Is it safe to switch?

[Moto_EMT]

Hey guys, been looking for some input from some people who are better versed in lubricants them myself.

I have a 2006 Ford focus with a 2.0L duratec
Currently it has just under 50,000 miles.
I live in Canada, and temps tend to be pretty cool in the winter. I do have a block heater and use it whenever the temp dips below freezing when possible. Most of my driving is hiway but I do occasionally go short hops with it.
Currently the previous owner has been using castrol syntec, but 2 things I've noticed. First quite a few different sources suggest there are significantly better options. Second the only source for this near me has it significantly marked up over any of the alternatives, except for amsoil which is even more.


I'm considering Pennzoil Platinum, Quakerstate ultimate durability, or possibly amsoil.
Second question, What sort of filter would you recommend, As i've used fram's exclusively in my previous vehicle and never had any real complaints. The frams I would use right now are the Tough Guard series.

Any help solving my quandry would be grealy appriciated.

 

[KrisZ]

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with what you are doing at all. If you always plug in your car, this helps far more with cold starts than any synthetic ever would.

Also, forget the brands of oil, one thing I learned reading this site is that people that praise one brand of oil over the other, hardly ever have any factual evidence to support their claims.

 

[ottotheclown]

I agree if it works etc. I might look at the filter section and if you feel after looking at some Frams cut open it is ok to use them go ahead. Me I would consider some thing else filter wise based only on what they look like inside wise. Either way if it looks clean in the fill hole, Syntec would be great. I just read Syntec was the best selling synthetic other than Mobil, Syntec claims 25% of the market back in 08.

Now??
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with what you are doing at all. If you always plug in your car, this helps far more with cold starts than any synthetic ever would.

Also, forget the brands of oil, one thing I learned reading this site is that people that praise one brand of oil over the other, hardly ever have any factual evidence to support their claims.

 

[Scum_Frog]

You should have no problem finding Pennzoil Platinum or Quakerstate ultimate durability at your local Wal-Mart or Canadian Tire.

FYI......both PP & QSUD are priced below Castrol Syntec and Mobil 1 at my local WM.

 

[CharBaby]

A bit off topic.

KrisZ, Do you know...is MotoEMT's '06 Focus 2.0L Duratec the same engine in yours and my daughters '06 Mazda3 2.0L?

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
A bit off topic.

KrisZ, Do you know...is MotoEMT's '06 Focus 2.0L Duratec the same engine in yours and my daughters '06 Mazda3 2.0L?


Yes, 2006 Focus has the same engine as Mazda 2.0, but I think it doesn't have the VVT.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/more-information-about-the-mazda-mzr-2-0.138585/

Read the post by ItsuMitsubishi in the middle of the first page.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: Moto_EMT
I live in Canada, and temps tend to be pretty cool in the winter.


Alberta gets 'pretty cool in the winter'!

Oh, you Canadiens and your wacky sense of humour.

There's nothing wrong with Castrol Syntec per se; any of the name-brand synthetics are fine. Where you're living you might consider one of the 0wXX oils to help easier starts in cold weather & faster lubrication to the remote areas of the engine. I'd also possibly steer you toward Petro Canada's Supreme synthetic line of oils - including 0w20 & 0w30 viscosities. Nice work on the block heater, love it in my Golf.

Fram TG filters are OK, just overpriced for what you get. I would try to get a Purolator or Motorcraft filter instead - better filters for less money.

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: Moto_EMT
I live in Canada, and temps tend to be pretty cool in the winter.


If you don't use the word "cold", does it somehow seem warmer? lol I've seen some of those winter temps you folks have and cold is the word I would use

Fram Tough Guards are not very highly regarded around here. The only Fram considered to be good is the Extended Guard.

Lots of good oils to choose from. The real key is changing it on a regular schedule, not which brand you use.

Welcome to bitog

 

[40Deluxe]

I have 2008 Focus w/the 2.0 ,i use motorcraft 5w20 syn. blend and FL-910 motorcraft oil filter everything available at Walmart for around 18.00,pretty hard to beat this combination.

 

[Moto_EMT]

Well, Cool vs cold, if I was further north I'd say cold., right now where I live/work, since I park 3 hours away and trade my car for a work truck, I only tend to see -40 C without windchill.

further north I've seen downwards of -50 C to -60 C before windchill.

I guess I'll start calling around, and see what my local alternatives are for filters. Since I'm not that fond of Ford OE supplies like oilfilter, especially not after the fact that I have a "lifetime" air filter that will cost more then a cold air intake to replace.

 

[Warlord]

If I were you I'd just get whatever synthetic I could find on sale. Esso and Petro-Canada distributors are good places to find value priced synthetics.

 

[CATERHAM]

First welcome to BITOG.

Windchill doesn't affect how cold the oil in your engine will get; it will never get colder than ambient.
The most important thing you haven't mentioned is the recommended oil grade for your engine? Anyway I believe it is a 20wt, as what is spec'd for all Fords.

As mentioned PC 0W-20 would be a good choice and it's readily available. The Japanese dealers also stock the 0W-20 grade but I think the PC 0W-20 has a lower -40 MRV viscosity spec'.
I don't know what part of Alberta you live in, but if you ever visit south of the border pick up some M1 AFE 0W-20 as it has the lowest cold pumping MRV spec' of any oil you can buy.

 

[Moto_EMT]

The eingine itself is a DOHC with VVT just like the Mazda's

Well I was just using the windchill to refrence why I called it cool and not cold

As for filters, Fram is defo not gonna be my choice.

I've looked at the different oils and I think im going to run Quaker state Q or Pennzoil Plat which should be pretty much the same product. Otherwise I may take the leap and go for amsoil, since it's actually a True synthetic, not just hydrocracked dino.

As for Filters, Napa gold/wix is available, Amsoil/Royal purple filters are a bit of a wait.

Even If I'm only going to stretch the Oil change interval to about 10,000K I'm thinking just getting a synthetic filter ie amsoil/royal purple, is probably my best bet?

Otherwise I'd have to change a paper filter every 5,000 KM to makesure they dont leak right?

 

[CATERHAM]

Again you're talking brands and not specifications. The base oil make up is of little importance.
Choose the oil with the lowest MRV spec' at -40 degrees.
QS and RP don't offer a 0W-20, PP does but it is not easy to get; Cdn tire does carry it on special order.

 

[electrolover]

PP and qsud are great oils probably better than syntec.
i would switch and also switch to a motorcraft filter.