Why does Ford recommend synthetic blends?

[JM19]

I have a quick question that I was hoping someone could answer for me...

Why does Ford recommend synthetic blends exclusively for nearly all of their vehicles? It seems to me like overkill for cars that aren't even high-performance in their lineup.

If a conventional oil meets Ford spec WSS-M2C930-A, for example, couldn't it be used in a Ford vehicle without a problem?

 

[sciphi]

Yes.

 

[Sayjac]

As long as it meets the specs, it can be used. Now, Motorcraft oil happens to be a syn blend, a good one IMO, so that could be why Ford recommends syn blend.

Just curious, is that what your/the owners manual says? In any case the 5w20 is an excellent value, easily found at Walmart. Not like they are ripping anyone off with that recommendation.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: JM19
I have a quick question that I was hoping someone could answer for me...

Why does Ford recommend synthetic blends exclusively for nearly all of their vehicles? It seems to me like overkill for cars that aren't even high-performance in their lineup.

If a conventional oil meets Ford spec WSS-M2C930-A, for example, couldn't it be used in a Ford vehicle without a problem?


Why on earth would you want to put in a conventional in..The 5w20 Motorcraft Blend is one of the best oils out there and its cheap enough.

 

[JM19]

Originally Posted By: sayjac

Just curious, is that what your/the owners manual says? In any case the 5w20 is an excellent value, easily found at Walmart. Not like they are ripping anyone off with that recommendation.

Yes, I recently bought myself a 2010 Mustang GT, and it specifically states to use Motorcraft 5W20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specs (which I would imply to be conventional). I did pick up a 5 quart jug from Wal-Mart recently, but I'm always looking to expand my oil stash with different brands.

Originally Posted By: CROWNVIC4LIFE

Why on earth would you want to put in a conventional in..The 5w20 Motorcraft Blend is one of the best oils out there and its cheap enough.


I'm very brand loyal, and like to stick with products that have served me well over the years (i.e. Havoline).

 

[Bryanccfshr]

For requires that you meet its spec that is all. Quaker state meets this spec so you could run it or any other brand. Motorcraft is blended by ConocoPhilips. All there oils in that range are Marketed as synthetic blends. They are good oils but I wouldn't say that makes them anybetter than any conventional 5w20 that meets the Ford spec.

 

[bretfraz]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't your typical brand name 5W-20 pretty much have to be synthetic blend to meet the Ford and Honda spec?

With the latest GF-4 designation along with the current API SM spec, I'd imagine almost every "conventional" oil meeting those specs has to be semi-synthetic.

 

[Gary Allan]

If there was enough content to justify the name, it would be on the label, imo.

 

[wannafbody]

Why use a top grade synthetic in a mediocre engine? Save the full synthetics for top of the line GM engines

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: wannafbody
Why use a top grade synthetic in a mediocre engine? Save the full synthetics for top of the line GM engines

"Top of the line GM engines" Isn't that an oxymoron?

(J/K)

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Originally Posted By: wannafbody
Why use a top grade synthetic in a mediocre engine? Save the full synthetics for top of the line GM engines

"Top of the line GM engines" Isn't that an oxymoron?

(J/K)


Yes, definitely an oxymoron....or you have to be a moron to buy one now.

 

[doitmyself]

To answer the OP's original question, "Why?", I believe it's mostly a marketing decision to make more $$$$$.

A smart move because in this case they actually created a good product to meet the CAFE based move to 5W20. In the past, I would have never considered a "car branded" oil over other products. Instead, Ford's reputation is being bolstered at places like BITOG and brand loyalty is being developed. Motocraft filters also share a good reputation.

What a novel business model. It's the "old way" of doing things instead of the all too common practice to put out a [censored] product and try to convince the customers to hop on the bandwagon. In this case, someone at Ford marketing didn't let the bean counters win out. People actually seek out Ford motor oil....GM is having different results with their reputation regarding Dexcool (don't go there, please).

Regarding the "betterness" of Ford's synthetic blend, didn't we discuss in the past that it was a blend of Group I and III (still true?)? And, isn't this just a DIFFERENT (not necessarily better) way to make an oil of certain specifications (vs. Group II+)?

It's not unlike the HDEO's a few years back. Some were loaded with moly while others had none....yet they both were considered "million mile" oils and achieved excellent results.

 

[Eddie]

Is it FORD that recomends blends or the dealer? Big difference since Ford (MC) oil lineup is mostly standard good grade Conventional oil.

 

[Johnny]

Motorcraft oil is a blend made by ConocoPhillips, which is a blend of Group II and Group III base stocks. Last I heard it was about 80% Group II and 20% Group III.

It has not been a Group I since Conoco built the joint venture Excel Paralubes refinery with Pennzoil in Layfette, LA. They started making all of their products blends when Conoco merged with Phillips 66.

 

[JM19]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Is it FORD that recomends blends or the dealer? Big difference since Ford (MC) oil lineup is mostly standard good grade Conventional oil.


It is Ford that recommends synthetic blend in nearly all of their owner's manuals.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Are not most all SM conventional a synthetic blend to meet GF4?
CP just puts it on the bottle label to make to you "feel" better.

 

[Johnny]

Most conventional oils are now Group II with a few exceptions being Group II+.

 

[steve20]

to the GM naysayers: from your comments, it is clear you have never driven a Corvette---please continue to remain in the dark



Steve

 

[tig1]

Synthetic blend is better than dino, and full synthetic is better than both of them. Ford has chosen to up grade the quality of their oil as they have up graded the quality of their cars.
To bad Toyota didn't up grade to full synth. when they had the sluddger problems.

 

[Johnny]

Thank the good lord that GM did not do to Corvette what they did to Saturn. Even though it is part of GM, I just consider it a Corvette. The only REAL car they make.