? In my experience, boron content. I prefer an oil with boron content and I don't care what anybody here says. I have felt the difference in multiple vehicles.
Quiet engine operation/perception of smoothness. What leads to this? In my experience, boron content. I prefer an oil with boron content and I don't care what anybody here says. I have felt the difference in multiple vehicles.
Along with all the above, I like an oil with a slick-ery feel when lugging and then the ability to rev out without excess noise or loss of power. I also keep an eye on fuel mileage and an ear out for quiet running.
In the wife's subaru I appreciate an oil that also doesn't varnish around the cam sprocket - which is visible right under the oil fill cap.
As for synthetic, I finally had a dealer oil change after 5 oil changes by me (using various premium synthetic) and the bulk "conventional" they used is performing better overall than any premuim "synthetic" oil I installed which included, Valvoline Advanced, Castrol Edge, Castrol Magnetec and Quaker State FS. That was a wake up call. I still have to verify what oil they use.
-Arco
In the wife's subaru I appreciate an oil that also doesn't varnish around the cam sprocket - which is visible right under the oil fill cap.
As for synthetic, I finally had a dealer oil change after 5 oil changes by me (using various premium synthetic) and the bulk "conventional" they used is performing better overall than any premuim "synthetic" oil I installed which included, Valvoline Advanced, Castrol Edge, Castrol Magnetec and Quaker State FS. That was a wake up call. I still have to verify what oil they use.
-Arco
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2021
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In my V6 Accord over the past seven years I've run Pennzoil Platinum HM, Valvoline Advanced HM, Mobil 1 HM, Supertech Full Syn HM, Castrol Magnetec, Castrol Edge HM, and one single time out of many, many oil changes I have run a blend, a little over a year ago. That blend was Pennzoil High Mileage. During my OCI with that blend, it consumed less oil than any other oil I've run in this engine.
Next oil change in this car, I'm switching from Edge HM to GTX HM. I think for regular daily drivers, blends here don't get enough credit and are perfectly suitable for the majority of the population's needs.
How did you determine that it was "performing better"?
Attributes/Indication of quality IMO
Viscosity retention
Low Noak
High virgin oxidation
Low pour point
Viscosity retention
Low Noak
High virgin oxidation
Low pour point
- Meets manufacturer's API requirement eg. SN, SP etc.
- Mainstream or reputable boutique brand name
- Lowest price
Qualities I like are extended drain intervals, lack of shearing, and engine cleanliness. I do not subscribe at all to “feeling” a difference. What some might perceive as “smoother running” could very likely be lack of oil flow due to an overly thick oil. Subjective measurements are just that-subjective.
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Deposit control is #1 for me. A little more viscosity cushion for fuel dilution is #2. Retention of properties over the interval is #3.
Cost means nothing to me.
Normal wear isn’t the main enemy for an otherwise healthy engine. Seized rings are.
Cost means nothing to me.
Normal wear isn’t the main enemy for an otherwise healthy engine. Seized rings are.
If it’s expensive, it must be good. 
Okay couldn’t resist, but I do prefer HPL these days’.
Okay couldn’t resist, but I do prefer HPL these days’.
1. Transparency.
2. Quality Control.
3. Slug o' Moly.
2. Quality Control.
3. Slug o' Moly.
