Synthetic Oil and Engine longevity

[07runner]

This thread is not meant for any type of argument between synthetic and petro oil.

Does any body have proof that synthetic oil makes a substantial difference in engine life?

When I talked about the test that Pat Goss did, it really was not a real world test. It did not take into consideration hot weather, cold, bumper to bumper traffic, or towing. Sort of like how they come up with EPA gas ratings. Temperature, grades of inclines were not realistic to actual use.

Is there any real world testing to just show that synthetic oil does in fact make a substancial difference in engine life? Because Toyota is using synthetic oil in the transmission, and several other reasons I am sure there is something about this oil that deserves special consideration.

I just can not seem to find any hard proof on this.

 

[Jay]

Go here, the best info on oils and what they do.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

 

[07runner]

Go here, the best info on oils and what they do.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

If this is supposed to answer my question, I don't see the answer. If you found the proof then do tell.

 

[Jay]

If this is supposed to answer my question, I don't see the answer. If you found the proof then do tell.

Synthetic oils are far better then regular conventional oils (fossil oil). It has a much higher thermal breakdown then normal oil, it lasts longer, you dont have to change it as often as regular oil, and its a better lubricant. It doesnt thicken or thin as much in diffrent temps either. But if your wanting written proof from somewhere, then your probably not gonna get it from this site, might want to Google it, this is just what i know from using Mobil1 full synthetic oils in 3 of my vehicles for the past 5 years. I change my oil every 9K miles, during that 9K miles i check it about every 1500 after 3K miles to check the color and level. At 9K i change the oil and filter. Ive had my oil analyzed by AmsOil and it came out normal, and this is what they recommend for oil change intervals. Hope this helps.

 

[07runner]

I am teetering on the fence about using it my self. I am only trying to find proof if possible that the use of this oil substancialy increases engine life, versus regular oil. It is the added cost I am trying to justify. I don't mind spending the money, as long as I have something to show for it. The cost is a little more than 3 times the cost of regular oil. This will eventually add up, and once you start synthetic, you should stay that route. Toyota says that, but mobil says you can go back and forth does not matter.

I have never come upon a subject that had so much conflicting information before.

 

[Jay]

I am teetering on the fence about using it my self. I am only trying to find proof if possible that the use of this oil substancialy increases engine life, versus regular oil. It is the added cost I am trying to justify. I don't mind spending the money, as long as I have something to show for it. The cost is a little more than 3 times the cost of regular oil. This will eventually add up, and once you start synthetic, you should stay that route. Toyota says that, but mobil says you can go back and forth does not matter.

I have never come upon a subject that had so much conflicting information before.

I look at it this way, regular quart of oil is what, $2.50 each? I get Mobil1 when its on sale for about $4.89 a quart, roughly twice as much. But my oil changes go 3 times longer then normal oil changes, so im actualy saving money. And its better for your engine. You make out both ways.

 

[07runner]

I look at it this way, regular quart of oil is what, $2.50 each? I get Mobil1 when its on sale for about $4.89 a quart, roughly twice as much. But my oil changes go 3 times longer then normal oil changes, so im actualy saving money. And its better for your engine. You make out both ways.

Extending your oil changes I feel is risky. I intend to stay with the 5000 mile oil changes. I never see mobil 1 on sale, always full price. I can get castrol on sale for $1.30 a qt. Wish I could get mobil 1 for $4.89, always full price in my area no costcos, just Bj"s and walmart best price but never on sale.

 

[Jay]

Extending your oil changes I feel is risky. I intend to stay with the 5000 mile oil changes. I never see mobil 1 on sale, always full price. I can get castrol on sale for $1.30 a qt. Wish I could get mobil 1 for $4.89, always full price in my area no costcos, just Bj"s and walmart best price but never on sale.

As long as the oil isnt black and not transparent its still good to go. I get my oil from my brother who works at an autoparts store, no discount, he just lets me know when its on sale.

 

[07runner]

As long as the oil isnt black and not transparent its still good to go. I get my oil from my brother who works at an autoparts store, no discount, he just lets me know when its on sale.

Very Important: Color is no indication as to the condition of the oil. If the oil did not get dark, I would be worried! It is the additives doing their job to protect your engine.

 

[ToyotaDan]

This thread is not meant for any type of argument between synthetic and petro oil.

Does any body have proof that synthetic oil makes a substantial difference in engine life?

When I talked about the test that Pat Goss did, it really was not a real world test. It did not take into consideration hot weather, cold, bumper to bumper traffic, or towing. Sort of like how they come up with EPA gas ratings. Temperature, grades of inclines were not realistic to actual use.

Is there any real world testing to just show that synthetic oil does in fact make a substancial difference in engine life? Because Toyota is using synthetic oil in the transmission, and several other reasons I am sure there is something about this oil that deserves special consideration.

I just can not seem to find any hard proof on this.

My dad is a chemist (soon to be retired) who helped make some of the original synthetic patents back in the 70's. He says todays regular oils are just as good as synthetics. He does stress that synthetics break down later - so regular oil is good for 4000 or so miles before break down starts (good for 7500 miles on average), synthetic is close to 15,000. Lubrication is almost identical below these thresholds.

He uses regular oils in his cars - including two exotics. He says he changes them often due metal particles , etc that may find their way into the oil system.

One more thing - if you race, where your temps go up and down often, or you are the kind of person that doesnt like to warm up their car, the synthetics have some advantage there too.

 

[TeryT]

I've read that improvements in oils are more the reason for engine longevity than the engine itself. I've also read that all modern oils on the market must pass standards that make them pretty much on par with synthetics. And from things I've read over on Bob-is-the-oil-guy forum, it seems that it is only when you push the limits that it makes much difference.

I started using Mobile 1 due to the heavier towing that I do, but I'm not even really convinced totally that I need it there! So perhaps I am just throwing money away!

Especially since I keep to the 5k oil changes, since Toyota makes no distinction between dino & synthetic.

If no one has been able to prove better engine longevity with synthetic, maybe it's time to reevaluate! :awais:

Supposed Toyota response re: synth oils

 

[Koz]

If this is supposed to answer my question, I don't see the answer. If you found the proof then do tell.

There is enough information on the internet for anyone to know that synthetic oil is FAR superior to conventional oil, you don't need a scientist to tell you this. Anyone who says that conventional oil and synthetic oil are equal does not know what they are talking about! This is not to say that conventional oil will not provide excellent protection and if changed at recommend intervals will keep your engine running for the life of the vehicle. It's just that synthetic does it better and can extend drain intervals if you do regular UOAs. Quality synthetic oil, in certain engines, under the right conditions, using quality bypass filtering systems has been proven to last over 400K miles WITHOUT being changed!

This link - http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ which was given above is probably the best source for REAL data on motor oil performance. Take the time to read through some of the information there. If you look at this recent link http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003212 that I posted in the maintenance section, you will see proof (UOA) that shows 20K miles on synthetic oil without even a filter change, that is STILL good. The information is all around you; do you need a piano to fall on you?

Koz

 

[TeryT]

There is enough information on the internet for anyone to know that synthetic oil is FAR superior to conventional oil, you don't need a scientist to tell you this. Anyone who says that conventional oil and synthetic oil are equal does not know what they are talking about! This is not to say that conventional oil will not provide excellent protection and if changed at recommend intervals will keep your engine running for the life of the vehicle. It's just that synthetic does it better and can extend drain intervals if you do regular UOAs. Quality synthetic oil, in certain engines, under the right conditions, using quality bypass filtering systems has been proven to last over 400K miles WITHOUT being changed!

This link - http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ which was given above is probably the best source for REAL data on motor oil performance. Take the time to read through some of the information there. If you look at this recent link http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003212 that I posted in the maintenance section, you will see proof (UOA) that shows 20K miles on synthetic oil without even a filter change, that is STILL good. The information is all around you; do you need a piano to fall on you?

Koz

Well you might want to take a look at this threa I started over on BITOG

Which type oil makes little difference!

Seems many agree with my thesis.

 

[07runner]

Synthetic oil lasting a long time on a special filter, or comming back good on a oil lab workup, is no indication that a engine will out live a engine operating on regular oil with proper maint. Yes we all know that synthetic is superior, but to give you an analogy your body needs water, doesnt matter if its in a fancy bottle or a paper cup, it won't know the difference. Regular oil API SM is pretty good, synthetic is better, but is it really enough to truly make a engine last longer than regular oil? That is what I really want to know.

This use synthetic one time you should stay with it from Toyota. Mobil 1 says that is a myth. More of who the f u %# knows, just give me some straight answers please. I can get castrol for $1.30 a qt on sale, best price in my area for mobil 1 is $5.40 a qt.

This will add up fast, like I said don't mind spending the money as long as I will have something to show for it.

 

[Jay]

Its proven that synthetic is better, also for the fact that you can go 5 times longer without an oil change should show you that you will be saving money on regular oil changes every 3K-5K miles.

 

[07runner]

Its proven that synthetic is better, also for the fact that you can go 5 times longer without an oil change should show you that you will be saving money on regular oil changes every 3K-5K miles.

Wow that was a great help, clears up all confusion and proves it is good to extend oil changes.

I dont think so! Dont want crap swimming in my oil synthetic or not from leaving it in too long.

 

[Jay]

Wow that was a great help, clears up all confusion and proves it is good to extend oil changes.

I dont think so! Dont want crap swimming in my oil synthetic or not from leaving it in too long.

I dont know what you really want as an answer, keep in mind what site you are on. None of us here are experts with oil manuafactering or chemists, nor do any of us sell oils and know exactly what is it in, or how good it is for your engine. Its all word of mouth, thats what this site is based on, we share our OWN personal info with other, and you take it for what its worth. If your dead set on looking for answers with facts and print outs and other proven stories, i suggest you leave this site and search elsewhere. You asked a question, we answered, and your still not happy, oh and your welcome.

 

[TeryT]

Its proven that synthetic is better, also for the fact that you can go 5 times longer without an oil change should show you that you will be saving money on regular oil changes every 3K-5K miles.

Point is moot if you're wanting to comply with 5-7.5k mile changes for the warranty!

 

[sharp4runr]

I like this thread and brings up a good point. Where is the proof that using synthetic oil will make your engine last longer? Let's see some long term tests!!!

Take two identical cars. One uses dino oil and changes the manufacturer suggested interval. The other car uses synthetic after its first oil change and uses the manufacturer suggested OCI. Which engine will outlast the other and by how much with all things being equal?

I won't argue the point that synthetic is better and longer lasting as we all know it is.

 

[sharp4runr]

Its proven that synthetic is better, also for the fact that you can go 5 times longer without an oil change should show you that you will be saving money on regular oil changes every 3K-5K miles.

That's fine and dandy, but that's not his question. Will running synthetic prolong engine life? That's the question.

All my cars have ran on dino oil just fine. My 93 celica had about 150K when I traded it in and she still had legs to run for more. She never tasted synthetic. My 89 Corolla had an ungodly amount of miles all using dino oil too. I'll continue to run dino oil in my 4Runner as I don't see the huge impact with running synthetic. I've seen many times here people saying it gives them a "warm fuzzy feeling" that their truck gets the best. Well I get a "warm fuzzy feeling" knowing I'm saving some money and still getting the protection the manufacturer suggests.