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The age long battle between synthetics, synthetic blends, and regular motor oil continues to rage on. Several advancements have been made in motor oil technology that extend life of the engine, oil, and reduction of thermal breakdown. Motor oil is also designed to cool down the engine. Most high performance vehicles use some variation of an oil cooler. Oil is the life blood of your engine. Before using motor oil, consider the following information in this article.
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"Motor oil, or engine oil, is an oil used for lubrication of various internal combustion engines. While the main function is to lubricate moving parts, motor oil also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine by carrying heat away from the moving parts. Motor oils are derived from petroleum and non-petroleum synthesized chemical compounds used to make synthetic oil. Motor oil mostly consists of hydrocarbons, organic compounds consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen." - wikipedia
Viscosity
Motor oil is designed to lubricate, clean, cool, prevent, and protect. There are lots of choices when it comes to using motor oil. Each engine requires a different type viscosity, but most run on 10w 30. "Oil weight, or viscosity, refers to how thick or thin the oil is. The temperature requirements set for oil by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is 0 degrees F (low) and 210 degrees F (high). Oils meeting the SAE's low temperature requirements have a "W" after the viscosity rating (example: 10W), and oils that meet the high ratings have no letter (example SAE 30). An oil is rated for viscosity by heating it to a specified temperature, and then allowing it to flow out of a specifically sized hole. Its viscosity rating is determined by the length of time it takes to flow out of the hole. If it flows quickly, it gets a low rating. If it flows slowly, it gets a high rating."- autoeducation.com
Types of motor oil
Synthetic
Synthetic oil was created by German scientists during the 1930's and 1940's to supplement the need of crude oil in various military applications. During the 1950's and 1960's synthetic oil reached a further customer base by becoming of use to aviation enthusiasts. Finally, during the 1970's the synthetic oil formulations were offered to consumers for automotive use. It took nearly 40 years for synthetic oil to make it from theory to your auto parts shelf.
The molecules of synthetic oil are made to be soft and therefore maintain viscosity at higher temperatures. Their molecular structure are branched, and keep the oil flowing in cooler temperatures. The molecular design allows higher and lower temperatures with a lower pour point. Due to their nature, synthetic oils do not need to use viscosity index improvement chemicals. Viscosity index improvement chemicals are the ones that typically break down and cause damage, wear, etc. This is why synthetic oil lasts longer than standard oil; there is less chemicals that are susceptible to break down.
Synthetics due to their amazing nature have taken over lubrication liquids for nearly every moving part on a vehicle. You can find synthetics everywhere, as they are readily available along side standard motor oil. Synthetic is usually more expensive that standard motor oil, but only by a couple of dollars per oil change. Synthetic oils are better overall than standard oils.
The design of synthetic oils does have one flaw; extreme penetration ability can sometimes cause seepage or oil leaks. Older cars, and cars under 10,000 miles are typical to have seepage or leaks from using synthetic oils. Synthetic oil is not recommended to be used in new vehicles under 10,000 miles.
Synthetic blend
Synthetic blend formulas contain a mixture of standard oil and synthetic oil that is mixed with additional chemicals. Synthetic blends have been developed with a unique blend of premium synthetic and conventional base oils with advanced additive technology. Synthetic blend is not as good as full synthetic, and it is marketed to people that can not decide which type of oil to choose. It is also used for those that want to transition from synthetic to standard or vise versa.
Synthetic blend provides increased protection for "tough driving conditions" such as stop and go traffic, frequent trips, hauling, and towing, which place extra stress and demands on your engine just like full synthetics, but also contain additives that break down sooner than a full synthetic oil. Synthetic blends are also much cheaper in price than full synthetics, allowing budget consumers to gain some benefits of synthetic with out paying the full price. Synthetic blend is also a good choice if your car leaks with use of full synthetics.
The profiting side of synthetic blend is that is serves several markets and allows oil producers to introduce chemical additives. By using chemical additives, they have to pump less oil out of the ground per drop of oil used in your car. Synthetic blends and full synthetic oils are a great way to help protect the environment and reduce the oil energy strain. Companies make more money, and help solve the energy crises at the same time by using synthetic and synthetic blended oils.
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Conventional oil
Pumped straight out of mother earth, this oil is made from old dinosaurs and decayed plant matter. The chemical composition is not as exact as synthetic blends and can have contaminants, debris, and other impurities.After it is pumped out of the ground, chemical additives are introduced to help fight thermal breakdown and maintain viscosity levels. Cleaning agents are also introduced into the oil.
Conventional oil leaves behind waxes, and other residue which forms oil sludge in your engine. Oil sludge is a leading cause of engines being blown. Oil sludge will clog your oil lines, pump, and spray nozzles resulting in uneven lubrication through out moving parts in your engine. The parts heat up, and friction wears them down to being not of use. Piston rings are usually the first to go when oil sludge starts attacking your car. You can see thick black smoke coming out of the exhaust as the combustion cycle burns oil left behind on the cylinder wall.
Switching from conventional oils to synthetics is not always the best idea. For cars with sludge issues, switching to a synthetic blend can cause these chunks of sludge to break loose and clog oil lines, pump, etc. If your car suffers from oil sludge, it's recommended you remove as much sludge as possible before converting to synthetic. Clean your oil pan, pump, lines, and crank case before converting older vehicles from conventional to synthetic oils.
Brands of motor oil
There is plenty of motor oil companies out there to choose from. It can be a difficult task to pick which one is the best. Everyone has their own opinion about brands of oil. There are a couple of things to consider when choosing an engine oil.
- History
- Credibility
- Market situation
- Car manufacturer's preference
The history of every oil company should be investigated before you decide to use their oil in your vehicle. Vehicles are one of the most expensive investments of your life time, and the oil you choose is the life of your engine. Several oil companies have bad reputations for things they have done in the past regarding their oil. Some companies have used bad mixtures, inadequate lubrication properties, faulty chemicals, and other neglectful choices that lead to harm of your engine.
Credibility of the oil company you choose should be on the top of your list. Consider using the major oil companies that racing teams use. Racing teams should be your first indication of the quality of the oil you are considering to use in your vehicle. Of course there are the big name teams supporting garbage oil, but look into amateur racing teams and see what they say. These teams are on very tight budgets and will only use the best oil possible.
Also, talk to other car enthusiasts that have turbo forced induction vehicles. Owners of turbo cars that take special care in choosing oil will always know what the best oil to use is. Turbo forced induction vehicles put oil to the test by the heat created. If oil can withstand a highly tuned turbo vehicle, it's a good bet it's safe to use in the average car.
The market situation and current economic problems can cause oil companies to short change the consumer by adding chemicals that reduce the amount of oil per gallon purchased. This increase of additives reduces the life of the oil by creating more molecules that are susceptible to thermal breakdown and degradation. Larger companies aren't always the best choice, because the bigger they are the harder they fall. When times are tough, all businesses tighten up and secure profits. Don't let your motor oil become a victim of profiteering.
What is the best motor oil?
I drive a turbo forced induction vehicle and have been conducting research about oil for several years. It is my opinion that "Mobil 1" full synthetic is the best motor oil for the money while "Royal Purple" synthetic is the best motor oil over all. Royal Purple synthetic is chosen by several racing and rally teams as their lubrication of choice. Mobil 1 is a highly regarded racing lubricant used in all forms of motor sports. The big guys choose Mobil 1, while the small racing teams and avid sports car enthusiasts prefer Royal Purple. If you can afford the Royal Purple, get it.
Either way, I strictly prefer synthetic oils over conventional and blend. Synthetic oils are made in a laboratory and therefore as close to perfect chemical composition as possible. Less amount of additives in synthetic oil also create a more stable lubricating product than that of counter parts containing several additives, detergents, etc. Synthetic oil also does not create as much energy strain on the environment because the oil you are using is not pumped out of the ground; it's made in a lab.
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Video content: Why is Royal Purple the best?
Mobil 1
Valvoline
Comments
Hey Michael,
I've been using Kandal for my 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider and 89 Milano. The reason is that Mobil 1 was too thin and leaked everywhere. Yes, I know old Italians leak oil. When I switched to Kandal, it stopped leaking and after seeing other engine running 40,000 miles with it, I was impressed. The pistons were clean as were the valves. So far it has proven to be a good oil for my older cars. I use Mobil1 for my wife's 2003 Subaru.
What about oil filters. I've heard great things about Wixx. Thanks, Nick
Nick,
Thanks for the comment. I really like your car. When I was growing up, my uncle had an alfa that we would take to the lakes. Ahh fond memories! The mobil one leaks a bit in my subaru too, the problem is that it penetrates too well. It can cause minor leak issues but these leaks don't affect performance and are classified as seepage. Kendal has a good race history behind it, and they have been around for a while. I like Kendal oil too, I find they are good for use in Marine engines b/c like your issue kendal oil won't leak as bad. Nothing is nastier than an oily engine hull. It gets in the fiberglass, and it starts to wear down the chemical bond.
As far as oil filters go, I would stay away from FRAM. I used FRAM for the longest time until I heard from someone about them leaving deposits in the filters. So the next time I bought a FRAM filter, I sprayed it out with the air compressor under good lighting. I could not believe how much crap came out of that filter. I did the same test on a K&N oil filter and didn't see anything come out. I suggest using K&N oil filters b/c they have a longer oil change rate, and they don't have the deposits found in FRAM and other sub-par oil filter elements. It was a sad day to see old orange go, I'm still rather upset about the lack of quality from such a reknown product.
AMSOIL, the leader in automotive synthetic lubrication, produced the world’s first API qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972. Trust the extensive experience of AMSOIL The First in Synthetics® to do the best job protecting your vehicle.
Synthetic Oil Technology LLC
SyntheticOilDistributor . com
Lubrication Engineers
LE
I vote for Motul motor oil!!!
I have used Mobile 1, Castrol Synthetic, Penzoil Synthetic, Quaker State Synthetic and Valvoline Synthetic. Mobile 1 was the main brand I used and I began using Valvoline Synthetic and in my opinion Valvoline is the best Synthetic oil on the market. I have used in a older truck that the all others burned and in a 2000 Expedition switched from Mobile 1 to Valvoline Synthetic and the mileage increased 2 mpg and on a out of town trip the truck reached 18.3 mpg for the first time and it was using Valvoline Synthetic. I have talked to mechanics who swear by Valvoline as being the best and after all my testing from a 1985 Chevy truck, 1996 Chevy truck, 1989 Maxima, 2000 Mustang, 2000 Expedition, 2001 Lexus, 2004 Mistubishi, 2004 VW that I tested all these top oil brands in...Valvoline has been the top performer. I had a larger Cam put into my 1985 Chevy that the mechanic said he had not seen an engine with 160,000 miles that was so clean from gunk, sludge, and wear. I now have a VW TDI & I
Imteresting. If you want to use a true Synthetic Motor oil then there are only a couple choices. Castrol, Penzoil, Quaker State and Valvoline are not true synthetics. They are group 3 hydrocracked Dino oil.
Valvoline is the best, many mechanics swear by it & the only oil I will use.I now have a VW TDI & I wish that the U.S. auto makers would move from the hybrids & follow the Germans in the Clean TDI technology that last 300,000 miles getting 48 mpg. I think Mobile 1 is more hype that actual protection & all the manufactures should start using Valvoline Synthetic off the line. As for fuel, I stay away from old station and off name brand stations after using a Wal-Mart one fuel station one day that ended up being bad fuel costing me $600 in repairs. Phillips 66 has a pretty good fuel & Mobile/Exxon. My truck clatters on Cheveron and Shell has had many independant stations that have had large amounts of water in the tanks.Also beware as we have caught many of the stations empty the lines into a bucket and despense it into the supreme tank which last happened while I was at a Cheveron. I do have serious concerns in what damage the added ethenol could be causing to engines and now new data is
The Best Oil Is Valvoline Synthetic (Stay away from oil additives) and for Fuel is Barrymans-B12. Every 3,000 miles run a tank of Supreme fuel with 1-2 cans of Barrymans-B12, but be sure to where gloves but it will completely clean your fuel system.The best fuel stations are Phillips 66,Exxon/Mobile,but be cautious of the discount fuel dealers.Many Shell stations had found to have high water content.I have serious concerns of the damage that added ethanol could be doing to engines & data is now saying it pollutes worse.I have not had good results with Cheveron.Run Valvoline Full Synthetic every 5k & use quality fuel with a can of Barrymans-B12 every 3k miles & you should add to engine life and top performance.
Amsoil is by far the best many tests have proven this. The first to make synthetic for vehicles in 1972. Royal purple rated in the middle of these tests.
I'll tell it like it is guys- A well built japanese or german
engine can handle even cheap oil and last a long time so in
essence it does not matter which brand of oil you use. So go out
and buy a quality built vehicle and have peace of mind!!...
That's simply not a true statement... Any well cared for vehicle will last a long time, and any car that isn't taken care of well, will not.
A family friend has a GMC SUV and it had 303k miles and has never had an issue. Engine and transmission oil changes regularly and besides that it hasn't needed anything besides standard wear items. Alternator, starters, etc. stuff that normally dies after a lot of cycles.
Petro-Canada, a brand of Suncor Energy makes the best full synthetic motor oils. The base oil is refined to 99.9% pure. No other oil company comes close. Nice try.
How does everybody feel about ultra class synthetics like Castrol Edge and Pennzoil Ultra? Mobil, Valvoline, and Amsoil don't make anything like those. Castrol Edge claims to have 8x better wear protection than Mobil 1, and 4x better wear protection than Royal Purple. First of all, is this credible? Second of all, can anybody contest to this? I am looking for the best for my street/strip 78 camaro Z28 that I just built a 500hp 350cu.in. (5.7L V8 for you european guys, no disrespect intended) for. I just want the best for my baby.
Heck yeah American muscle all the way! I've had the most luck with Castrol GTX High Mileage cause my motor's a lil older but I have been very happy with Castrol.
No doubt that Mobil 1 is the best engine oil all around the world. I have been driving for more than 30 years and I have used almost all brands. My last car a 2009 Fiat Doblo. The Fiat facroty recommends Selenia Oil but when it is time to change oil I will put Mobil 1. Probably Castrol Edge comes as second after Mobil 1.
Devrim Sinan Karavelioglu
I spent many years rebuilding engines. The only oil I will not use is Penzoil. All the engines I repaired that used Penzoil had abput 1/2" to 1" of gray crud that collected in the bottom of the engine which caused the oil pick up tube to be covered by the crud and early failure. I prefer Castrol oil because it does not have a chemical that turns the oil black when the engine heats up. I don't change my oil until it breaks down. I check the ph and particulate metal particals. I add oil as needed and change the oil filter. My cars have gone up to 350,000 miles between oil changes. So much for 3,000 mile oil changes. I drive Fords because there engines are well made. Never had to rebuild a Ford engine.
I agree with that claim. Through my experiences with cars, I have had good luck with Castrol, Mobil 1, and Valvoline. From what I hear from other mechanics, Royal Purple, and Red Line are supposed to be very good for wear protection. On the other hand, I will never again use Penzoil. As John said, it leaves this gunk in your oil pan. Try to use Synthetic Oils as much as possible because they raise you fuel economy as well as better protection.
I too am an AMSOIL Dealer, proven lubes for just about every application.
Check out my website
www.lubedealer.com/countryman
LE then Amsoil!!!!
I recomend not to use Sam's club gasoline ( Wal Mart)
Ricky-- that's a random statement.. Did you find my card at the pump? If so give me a call I'd like to hear what you have to say.
Red Line - ester based synthetic. Ester based synthetics are the only oils that can withstand the demands of jet engines, highly attracted to metal surfaces, best engine lubricant available. Overkill? Maybe, but cheaper than and superior to other products being represented here as the best.
i use cooking oil that's the best and when I ran out of corn oil I just drain some of it from my NSX then I continue to fry my frys never fails
Red Line is the oil I've seen with my own eyes out perform many other well known oil manufactures in my motorcycle.
As for wear protection goes amsoil is the best then castrol gtx then roil purple. Its been proven in many tests check out youtube.
What do you think about Brad Penn Lubricants? I understand that their oil is the only 100% American Oil Product on the market. Their Racing Oil rivals Royal Purple and is recommended by some of the top Cam Builders
What do you think about Brad Penn Lubricants? I understand that their oil is the only 100% American Oil Product on the market. Their Racing Oil rivals Royal Purple and is recommended by some of the top Cam Builders
Brad Penn Oil is an excellent oil. I use it in everything
Amsoil is by far the best oil on the market they warrant their oil and filters to 25,000 miles for cars. how many other oils can stand behind that they are the first in synthetics. They also have documented case where the oil has gone over 400,000 miles between oil changes. The oil is designed to last and maintain its characteristics. For more info on got to www.Amsoil.com and find out for yourselves how it can save you considerable amount of money in maintenance and fuel costs. If you think it is for you, you are welcome to email me and I can answer any of your questions and send you any information about your application. tjones_amsoil@yahoo.com
Amsoil - http://www.SyntheticOilDistributor.com
Kendall motor oil
I use Valeline Hair tonic from my Dad's Barber Shop. I've used it on Motorcycles, Corvettes, and Pontiac G6 GXP without issues. I switched from Vitalis with V-7 to Vaseline Hair Tonic because it smells better and I can use it for a lubricant on a date.
wait.. you are using hair tonic for motor oil? Seriously? email me about this please michaelberenis@hotmail.com
schaeffer oil all the way, they have been around since 1869 , they just dont spend all there money on advertising but instead in there oil, thats why the price is still very reasonable but i say read up on it , and see for your self.
my personal opinion is use prolong oil use it in my lancia delta integrale 8 valve turbo reduces temps and also guarantees your engine for life.
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