Dexos-Synthetic Equivilent?

[BMWTurboDzl]

Dexos oil at Walmart is not significantly more than anything else. It just isn't.

When you run through thousands of gallons a month then we'll talk.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I just never heard of a "synthetic equivalent". Makes no sense to me. It either is or isn't. I emailed the service manager, so we will see what he has to say. Shouldn't be that hard...

Well your original post said "Dexos Synthetic equivilent". To me that means a Dexos oil but not official licensed, IOW the dealership buys Dexos oil in bulk and they didn't want to pay the extra $$ for the exact same oil with the Dexos license.
The dealership is being honest by not saying you're buying Dexos oil as they can get in trouble.

There's also no official definition of "synthetic". It's a marketing term.

 

[kschachn]

Well your original post said "Dexos Synthetic equivilent". To me that means a Dexos oil but not official licensed, IOW the dealership buys Dexos oil in bulk and they didn't want to pay the extra $$ for the exact same oil with the Dexos license.
The dealership is being honest by not saying you're buying Dexos oil as they can get in trouble.

There's also no official definition of "synthetic". It's a marketing term.

That really makes no sense, as you note dexos is a license so therefore it is either dexos licensed or it isn't.

What is a non-licensed dexos oil?

 

[kschachn]

Your dealer probably uses the least expensive dexos certified motor oil that they can get locally in large quantities and the don’t want their customers to be concerned about quality. Maybe from NAPA, CarQuest/FRAM, SuperTech or all of them.
My LEXUS dealer used QuakerState. I’ve never known a dealership to only use their MFG oil.

Okay but that isn't a dexos equivalent, that is a dexos licensed oil.

 

[ripcord]

My interpretation would be they're using a Dexos licensed synthetic oil that's "equivalent" to AC Delco stuff. Maybe cheap CAM2 or similar.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

That really makes no sense, as you note dexos is a license so therefore it is either dexos licensed or it isn't.

What is a non-licensed dexos oil?

From what I've read from @Foxtrot08 when it comes to bulk oil you can buy the same oil with or without the license. There's a difference in cost and of course marketing constraints.

 

[ATex7239]

Probably using JPT or Triax.

 

[CKN]

When you run through thousands of gallons a month then we'll talk.

Which means they are even buying it cheaper. It would seem-that contrary to the theories on here-they have to use oil speced to to keep the warranty for those vehicles that still are under it from the factory.

Until someone has HARD EVIDENCE otherwise................

I'm waiting...

And a friend of a friend third cousin removed that used to work for a dealership doesn't count...

 

[PontiacHO]

Bulk oil that’s not Dexos certified…..I’d bet.

 

[64bawagon]

Thats what I'm thinking. Probably a blend. I don't understand why they just can't be honest and say what it really is. This is what gives dealerships a bad name.

Besides the oil aisle at Walmart a dealership is one of the best places to talk to someone that knows nothing about oil.

 

[TomYoung]

I don’t think there is any possibility this goes your way. The ambiguity on whether the oil is “synthetic equivalent,” or “Dexos equivalent” is confusing. That nobody will tell you what oil went into the car is ridiculous, too. My thought is that you have a bulk, semi synthetic oil that has no Dexos indicia, and whether it meets the Dexos standard is unknowable. I would probably dump it after a 3,000 mile interval. I would dump the dealer, too.

 

[Plumb Bob]

Besides the oil aisle at Walmart a dealership is one of the best places to talk to someone that knows nothing about oil.

Yes.

I would dump the dealer, too

Good advice.

 

[4WD]

I think its just a poor choice of words. Is there a D1G3 oil in any grade that isnt a "full synthetic" ? My WAG would be that maybe theres a blend somewhere that meets the spec so they avoid the full on "synthetic" label.

Pretty hard to make 0W20 from all low grade base stocks - can we say that about SAE30 SP?

 

[4WD]

I think its just a poor choice of words. Is there a D1G3 oil in any grade that isnt a "full synthetic" ? My WAG would be that maybe theres a blend somewhere that meets the spec so they avoid the full on "synthetic" label.

XOM marketed EHC’s ability to be part of a formula that meets Dexos.

 

[Foxtrot08]

Pretty hard to make 0W20 from all low grade base stocks - can we say that about SAE30 SP?

View attachment 250490

There are synthetic blends that meet D1G3 specs. Specifically out of KPP base oils.

 

[Nesterenko]

I asked 3 times. Thats the answer they keep giving me. I'll call back and ask to speak to the service manager I guess...just never heard of an "equivalent" before.

They don't know or even care. Cookie cutter answers.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Pretty hard to make 0W20 from all low grade base stocks - can we say that about SAE30 SP?

View attachment 250490

Is there even one single engine that recommends the use of an SAE30 API SP oil?

 

[4WD]

There are synthetic blends that meet D1G3 specs. Specifically out of KPP base oils.

Seems I said pretty much the same thing in above post …

 

[4WD]

Is there even one single engine that recommends the use of an SAE30 API SP oil?

Not aware of vehicle recommendations - Briggs & Stratton, yes …

 

[proffittmarke]

I believe it would be the AC Delco brand? Its at a GM dealer. When I questioned the "synthetic equivalent" she just kept repeating that it was a synthetic equivalent... very frustrating

Dealers are know for buying the cheapest bulk oil they can find and charging for premium OEM oil.