Synthetic Oil

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve and Janet
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Steve and Janet

I have a 2003 Accent that I would like to keep as long as possible. I
have had all the scheduled maintainence done on time. It has 45000
miles on it. I have been changing the oil every 3000 miles with
conventional oil. I was wondering what the group's members thought of
using synthetic oil? Will it offer me an advantage over conventional
oil as far as longevity of the engine??? Thanks
 
I have a 2003 Accent that I would like to keep as long as possible. I
have had all the scheduled maintainence done on time. It has 45000
miles on it. I have been changing the oil every 3000 miles with
conventional oil. I was wondering what the group's members thought of
using synthetic oil? Will it offer me an advantage over conventional
oil as far as longevity of the engine??? Thanks
Click to expand...

Keep doing what you are doing with the conventional oil and drive the
car like you want to keep it as long as possible.

Using synthetic will make no significant difference to the longevity
of the Accent, especially one that is driven carefully. You'd just be
throwing your money away.

Regards,
Wayne Moses,
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
 
Steve said:
I have a 2003 Accent that I would like to keep as long as possible. I
have had all the scheduled maintainence done on time. It has 45000
miles on it. I have been changing the oil every 3000 miles with
conventional oil. I was wondering what the group's members thought of
using synthetic oil? Will it offer me an advantage over conventional
oil as far as longevity of the engine??? Thanks
Click to expand...

I can't say it will offer greater longevity, but it certainly will cut
down on the number of oil changes you do. I conservatively use 5K mile
changes with my vehicles that are still in warranty and 10K for those
out of warranty. I took a Chrysler minivan to nearly 180K miles with
10K change intervals prior to it being totaled by a drunk. It was
running fine at that mileage using Mobil 1 with a 10K oil and filter
changes interval.

Synthetic will also help with cold starting and gives you more margin in
hot weather as well. However, if you keep up the 3K changes with dino
oil, it is unlikely you will see any significant longevity gain with
synthetic.

Matt
 
Wayne said:
Keep doing what you are doing with the conventional oil and drive the
car like you want to keep it as long as possible.

Using synthetic will make no significant difference to the longevity
of the Accent, especially one that is driven carefully. You'd just be
throwing your money away.
Click to expand...

If longevity is your only metric, I agree with you. However, synthetic
offers several other advantages over dino oil that change the "throwing
your money away" equation.

Matt
 
Synthetic oils are superior to dino oils, but aside from very severe
conditions, they are not needed and won't make the engine last appreciably
longer. Changing every 3000 mile is more than needed also unless you have
severe conditions. The 3000 mile change was normal years ago and is still
propagated by places that sell oil, but most manufacturers recommend 7500
miles under normal conditions. Your money so do as you see fit.
 
Edwin said:
Synthetic oils are superior to dino oils, but aside from very severe
conditions, they are not needed and won't make the engine last appreciably
longer. Changing every 3000 mile is more than needed also unless you have
severe conditions. The 3000 mile change was normal years ago and is still
propagated by places that sell oil, but most manufacturers recommend 7500
miles under normal conditions. Your money so do as you see fit.
Click to expand...
What's interesting is that todays oils are very very good, and thus oil
changes that are necessary at intervals below 5000 miles are more
related to filtration quality than oil. Even synthetics are susceptible
to dirt!

I personally run dual filtration on my car, change filters every 5000,
and 10000 plus on my oils. I use synthetics.

I am a mechanical engineer, and have been a industrial hydraulic
specialist for 10 years.

Clay
 
Crabman said:
What's interesting is that todays oils are very very good, and thus oil
changes that are necessary at intervals below 5000 miles are more related
to filtration quality than oil. Even synthetics are susceptible to dirt!

I personally run dual filtration on my car, change filters every 5000, and
10000 plus on my oils. I use synthetics.

I am a mechanical engineer, and have been a industrial hydraulic
specialist for 10 years.

Clay
Click to expand...

You are also probably using a better filter than the typical $3 Fram off the
Wal-Mart shelf too. Will the typical consumer be willing to pay for a
premium filter (such as used on hydraulic systems) no matter how much they
are saving in the long run?
 
What's interesting is that todays oils are very very good, and thus oil
changes that are necessary at intervals below 5000 miles are more
related to filtration quality than oil. Even synthetics are susceptible
to dirt!

I personally run dual filtration on my car, change filters every 5000,
and 10000 plus on my oils. I use synthetics.

I am a mechanical engineer, and have been a industrial hydraulic
specialist for 10 years.

Clay
Click to expand...

I have been told that there are other factors to consider than just
mileage between changes.

For example a vehcile that is used primarily for city driving with
many short trips is considered by some to require more frequent oil
changes.

Also the time spam between changes. I have a truck that
I drive kess than 3000 miles in six months and that is all city
driving.

Old_Timer
 
I had a Toyota before it was destroyed by a fast driving, cell ph. talking
woman. It had 180,000 at the time and never had any trouble with it. I had
changed the oil every 3000 miles and used Fram filters from Wally World. I
think the key is not running the filters too long, any filter. I now have a
new Elantra, love it.
 
Edwin said:
You are also probably using a better filter than the typical $3 Fram off the
Wal-Mart shelf too. Will the typical consumer be willing to pay for a
premium filter (such as used on hydraulic systems) no matter how much they
are saving in the long run?
Click to expand...
Filters on hydraulic systems are made exactly the same way as Auto
filters, and in the same factories, on the same assembly lines. There
can be differences in filter media and micron rating, but you can, and
most companies do, buy the cheapest hydraulic filters.

Keep in mind, a filter does it's worst job of filtration when it's new!
It filters better as it get dirty. Where the problem comes in is when
the pressure relief in the filtration system starts to crack open and
bypasses dirty oil into the engine/hydraulics.
The bypass opens more than most people realize.In a car at speed, it's
open a little most of the time.
I run a bypass filter, so my oil is always filtered.

My point was and is, that you can NOT run synthetics longer without
keeping it clean. And, that dino oil works just as well, but does break
down faster than synthetics. It still lasts much longer than oil sellers
recommend!

Clay
 
Keep doing what you are doing with the conventional oil and drive the
car like you want to keep it as long as possible.

Using synthetic will make no significant difference to the longevity
of the Accent, especially one that is driven carefully. You'd just be
throwing your money away.
Click to expand...

Seconded.

Synthetic has its uses, but longevity and economy aren't among them.
-

Bob
 
Keep in mind, a filter does it's worst job of filtration when it's new!
It filters better as it get dirty.
Click to expand...

I've said that a few times and gotten roundly flamed for it. Good to
finally hear someone else say it!

A good way to improve filter longevity is to find the largest filter
your car will accept. Knowing all the filter specs, including the
thread diameter and pitch and gasket diameter, one can often find an
exact match in a larger filter. For example, certain F150 Ford filters
fit Toyota Tacoma's, and are significantly larger. That of course
means the filter will last longer before bypassing. I guess the
cartridge filters on the Lambda engines are already maxxed out,
unfortunately.
-

Bob
 
Bob said:
I've said that a few times and gotten roundly flamed for it. Good to
finally hear someone else say it!

A good way to improve filter longevity is to find the largest filter
your car will accept. Knowing all the filter specs, including the
thread diameter and pitch and gasket diameter, one can often find an
exact match in a larger filter. For example, certain F150 Ford filters
fit Toyota Tacoma's, and are significantly larger. That of course
means the filter will last longer before bypassing. I guess the
cartridge filters on the Lambda engines are already maxxed out,
unfortunately.
-

Bob
Click to expand...
Well you speak the truth about filters filtering better as they get
dirty. This is true of air filters as well. Keeping in mind FLOW is
reduced as the filter gets dirty.

On the filter interchange, as long as the micron rating is the same or
better, AND there is no internal bypass, the bigger the filter the more
dirt holding capacity, the longer you can use it.
This is because the flow rate stays high for longer.
I don't use auto filters on my car, because industrial filters are
bigger, and I can specify the micron rating.

Clay
 
I always have to laugh at the ignorance of most people when it comes to
Synthetics verses dino.Do you guys have a clue about all the different
things oil has to do????
Before you make ignrant statements like it won't have any effect on
longevity READ SAE reports, READ FORD motors reports from 1976 on Mobil
1 READ about the difference in shear rating and ability to hold
viscosity and the difference in detergence.
Clay seems to be one of the few who isn't talking out of his ass or
just giving opinion.
I have used synthetics since 76 Mobil 1 Redline synthetic gear oils and
tranny oil.I use Shell Rotella Diesel synthetic now (cheaper than Mobil
1 But I do use the synthetic filter from Mobil1.
My gas milage on my vehicles has alway increased with the change to
synthetis and I always get better than EPA estimates.
I have my oils tested on each vehicle when new to provide info for
warrantee protection.I use synthetic in all my bikes (22) my Accent and
my Nissan Harbody. All have Redline synthetic inn the tranny AND rear
ends.
I'm sure my post will offend some of you but I'm sick of hearing
ridiculous statements with no basis in fact.Don't take my word for it
READ THE FACTS.
Besides what do I know,I retired at 45
 
I always have to laugh at the ignorance of most people when it comes to
Synthetics verses dino.Do you guys have a clue about all the different
things oil has to do????
Click to expand...

It would pay for you to read some of the many threads that have appeared in
this forum on this topic. You'll find both a fair amount of genuine
opinion, and a great deal of referenceable fact. Yes - there is a great
deal of "clue" here when it comes to this topic.
Before you make ignrant statements like it won't have any effect on
longevity READ SAE reports, READ FORD motors reports from 1976 on Mobil
1 READ about the difference in shear rating and ability to hold
viscosity and the difference in detergence.
Click to expand...

And you should read some of the more updated tests on the comparisons
between dino and synthetic oils. No one here contests the differences
between the two, but realizing any significant difference between the use of
the two has been largely dispelled over the years.
Clay seems to be one of the few who isn't talking out of his ass or
just giving opinion.
I have used synthetics since 76 Mobil 1 Redline synthetic gear oils and
tranny oil.I use Shell Rotella Diesel synthetic now (cheaper than Mobil
1 But I do use the synthetic filter from Mobil1.
My gas milage on my vehicles has alway increased with the change to
synthetis and I always get better than EPA estimates.
Click to expand...

How much has your gas mileage increased? Did you begin adding synthetics
immediately after purchasing a new vehicle? More factors than just oil
affect gas mileage in new vehicles. All new vehicles will increase in gas
mileage over the first 10,000 miles. Those who use dino oils also find
themselves very capable of getting mileage above the EPA ratings.
I have my oils tested on each vehicle when new to provide info for
warrantee protection.I use synthetic in all my bikes (22) my Accent and
my Nissan Harbody. All have Redline synthetic inn the tranny AND rear
ends.
I'm sure my post will offend some of you but I'm sick of hearing
ridiculous statements with no basis in fact.Don't take my word for it
READ THE FACTS.
Besides what do I know,I retired at 45
Click to expand...

I'm glad you retired at 45, but that has nothing to do with the topic. Your
post isn't offensive, but it is rather subjective and that's a bit
inconsistent with your opening statements.
 
I always have to laugh at the ignorance of most people when it comes to
Synthetics verses dino.Do you guys have a clue about all the different
things oil has to do????
Before you make ignrant statements like it won't have any effect on
longevity READ SAE reports, READ FORD motors reports from 1976 on Mobil
1 READ about the difference in shear rating and ability to hold
viscosity and the difference in detergence.
Click to expand...

So what? I don't think many people doubt that synthetics are better, but
the question is, do you need them? I've never used synthetics in my
automobiles, but I have used them in small engines for high performance.
I'm talking running at 15,000 rpm and higher where normal lubricants would
die. For my cars? No need. I've never had an oil related problem in cars
that I've had in excess of 200,000 miles.
Clay seems to be one of the few who isn't talking out of his ass or
just giving opinion.
Click to expand...

Sometimes people as for the opinion of others. It is up to them to decide
if the comments came from their ass. OTOH, we could ask you to mark these
conversations for us. Would you like to be the moderator?


Besides what do I know,I retired at 45
Click to expand...

Could mean you were very smart, or it could mean you have more money than
brains. Can't tell for sure from here but I'm leaning one way right now.
 
I always have to laugh at the ignorance of most people when it comes to
Synthetics verses dino.Do you guys have a clue about all the different
things oil has to do????
Before you make ignrant statements like it won't have any effect on
longevity READ SAE reports, READ FORD motors reports from 1976 on Mobil
1 READ about the difference in shear rating and ability to hold
viscosity and the difference in detergence.
Click to expand...

Which reports, where are they and what is the report or reference
number? What is detergence? Is that anything like detergents?

And shear resistance, viscosity stability and detergent capability
doesn't necessarily affect longevity of the engine. Only if you run for
very extended oil changes such that dino oil has pooped out will this
make a difference. And with modern dino oils, that is a long time and
many miles.

I'm a big fan of synthetics and they have many advantages, and I believe
an engine will last longer using them, but I have to agree with the dino
folks that given frequent changes (5-7.5K) modern dino oil will take you
to probably 200K miles. If you plan to drive your car for 500K miles or
run 10,000+ change intervals, then synthetic might begin to some some
good advantage.

Clay seems to be one of the few who isn't talking out of his ass or
just giving opinion.
Click to expand...

And you aren't one of the few.

I have used synthetics since 76 Mobil 1 Redline synthetic gear oils and
tranny oil.I use Shell Rotella Diesel synthetic now (cheaper than Mobil
1 But I do use the synthetic filter from Mobil1.
Click to expand...

Good idea. I've used synthetics since about that time frame also, but
I'm aware of what they add and don't add. They add greatly to cold
start capability (especially at temps below -20 or so). They are better
in extreme heat, but that isn't a problem where I live.

My gas milage on my vehicles has alway increased with the change to
synthetis and I always get better than EPA estimates.
I have my oils tested on each vehicle when new to provide info for
warrantee protection.I use synthetic in all my bikes (22) my Accent and
my Nissan Harbody. All have Redline synthetic inn the tranny AND rear
ends.
Click to expand...

Changes in fuel mileage are not enough to measure in normal driving and
conditions. You'd need very controlled conditions and very good
instrumentation to even notice a 2-4% advantage. This is the placebo
affect at its best.

I'm sure my post will offend some of you but I'm sick of hearing
ridiculous statements with no basis in fact.Don't take my word for it
READ THE FACTS.
Click to expand...

You have provided no facts nor any references to facts.

Besides what do I know,I retired at 45
Click to expand...

Given your demonstrated literacy, all I can say is isn't inheritance a
wonderful thing.

Matt
 
Matt said:
Which reports, where are they and what is the report or reference
number? What is detergence? Is that anything like detergents?

And shear resistance, viscosity stability and detergent capability
doesn't necessarily affect longevity of the engine. Only if you run for
very extended oil changes such that dino oil has pooped out will this
make a difference. And with modern dino oils, that is a long time and
many miles.

I'm a big fan of synthetics and they have many advantages, and I believe
an engine will last longer using them, but I have to agree with the dino
folks that given frequent changes (5-7.5K) modern dino oil will take you
to probably 200K miles. If you plan to drive your car for 500K miles or
run 10,000+ change intervals, then synthetic might begin to some some
good advantage.



And you aren't one of the few.



Good idea. I've used synthetics since about that time frame also, but
I'm aware of what they add and don't add. They add greatly to cold
start capability (especially at temps below -20 or so). They are better
in extreme heat, but that isn't a problem where I live.



Changes in fuel mileage are not enough to measure in normal driving and
conditions. You'd need very controlled conditions and very good
instrumentation to even notice a 2-4% advantage. This is the placebo
affect at its best.



You have provided no facts nor any references to facts.



Given your demonstrated literacy, all I can say is isn't inheritance a
wonderful thing.

Matt
Click to expand...

You guys are funny. I'm glad I don't get emotional about this stuff. :)

Clay
 
Crabman said:
You guys are funny. I'm glad I don't get emotional about this stuff. :)
Click to expand...

Not as funny as you with your reference to facts that you won't or can't
provide. THAT is funny!

Matt
 
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