Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil - Summit Racing Quick Flicks

[mrstanskaggs]

The molecular size of synthetic is smaller than that of conventional. This is why many times older cars running conventional and switching to synthetic report oil leaks around seals and burning oil in some cases. The car is not failing or anything.. the oil is just passing where the other kind could not. Newer cars with higher compression engines usually require synthetic because of this characteristic, and conventional will plug them up because of tighter tolerances in the journals, compression at the rings, and materials for the seals not needed before with the conventional. Gas mileage normally increases switching from conventional to synthetic as well. Swapping in my opinion is not a good idea if leaks or burning oil is encountered; also a realistic comparison between the higher price of oil to the performance targets as to being worth the investment.

[SummitRacing]

Hi Steve,
Synthetic oil will not create a leak but, due to its improved molecular structure (which is what makes it super slippery) it will find cracked seals or potential leaks quickly in high mileage motors. Remember too that synthetic oils will also clean up dirty oil deposits in the crankcase as well, so if these deposits are helping seal or deflect any possible areas that oil will leak from, you may get a leak!

[SummitRacing]

Hi Ylism,

We sent you the information. Thank you for watching!

[SummitRacing]

Now, looking at the numbers on the bottle, the first number indicates the viscosity of the oil at a cold temperature, while the second number indicates the viscosity at operating temperature. A second way of looking at multi-viscosity oils is to think of a 15W-40 as a 15 weight oil that will not thin more than a 40 weight oil when hot.

[SummitRacing]

If you are looking for the maximum performance out of your car and don’t mind spending a little extra, run the synthetic. Also remember, filtration is equally as important. While you’re spending a little extra on Synthetic oil, purchase a good filter too. Examples are K&N, Royal Purple or Canton Racing.

[roshawnsims]

I have a 06 chevy malibu maxx. Got it with 19k and started putting amsoil in it and at 165k miles no probs. I also change my oil every 10k. Once I did it at 17k and the oil wasn't black and didn't have gas smell. So no reg oil for me.

[SummitRacing]

Yes, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct viscosity and you will be fine.

[SummitRacing]

Well, Sorta! Lets start by saying, always follow the manufacturers recommendation written in your owners manual. Keep in mind that the engineers designed that motor to run a certain weight of oil and for best and longest lasting results, that recommendation coupled with proper oil change frequencies; your engine will give you many years of service.

[HiTechOilCo]

Keith, with Group III, "synthetic oils", you are correct. These oils are merely crude oil petroleum motor oils subjected to more refining, but in the opinion of many, this doesn't qualify them as a true, higher performing Group IV PAO synthetic oil and all the inherent advantages a top quality PAO based synthetic oil offers.

[SummitRacing]

All 3 companies have been in the business for a long time and have excellent reputations. Try contacting those companies by phone or email and have them explain to you why they are the best. Be prepared to spend some time listening to what they have to say and researching on the internet. Ultimately, the decision is going to have to be yours!

[erichrock]

I use Royal Purple 5W30 motor oil, Max A.T.F. in my transmission, and Max Gear in my differential. I own a 2005 G.M.C. Safari with a 4.3 V6 engine. It is my daily driver. It is 10 years old and has 60, 000 miles on it. They have stopped making this vehicle, 2005 was the last year. I may go a little overboard on maintenance, but R.P. is the best, and this may be my last van. I change my oil twice a year, transmission fluid every 5 years and differential fluid every 2 years, new premium filters with all fluid changes. Mechanics tell me that my drive train still looks brand new. And the van has always been street parked.

[GrandprixGT]

Only problem with using synthetic in a high mileage car is the engine might burn or leak the synthetic oil, make sure your always checking your oil level and topping it up when using SYN oils

[inpalla]

If you are running a older vehicle and need the zinc, use diesel oil instead of putting the additive in. That's what I use in all my classic cars from all decades with those requirements. Try it out!

[dundonrl]

you can look at the MSDS to see oils that have high zinc levels, one that comes to mind is Mobil1 0W40

[heavymechanic]

Pick a diesel oil for pre-2007 engines, they are loaded with anti-wear additives and are suitable for gasoline engines. Check out Shell Rotella, wall-mart diesel oil, valvoline premium blue, Delo 400, all in a 15w40 grade. You might find an oil report online somewhere to identify the additive package.

[bnz]

I am testing different oils now. the first change was synthetic. my car did feel a bit more ready to go. my second oil change was a blend and the car does feel slightly sluggish. I think I'll go back to synthetic as the car felt more responsive.

[roshawnsims]

I would also say that they put mobile one synth in bmws and benz and they do oil changes every 15k. I know due to uncle has a bmw and we had the oil convo. He was a 3k mile change person.

[FirstOnRaceDayCapri]

The reason the EPA Mandated the zddp level to be reduced is because it can clog up catlytic converters and since nowadays no manufacturer uses OHV Flat tappet cams in their engines new engines don't need them. since i put some regular mineral 20w50 specially designed from flat tappet cams with high zddp whereas i sue to run semi synthetic 10w40 my car runs a lot smoother

[omarG]

but you have to make sure your engine is sound enough for the syntheic oil. If u have alot of miules and there too much clearence between the cylinder walls, and pistons. the syn oil will leak through and not seal properly to hold compression. On the other hand if engine is in good shape syn oil will deff help.

[omarG]

If you the type that does heavy driving like racing, and live in a place thats SUPER HOT OR COLD. then syn oil is a better choice as well, but for the daily mom/dad going to work, shopping, and back. regualr oil is fine.