praxiis

I was considering putting Synthetic in my engine when I got my oil changed yesterday, but the dealership talked me out of it. I did a bit of research on the subject, and it doesn't seem like there is any major benefit on switching over a high-mileage engine, and there is a bit of a risk, if your seals are already damaged (and being plugged by carbon deposits).

I just wanted to post here for anyone considering the switch. If you've got low mileage, then you will benefit, but higher mileage, it's better to leave well enough alone!

HTH!

Craig

96TL

I switched over to synthetic at about 43K miles. I haven't had a problem yet. I'm at about 70K miles now. I change my oil every 4K.

praxiis

Yeah - supposedly it's a good thing to do at low mileage (before the seals get damaged)...

BASISON

I use to use Mobil 1 religiously. But for the money, it doesn't really do our cars that much good. As long as you change your oil often enough, use a good filter, and use a good oil you should be fine. Now that I have 75K miles on my ride, I'm using a high mileage blend oil. It's a little more expensive than Mobil 1, but I just can justify paying $4 a quart for synthetic.

96_2.5TL

I have 100,000 miles now and i use Mobile 1 Super Syn and a K&N oil filter every change and its been working fine for me i should change over to a high mileage oil though.

SamZman

I'd never use anything other than synthetic. There are just too many benefits, besides the obvious fact that it lubricates so much better it also runs cooler. I run Royal Purple, which you can only get at Jegs around here..

mola

Dude,

Synthetic is a world of difference.

I wont get into this at this hour in the morning but just know that It's common or it's human to not accept new technology or most folks will dislike or not agree with what they do not understand or know.
IF they know the actual difference vs Goup I , Group III , PAO, POE etc then they would have never said that to you. Service Advisors are not the experts nor are they a mechanic. They do read TSB's and other write ups that comes their way and express their personal views and knowledge. I've had some S.A. tell me boneheaded stuff that wasn't even for my car and also met knowledgeable S.A.'s but can't expect one person to be a subject matter expert for everything.

I use Mobil1 which is PAO based however if you want something a little less money but still hell of a better than the normal mineral oil then go with a Group III synthetic... like Castro Syntec, that stuff is about $2.50 a Qrt and well worth it's price over mineral oil.

If your engine requires Gunk(mineral oil buildup) to keep it running, bubdy you have other issues... Our gaskets wont leak if you switch. Synthetic oil comes in different grades as well... shouldn't be an issue selecting the grade for your engine.

I use 10w30 for the Acura TL with about 115,000 miles and 5w30 for the BMW with about 70,000 miles.


Mola

praxiis

Mola - that was exactly my reasoning for switching, but they were adamant about me not switching. They said there wouldn't be any benefit, and that there could be consequences...

I'll look into it a bit more, and maybe change next time. Thanks!

Craig

alvav

Dealer will advise against it because they usually don't sell it and, thus, can't make $$$$ from selling it to you!!! I use synthetic exclusively with all my cars. I'm from the great white north and the synthetic makes a real difference in the winter. Take a cup of regular oil, and another with synthetic; put them both in the freezer overnight; tell me if you see a difference!!

Love,

Leo

praxiis

Ummm... The dealer sells synthetic...

alvav

Maybe your dealer does, but not all do.

love,

Leo

praxiis

Maybe so, but it is obviously not the reason they recommended against me switching...

SamZman

Then I'd lean towards Mola's reason. They just don't know any better. I've gotten PLENTY of bad advise from dealers. I take what they say with a grain of salt. I've seen plenty of tests over the years on the benefits of switching TO synthetic but am yet to see one to switch AWAY from synthetic oil..

Hpnosser

I have 96 with 175,000 miles have always used 10w30 oil and no problems. I have never had to add oil. The oil and filter is always changed at arount 4500 miles since new in Dec 1995. I do not see any benifit in synthetic oil.