I have read that it lasts quite a bit longer and thus pays for itself.  Anyone know how long you can go on synthetic?  Any performance improvements?

racerx wrote:

I have read that it lasts quite a bit longer and thus pays for itself.  Anyone know how long you can go on synthetic?  Any performance improvements?

Here is a site that is doing a study on Syntheic Oil.Lots of info there.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html

I use Mobile-1  5w-20 in my 02 Ford Escape. HORSEPOWER tv on the speed ch.Did a Dyno test with Royal Purple synthetic oil,that showed HP gains.But I cannot say yes/no on performance.

EDT: Here is another site that makes good reading.

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/engineoil_bible.html

Good info, thanks. 

I asked a mechanic about it, he said its good and everthing and when i told him that i have a honda accord he told me that it won't make a differance in my car but with other car it does. Is that true? i still don't understand why.

 I use mobile one & amsol syth, Several of the cars had 200,000 plus miles on them still very clean, no smoke, ran strong, better oil pressure. I'm a believer, every one says different but for better engine protection & oil changes every 5,000-up its a good idea if you care about your vehicle, its worth the extra $$$$ to use syth..

It would last longer due to the longer body break down. But would still become contaminated as like a regular motor oil. Improved horsepower,but what's the gain there?? If it improved gas mileage then it would be a good choice. I wouldn't switch to a synthetic if my car had been using regular oil either due to the fact it would create extra deposits in the engines from the mix of the 2 types of oil. It's a personal choice for you. I'll stck wth my 10-30 Havoline with the moly additive. Fred

http://www.automedia.com/Service_Intervals/ccr20040501si/2

'While synthetic oil is superior stuff, it's still petroleum-based, just like non-synthetic oil. Its molecule size is synthesized, which improves start-up lubrication and enhances flow. But there's nothing in it that will make it last and protect twice as long as the regular stuff.'

That is true if you are talking about group III category based synthetics which are hydrocracked refined crude oil products. (Quaker State, Penzoil, Castrol, etc.)

However group IV category based synthetic which are PAO (polyalphaolefin) ester based products is not petroleum based as its a man made oil. (Mobil I)

There is also group V category based synthetic which are also non-petroleum PAO (polyalphaolegin) ester based products is not petroleum based as its also a man made oil. (Amsoil, Royal Purple, Redline)

From my experience Synthetics are much more slippery and hold up longer.  I have a diesel bobcat and it recommends synthetic oil in the owners manual and shows a graph of how it holds up in all temperature extremes.  I have been using Amsoil I chose that company because of all of the 3rd party tests done and they always come out on top.  I have a short video of my 4-wheeler that had sticky valves and would not idle as the exhaust valve would stay open occasionally.  I sprayed some of the power foam in a see for yourself.  The machine runs much better now. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4374303180295921674&q=sticky+valves&total=27&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1 I would say I got my money out of that one...

To answer the questions more directly, Synthetic Oil.
1. Increases the life of the vehicle
2. Gives you better gas milage.
3. You can go much longer between oil changes. 

Pick any one and you have already more made up for the extra cost.

Jon

To the one who says there is nothing in synthetic that makes it last any longer...You have not done your "oil homework" here. Total base number is what makes synthetic last so much longer then petroleum. Acid neutralizers, corrosion inhibiters etc. etc. I use Mobil 1, and Amsoil products and have for 21 years, and they are still the top 2 synthetics to this day, with Amsoil being the top. Am using Mobil 1 in 2001 Caravan since new with 102,000 on the ticker. Going 13,000between changes. Van still runs like new, with same oil consumption it has always had....uses a quart every 4500 miles. Used Amsoil in 1995 Freightliner with Cummins M-11 and never had a problem.Pulled farther with a full load up the same grades before the fan would kick in. Always got hot faster with the Delo-400 petroleum oil. Trust me from my experience with synthetics, they work. I fully agree with Jon in his post. Only time I don't use the stuff is if the engine is using a lot of oil already when I get it, then I run it out on cheap oil and either rebuild or scrap the car .

if you claim that synthetic oil is worth the extra money, then you are saying that regular oil burns 3 times as fast.  i have not heard anyone claim that.  in fact you also state that the only time you use regular oil is if the engine burns alot of oil anyway.

 

i have a 2000 celica and it burns a quart every 800 miles.  i am considering going to a synthetic blend, but if it still is going to burn every 800 miles, there is no reason to switch. 

 Hey Racerx,  I don't know if you are still on this subject but I have been doing tons of research on the subject and would appreciate it if you checked out my educational website on The Synthetic Oil Revolution. 25,000 miles to answer your question with numerous other benefits.  Greg www.SyntheticOilRevolution.com