Does expensive synthetic motor oil pay off in the long run?
By Jim Travers, Consumer Reports
Note: Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on MSN.
We noticed an interesting tidbit during research forr our story on how to make your car last 200,000 miles. While reaching out to respondents to our Annual Auto Survey for tips and scouring our car forums, we found that many readers said they use synthetic motor oil exclusively in their keeper cars. And keep them they do, with many reporting accumulated miles far exceeding 200,000.
Of course, many other readers report similar longevity from their vehicles with conventional motor oil. The key is to stick with regular oil changes as stipulated in their owner's manual or service when called for based on an in-car indicator (aka service minder), a function that is increasingly common through the wonders of technology.
Synthetic motor oil costs more than the conventional stuff, but the less frequent oil changes that you get with synthetics can offset the cost. And do-it-yourselfers point out that buying in bulk can further the savings. Synthetic is said to stand up better to higher temperatures, thus reducing engine wear. (See our guide to car maintenance.)
We've heard from drivers on both sides of this slippery coin. But regardless of what oil you choose, stick to the maintenance schedule in your car's manual, and the odds are good it'll stick with you for 200,000 miles and beyond.
Read more at Consumer Reports:
5 tip-offs to mechanic rip-offs
Save hundreds on car maintenance
How to make your car last 200,000 miles
It pays to use synthetic oil since it does not break down like non synthetic oil, it only needs to be replaced because it gets dirty. Standard oil breaks down and loses its viscosity as well as getting dirty. This breakdown is why you have to change your oil more often when using a non synthetic product.
Synthetic products cost more but reduce how often you have to change your oil, protects your engine better at start up and increases the longevity of the engines life.
If you are only going to drive the vehicle for a few years or say 100,000 miles then it doesn't pay to use the more expensive synthetic oils, but if you plan on keeping that vehicle for a long time, using a synthetic product is a no brainer.
I have never had to replace an engine or have a rebuild from engine wear in any motorized item that I own, or have owned, or take care of in my fleet. This includes, ATV's, motorcycles, cars, trucks, boats, lawn mowers and more.
As the article states, performing your routine maintenance at the recommended intervals is important but synthetic oil gives you even more protection.
the thing is on older engines there is no need to upgrade to synthetic if you never used it. on the never cars coming out with the vvt and cvt which are smaller engines with much tighter tolerances a synthetic is far superior then conventional. most manufactures with newer cars with what they consider "eco " engines either highly suggest it or required it to maintain warranity. i actually am an automotive tech and i can tell you there is a difference in how cars preform on synthetic oil. for one when gas is burned in the engine the molecules try to recombine with the conventional oil as for they are made from the same thing and share the same properities. that in returns breaks down the oil creating sludge. with syntheic it has different molecules properities that prevents the vapor from the gas reforming with the oil therefore it is recirculated via the egr valve/system back into the intake to mix again with air and fuel to be reburned which increases gas miliage. and lets not forget the reduction of engine temp , cooler running engines are able to have more out put in power there for it is more thermal efficient. i hope this help with the debate. good luck
For my rotary RX-7, I only use straight conventional mineral motor oil. I would have to look up the weight. And it has to be changed promptly at 2500 to 3000 miles. Yes, there is a very good reason that I treat the rotary differently.
Yo Frostyross, AMEN
The only vice I have is changing my oil to often, but then use the old oil in 15 year old mowers and such.
The dam mowers are out lasting my cars and bikes.
Anyone know of an oil related failure lately?
Don't know of a bad oil.
When shopping for oil the most importaint thing to remember IS ,is it slippery? A ha
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