Why Go synthetic? Where do the differences come in?

 

longer change intervals, 10k apposed to 3-5k. higher burning temp. better cleaning capabilities, lubricates moving parts better. in a few words synthetic oil protects better than conventional oil and lasts longer.

 

sbuswell is 100% correct. synthetic also flows better in the cold weather, which is vital for engine protection, and it has a higher breakdown temperature which is equally vital in the summer.

do not be mistaken though, going to a 10k mile change interval also means you need to use a filter capable of cleaning your oil that long. i use the mobil synthetic filters in conjunction with mobil1 5W30 at every oil change.

there is nothing wrong with conventional oils, we've proven this over and over again, but the added protection i get from synthetic is worth the piece of mind to me. it's a little pricier, but if you buy it in 5qt containers from wal-mart it's not too bad.

SSTS

 

I'm probably abusing my car then by going with the standard 7500 mile oil change and the 15000 oil filter change as stated in the manual using standard petro oil--chevron supreme..and a standard Pennzoil filter from walmart....or sometimes I just use Walmart's stuff which is Pennzoil 10-30 and a fram filter.

 

Maxima, search for posts/threads by Michael Wan and Road Rage concerning motor oils, both synth and dino. Both of these members have posted much info about this topic and many have benefitted from their advice. One good place to start is the 3G Garage Item C Fuel/Oil/Filters