I regularly see on here that basically it seems that brand doesn’t matter as long as an oil meets specs. I’m sure to a certain extent this is true, however, the extra $$ does buy you something. Bought Supertech 0w20 synthetic (10k mile low-rent variety) to do an oil change on a rental vehicle I am using for the next week. Im going to tell you, that stuff is more acrid smelling than any Valvoline Extended Protection or Mobil 1 I use on my own vehicles. It smells noticeably less refined. If anyone doesn’t believe me check it out for yourself.
Supertech and other value point oils
- Thread starter CapitalTruck
- Start date
Smell isn't indicative of refinement. It's from an additive.
Dare ya to open one of these.
Dare ya to open one of these.
I see it working like this analogy: Walmart sells Walmart brand Naproxen for $3/bottle. They also sell Alleve for $9/bottle. Both do the same thing, both are 'approved', both work fine.
Some people, me included, buy the Walmart brand. Other people will insist on nothing but the name brand.
If the oil meets the specifications advertised on the bottle what's the worry? I use Supertech, DG, Rural King, Traveller, etc unless I can get a sale or a deal on name brand oil.
In the back of my mind the 'extra $$ does buy you something' thought pops up but that does not stop me from buying the discount product if it works.
Some people, me included, buy the Walmart brand. Other people will insist on nothing but the name brand.
If the oil meets the specifications advertised on the bottle what's the worry? I use Supertech, DG, Rural King, Traveller, etc unless I can get a sale or a deal on name brand oil.
In the back of my mind the 'extra $$ does buy you something' thought pops up but that does not stop me from buying the discount product if it works.
If it meets the specs the engine manufacturer require than it meets specs… 99% of the time any oil of the correct grade and variety (with proper specs) will serve your engine well. The exception to that is going to be extreme duty whether that means driving style, conditions, extended drain intervals, whatever. I worry more about using a quality filter than what brand of oil I use. I’ve used whatever I can find cheap for years and a bajillion miles and never once an oil related problem
I've been changing my own oil in my own vehicles since 1981. I have yet to have a vehicle develop a problem caused by lubrication failure. My experience has been that if an oil meets even the bare minimum standard it's more than sufficient. Rust will kill my vehicles long before internal engine wear will, assuming my drain plug doesn't fall out or my oil filter explode.
sycamore
$50 Site Donor 2025
Just one data point, of course, but my Kia Sorento apparently loves it some Super Tech. I sent in an oil sample after a 4,000 mile severe service interval and the engine was happy as a clam.
I sent in the Sorento's first oil sample, and it passed with flying colors!
With 110,451 miles on the odometer and a somewhat irregular maintenance history from what my girlfriend has told me, I was very curious to see what this would show. I'm thrilled with the results. This jibes with what I've read about the Lambda II's reliability.
I intend to keep it on a severe maintenance schedule with all of the short tripping this engine sees. I currently have it running on Valvoline R&P 5W-30 just for funsies, and I intend to post the results of the next oil sample. Based on this...
Super Tech synthetic oil is good stuff, despite what the price might imply. If VRP wasn’t around then I’d still be using it.
I sent in the Sorento's first oil sample, and it passed with flying colors!
With 110,451 miles on the odometer and a somewhat irregular maintenance history from what my girlfriend has told me, I was very curious to see what this would show. I'm thrilled with the results. This jibes with what I've read about the Lambda II's reliability.
I intend to keep it on a severe maintenance schedule with all of the short tripping this engine sees. I currently have it running on Valvoline R&P 5W-30 just for funsies, and I intend to post the results of the next oil sample. Based on this...
Super Tech synthetic oil is good stuff, despite what the price might imply. If VRP wasn’t around then I’d still be using it.
I've been using ST 0W20 for years without issue. Using CarQuest oils as well and I am very happy.
If it meets specs, good to go, forget about the smell test on new oil. More important to change regularly in my opinion.
dnewton3
Staff member
Seriously? We're judging lubes on aroma now?
Show me a license, VOA or UOA that includes a sniff test and then I'll give a crap ...
Show me a license, VOA or UOA that includes a sniff test and then I'll give a crap ...
Supertech is a serviceable oil. I don’t smell oil as a habit but when you’re working with it you can definitely smell it. It smells like oil. It’s in the Hyundai right now working like oil too.
Bro is changing the oil for the love of the game.
Patman
Staff member
Maybe instead of taking my girlfriend to a winery for a tasting this afternoon, we should go to Canadian Tire instead and I’ll crack open a few different jugs of oil!My motor oil must have a bountiful
fruity bouquetto assure its authenticity and freshness and a crisp crack of the sealed cap.
Zee09
$200 Site Donor 2023
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- May 5, 2018
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I actually was thinking about you when I posted it... no need for olive groves either....Maybe instead of taking my girlfriend to a winery for a tasting this afternoon, we should go to Canadian Tire instead and I’ll crack open a few different jugs of oil!
This method only works when used with the "rub some between your thumb and finger to make sure it feels good" testing method.
New PF testing methodology. Smell for proper refinement.
Would oil companies employ a master blender, similar to Jack Daniels?
And?
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