Originally Posted By: crw
As far as putting things in a FAQ and ending it there, I don't think it's that easy. Perhaps things that are "facts" can go in a FAQ, but a lot of what's discussed here belongs in the realm of opinion, speculation, and sometimes religion.
If you go back to the heart of the OP's question, he's looking for a list of oils that are truly synthetic. The problem is, in order to answer that question we must have a definition of what "real syn" is. That, is debatable. (After all, we're debating it here!) The bottom line is, like it or not, "Synthetic" is a marketing term. The industry has used it many ways. What one consumer thinks of synthetic may be quite a bit different from what another thinks is synthetic. Then we have actual experts, whom I respect, who step in and try to explain all the nuances with PAO Group IV ester cracked decayed carbon man-made oil....
So, a FAQ might attempt to explain what Group IV oil is... I'm not so sure that a FAQ can tell us what "true syn" is, or on a variety of similar topics. It's opinion.
Then once you have a FAQ on Group-whatever oil, you have to be prepared to change it when the industry changes, or when new information is found, or when vendor-X's formulations change, etc. It's a moving target.
All of this is true. Folks can decide for themselves if groups III, IV and V are the kind of synthetics they want. It's like which is true cola, Coke, Pepsi, RC, Sams Choice, etc.
They all have strengths, weaknesses and reasons to choose any of them or others.
I think a FAQ wouldn't answer such a subjective question, just like asking what's the best cola would provide a different answer each time it's asked.
However, such a question could explore the sorts of elements one could examine to answer the question themselves.
For the cola question, it's a bit simpler, tell folks to buy various colas, drink them and decide which they prefer if any.
With motor oils, it's a bit tougher as the stakes are higher and how many can really see the consequences of their choices?
Do they believe that a group III oil will serve their needs as well as other choices? Do they perceive they are worth the costs.
I think many believe the group III oils to be a way for manufacturers to charge the same premium price for a product that is less expensive to produce.
I'm not sure any of us know if that's true or not.
Some might say it doesn't matter, if the oil performs in a superior fashion, then the value is there, regardless how the oil is produced.
Others resent that oil companies make profits and don't want them to make "excess" profits off of them.
It's not for me to say their reasoning is right or wrong. It does point out that it's a complex question and one that doesn't have a fixed answer.
So an FAQ would simply present the facts about each type of oil, and the pros and cons of making such a choice.
I don't expect that it would change someone's mind about what constitutes a "real" synthetic. If they don't want a group III, then a group III isn't going to satisfy them.
I think the real/fake question is a loaded question akin to "do you still beat your wife?" But I also understand that folks do feel strongly about their views. I think an FAQ would help avoid some of the heated discussions around such loaded question topics.
Now where is that Fram Filter thread, LOL?
and let the rest of the experts answer your other questions.
