Does anyone use synthetic oil?
By kingparker
@kingparker (9673)
United States
August 3, 2010 6:18pm CST
Today I was having oil change at the local mechanic shop, and I was watching this Auto Advertisement at the moment. It introduces about the Synthetic oil, and it is recommended for the future; even some auto maker recommended it for its own vehicles. Although this synthetic oil is expensive, it will last long, save fuel economy and you don't have to change oil that often. So, I just wonder how many people here ever use it? I asked about that mechanic who was in duty at the moment. He said that they can do it in the shop too, but the price will be 3 or 4 times expensive. It might cost around $100. Is that a truth?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
4 Aug 10
I just got my ford edge and with the first oil change - I tried that oil that Ford recommended, half synthetic half non-synthetic. And the oil got dirty really fast, and the drive wasn't as smooth. So my fiance started using fully synthetic and now my Edge is smooth sailing. I do suggest to learn how to change your own oil and you'll save a bunch of money! It's very easy- even I can do it (yes, I'm a woman). Fortunately though, my fiance does the oil changing for me. Cheers!
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@ElscottHavoc (180)
• United States
4 Aug 10
Yeah, I've noticed that Ford is really pushing the blended oil. I'm not exactly sure why either. When I brought my Mustang in for service they were really demanding about using that type of oil, which is part of the reason I usually do my own so I avoid the hassle of those mechanics. The only reason I can think with the new vehicles is for a break in period, because usually you want to use mineral oil on new engines to break them in so the cylinders don't glaze over, because synthetic is much smoother and "slippery". However, most new cars are already built from the factory to be able to use synthetic.
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@finlander60 (1804)
• United States
5 Dec 10
If you have a Wal-Mart that does oil changes they are usually quite reasonable on the price. I use Mobil-1 full synthetic in our 1991 Mercury Capri convertible and have since we got it. It had 92,000 miles on it at that time. It now has over 150,000 miles on it. I put 10,000 miles on it between oil changes and use the Fram Tough Guard filter on it. I change both at once. I also replaced the drain plug with a MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG, TOO. I have found, and use, an oil additive that has helped raise my fuel mileage from 25MPG to over 36MPG without changing anything else. If anyone wants to find out more about it you may PM me here. If you would rather use E-Mail, mine is: beayaich@yahoo.com
@ElscottHavoc (180)
• United States
4 Aug 10
I use Mobil 1 Synthetic in my Cobra or I should say I used to, then I rebuilt the engine with forged pistons and rods, but anyways, rebuilt engines usually need mineral oil.
That's beside the point, but synthetic is much better for the engine, causes less heat and runs smoother. The whole thing about the oil lasting longer though is pretty sketchy, I wouldn't recommend any oil going longer than 3000-4000 miles on a typical engine.
I usually do my own oil changes, and synthetic is more expensive, but the times I've had it done in the shop, it hasn't exceeded $60. That I suppose depends on location and other factors as well. I recommend it if the car is worth it. If the car is a pile of junk (no offense) just put regular oil in, because you can do that a lot for the cost of synthetic.
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