Conventional vs Synthetic

[valvoman]

I am a long time user of conventional oil. To date, I have never tried synthetic oil. What added benefits can I receive by switching to a synthetic? I know it lasts longer but does it really help the engine much more than conventional oil, assuming I change the conventional oil around 2500 miles?

I currently use Valvoline Max-life in both of my vehicles. However, only one of which has over 75,000 miles. I run 5W-30 year round.

Thanks,
Valvo

 

[Ugly3]

The primary synthetic advantages are improved cold weather performance (flow) and extended drain intervals. After that synthetics are about the same as conventional oils.

 

[TC]

Excepting truly frigid climates, I'd say few if any advantages to synthetic when compared to dino changed out at 2,500 miles. Except for the more extreme Severe Service conditions, any name brand dino is not likely to be spent or substantially contaminated before 3,000 miles, and I personally consider changes more frequent than 3K to be truly unecessary except for rarely driven rides in which time is the deciding factor. (I go 5K on dino, and my engine's valvetrain is as clean as the day it was assembled.)

 

[mikemc]

Living in Texas you don't have to worry about the difference between the two oils in cold starting. I'd say keep using the dino, you probably wouldn't get the cost vs. performance ratio from a syn to justify the much higher price. Unless you are driving in really extreme conditions, you may be able to safely go 4 to 5K miles on the maxlife. A used oil analysis would tell you for sure.

 

[valvoman]

quote:

---

A used oil analysis would tell you for sure.

---

Where would I get that done???

ON EDIT: I am planning a move up to Montana or Minn. So should I consider switching to a synthetic if/when I move up north?

Valvo

 

[oilcan]

I looked at that question myself for along time. I used Valvoline for years 20+, I changed oil & filter every 5,000 miles again for ever. Never did I blow an engine or have any major defects. Then came a Dakota my wife bought new. the gas mileage was awful, so I began to look for ways to help the situation. Exhaust, K&N air filter, then came synthetics. I had used synthetic gear oil for years, in fact my 86 F250 4x4 the rear-end was running hot and I changed to synthetic oil thinking I would get a few more miles out of it before I would have to rebuild it. 46,000 miles later it is still running and the temps have been down, no noise. So on the Dakota I decided to change both front and rear diff. oil and also put synthetic oil in the engine. To this point nothing helped, first the gear boxes, I noticed a very slight increase, then the engine and in all I got about 1 mile per gal better. One thing I noticed the engine seemed smoother, and I noticed a power increase.
Today my wife drived a Chevy Trailblazer and I run Mobil 1, why Mobil 1 because our Chevy dealer suggested it, and since her first oil change was paid for by our salesman I agreed. With todays cars as high tech as they are, and with oil running out I'm all for using synthetics any place I can. I'm seeing more and more cars comming with synthetics, most Chevy trucks use it in the frt. & rer diffs.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Good point, there is no reason not to run synthetics in differentials. You change this oil so inferequently, extra cost is not an issue. Synthetic ATF is also great, especially when towing, but cost will be significantly increased.
Engine oil is another story, we tend to dump engine oils frequently due to contamination, well before you can benefit from longer life of synthetic oil.
However, if you live in Alaska or race or have turbo car, go for synth oil.

 

[TC]

"I am planning a move up to Montana or Minn. So should I consider switching to a synthetic if/when I move up north?"

That depends on both the temps there and your wallet, but dino 5w-30 has a "safe" low working temp of -13F, and has a Borderline Pumping Temp (a true low-end limit, taken from Pennzoil's spec sheet) of -31F.
http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/nafl/auto/content/faq.shtm

 

[labman]

Maybe your early days on the learning curve of dealing with frigid weather would be eased by a good 0W-30 synthetic. I am still using dino, but I grew in Pennsylvania and cut my teeth on car maintenance and operation the severe winters in the early 60's. Frankly I think the 5-W30 I am using now is much better than the 10W-30 I grew up on.

 

[darkdan]

Considering I'm chilling in MN right now, yeah I'd switch to synthetic. At least a syn 5w.

I ran AMSOIL's 10w30 ATM last winter in my crown vic during the winter. Even when it was neg 44 I didn't have any strange noises. I'm sure it wasn't the best thing to do. I would have done a UOA, but my oil cooler lines were still leaking and I was dropping a quart every 1000 miles on the ground.

This year though all 7 cars in my driveway will be getting 5ws (don't worry, only 3 of them are mine).

 

[valvoman]

Thanks for all your responses.

Valvo