Over the counter Synthetics

[westcoaster]

Was strolling through the local Walmart, looking for some oil for the next OCI. All the major brands are there, PP, Valvoline, Syntec, Mobil 1. All have the 4.4 or 5 liter jugs all range from about 38-41 bones, (That's the average price here in Canada). Walking through the Costco, and they had a 6x1 liter box of Syntec for 38 dollars. Not a bad deal.

Question is, is there really any difference between any of these easily obtainable brands. I've seen some some VOA's and the Syntec has a fairly robust add pack. I'm only going the factory 8000 km's (5000 miles). All seem to be in that 3000 ppm CA, Zinc and Phosphorus there, Syntec does appear to have a bit more Moly. Can we even rate these oils, if at all possible?

Or, is price the real deciding factor in how most BITOGER's purchase their loot.

Amsoil and RP tend to stick out as the premium "Boutique" brands, but for most of us dudes just going about 5000 miles per OCI, is there really a measurable difference?

It seems that Synpower, and especially PP get a lot play on the site, but the Syntec does have a fairly impressive VOA. Or, are people still putting their nose back in joint for Castrol muddying the "Synthetic" meaning?

 

[Mark888]

It is very difficult to recommend an oil without knowing what engine it is for and how many kilometers it has on it, and what motor oil has been used for the previous life of the vehicle.

The introduction of Castrol Edge pretty much verifies that Syntec's Group III base stock formula is not the best out there, so it is more than just "muddying the waters" IMO.

The motor oils with substantial amounts of Group IV/V PAO/Ester base stock (none of the certified oils seem to be 100% PAO/Ester base stock anymore) like Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge clearly cost more than Group III oils (at least in US Walmart's), but for 8000 km's any of the top synthetic brands would probably work fine. Even Walmart's SuperTech synthetic is pretty good. More important is choosing the correct viscosity and the oil that is certified for your engine.

 

[FrankN4]

What grade would you want to use, it does make a difference?

There are many opinions here, and most are truly opinions based on what they actually use. You can not make a logical argument against results.

I have used only Mobil 1 synthetic oil since 1990. In fact, I have used only one grade of Mobil 1, 15W-50. As far as I know, of the over the counter oils, Mobil 1 is the only one that uses any large amount of PAO. I have a "high level of confidence" the Mobil 1 15W-50 that I use is about 73% PAO.

The Mobil 1 10w30 HM and the Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w30 would be my choice of 30 grade over the counter PAO.

There is most certainly nothing wrong with a good GP III as long as the OCI is not unreasonable. Of the GP III oils, 5/10W-30, I think the Valvoline full synthetic MaxLife is the best. This is an "opinion" based on VOA, UOA, spec sheets, and folk I know that actually use this oil. In fact, it so popular in my little corner of the world that you have to get it the day the delivery is made or special order it. The fact that so many actually do special order, and pay full price, attests to its popularity. Also, the Valvoline oils are all low SA, and have a good dose of sodium in the add pack as a detergent. Valvoline Synpower would be my second choice GP III oil.

 

[d00df00d]

You know, a few years ago, what was popular on BITOG was almost always a safe bet as a good oil. Not so sure that's still the case, to be honest. The discussions taking place here don't quite seem to be on the same level any more.

Either way, if you're set on 5,000 miles with a synthetic oil, any of those brands will do just fine for you. I would be shocked if you noticed a difference. If you change your mind on either the OCI or the oil type, check back with us.

 

[westcoaster]

I use only one viscosity for both of my vehicles, 5w30

 

[AndyH]

Originally Posted By: westcoaster
I use only one viscosity for both of my vehicles, 5w30

Details on the vehicles would be helpful (make, model, year, engine, mileage, etc.)

 

[D189379]

You could easily save a few bucks and use a semi-synthetic.

But to answer your question, at 8000 kms, you won't notice much of a difference between the major brands. So pick by price, coolest label, or whichever smells the best. Your engine won't notice the difference.