Author Topic: Synthetic vs. Regular Oil (Read 21494 times)

WpgMonty · « **on:** January 17, 2007, 03:23:27 pm »

I am considering this move as it does seem to be recommended for modern 4 cylinder engines but I have been unable to find a definitive answer as to whether or not I should switch to synthetic oil for the Focus. Even asking at my local Ford dealer prompts different responses from service-writers to mechanics to the Service Manager.

Arghhhhhh...

I don't mind spending the extra money; as it is I get the oil changed far more frequently than recommended, but am I just buying into the hype? Or are there valid reasons to switch to synthetic?

I am so facking confused by all the different answers that I have gotten headaches from too much reading.

I'm not so much looking for a definitive answer (it doesn't exist) but more of a consensus from you, the members of this forum, who seem to possess better than average intelligence and common-sense then most of the other auto-related forums I have visited.

Keep in mind that I live in Winterpeg, where the temperature sometimes dips to -40 C or colder, plus windchill. Three winters ago on two very cold days in January (I think) Winnipeg had the coldest recorded temps on the entire planet. Sometimes in the summer it can be as hot as +38 C at 100% humidity. That's got to be tough on cars!

mdxtasy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:25:54 pm »

Synthetic doesn't gum up into a gel when it's freezing outside. So cold weather starting is easier on the engine.

I use synth in both my cars.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:44:32 pm »

Yeah, if you live in a cold climate it is an easy decision, much easier winter starting. Leave a liter of synthetic and and a liter of conventional out on the back porch next time it is -40. The conventional will be a solid grease, the synth will pour freely.

Somewhere I read a study that measured the time it took for the engine top end to get good lubrication with conventional oil in cold weather, it was surprisingly long, IIRC minutes to thaw out that grease and get it pumping freely. The conclusion was that most engine wear takes place at startup, which kinda ties in to what I was taught how stationary generators and such that run constantly can get tremendous hours between overhauls.

As far as cost goes I subscribe to the double the change interval when using synth philosophy, and have had no problems doing so the last 4 years.

Trainman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:05:07 pm »

When I switched the Pathfinder to synthetic, I noticed right away that it was easier to start, takes half the cranking time.

The Sienna is going synthetic at its next change (of course both are V6's, not 4's but I doubt you would have any issues).

Just make sure you also use a quality filter (I use NAPA Gold). Why spend the money on high quality oil and then use a low quality filter?

safristi · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:08:17 pm »

that's a blessing yer CRANKY enuf as it is.......

mrthompson · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:09:58 pm »

As your Focus is fairly new (and I assume has low kms), there shouldn't be any problem with the switch to synthetic. Problems can occur if switching to synth with an older vehicle with higher kms. The gaskets and seals at this point are generally in poor shape. The 'cleaner', better flowing synthetic can leak past suspect seals and gaskets.

safristi · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:12:31 pm »

..or a BLOWN SEAL...

AVToller · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:41:20 pm »

Synthetic is worth it, in my opinion if you either drive in extreme temperature conditions (as you say you do) or if you do a lot of short (under 10 km) drives from cold. Even living on the Wet Coast I've used synthetic in 3 0f my last 4 cars (didn't bother with the used Escort) since I typically do a lot of short drives. Cheap insurance IMO.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2007, 05:30:37 pm »

Quote from: mrthompson on January 17, 2007, 04:09:58 pm

Problems can occur if switching to synth with an older vehicle with higher kms. The gaskets and seals at this point are generally in poor shape. The 'cleaner', better flowing synthetic can leak past suspect seals and gaskets.

Before I put synthetic in my old Mazda I was apprehensive because of that (350,000 km or so and quite a few oil leaks) but it made no difference. I just went on a 4000 km trip over Christmas with 400,000 on the clock and used maybe a liter. And I am using 0w30, almost as light a weight as it gets.

tpl · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2007, 05:51:14 pm »

I have a suspicion that the 0w-30 is not very different form 5w-30 except in the ultimate cold pour point. Having said that ( without consuilting BITOG) the "german Castrol" 0w-30 is considered a quite superior oil for BMWs with their 25,000 km oil changes and hot running aluminium engines.

this site has the API tables and the Euro An BN numbers you'll find on 0w-30 oils in the same place

http://www.infineum.com/information/consumer.html

curls · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2007, 08:22:41 pm »

If you (WpgMonty) want to try a very good oil, for a great price, locate your nearest Esso Bulk Dealer and buy the required amount of: Esso XD-3 Synthetic. It's available in 0w-30 and it is a very highly regarded oil (moreso than Mobil1, etc... according to many analysis' on BITOG.com). Best part is that its only about $26 for a 4L jug.

It's an 'extended drain' oil, which means it CAN run longer between changes, but for warranty purposes you shouldn't do that as they can deny any future warranty claims. Having said that, I'm out of warranty now (105,000km on my Acura TSX) and am running 12,000 - 14,000km oil changes with this oil. So far so good when coupled with a quality filter (Napa GOLD as someone else mentioned, is a fantastic filter!).

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2007, 08:33:44 pm »

Ah, you caught me out on that poll. I voted 0w30 without seeing the 'regular' label. As far as I know there are no dino oil 0w30's, they are all synthetics.

articsteve · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2007, 09:05:35 pm »

I would also highly recommend esso xd3. Although, prices vary. I buy 12 litres (1 case) for about $60. plus tax. 0W40 is about $68. per 12.

I agree with PJ that there is no 0W30 dino available. Toyota is going to be using a 0W20 dino.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2007, 09:49:07 pm »

Quote from: curls on January 17, 2007, 08:22:41 pm

If you (WpgMonty) want to try a very good oil, for a great price, locate your nearest Esso Bulk Dealer and buy the required amount of: Esso XD-3 Synthetic. It's available in 0w-30 and it is a very highly regarded oil (moreso than Mobil1, etc... according to many analysis' on BITOG.com). Best part is that its only about $26 for a 4L jug.

For anyone living in AB United Farmers of Alberta sells XD-3 as 'UFA Polar Plus synthetic'. The regular price for the 0w30 (my fall change for the Tundra) was $24.25 for 5 liters last Oct.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=59464

yugrus · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2007, 11:09:01 pm »

WpgMonty, depending on how young is your Focus, it might specify 5w20 oil, check your owner's manual.
Your best bet might also depend on how far (and long) do you drive after you fire it up. If your trips are short, 5w20 or 0w20 would be much better for your engine in your weather conditions because the oil does not ever get to operating temperature.
I agree with everyone else about Esso Extra XD-3. I use it currently (0w30), although I wish it was thinner when cold... At cold extremes like yours it will do just fine, but any 5w20 will be even better.
In any case go synthetic!

HeliDriver · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2007, 11:23:13 pm »

I never bothered with synthetic in the Civic - just regular dino changed religiously at 6,000 km intervals. So far, so good - and that's after eight years and 250,000 kms, a fair bit of which were done at 8,000 RPMs on the track.

What I have done the past couple of winters, though, is switch to a semi-synthetic "winter blend" for the colder months. Much easier starting when cold, much cheaper than full synthetic, and so far no problems in switching back and forth with dino oil in the summer.

One other thing, BTW: "wind chill" is totally meaningless as far as your car is concerned. To an inert lump of steel, minus forty is minus forty, no matter how hard (or not) the wind may be blowing.

safristi · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:51:35 am »

changed it(DINO) RELIGIOUSLY!!! than ya musta had a direct line ta GOD inna -25C mornings.............

Psalms 30:50.....and the first shall be last............ to start

yugrus · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:59:44 am »

Quote from: SiRCivic on January 17, 2007, 11:23:13 pm

.... switch to a semi-synthetic "winter blend" for the colder months. Much easier starting when cold...

You noticed that, right? Now let's see what you get in semi-synth bottle. Depending on the brand and type, the oil may contain 5-20% of synthetic fluid in it, being it PAO or hydrocracked Group III synthetic. If you pay considerable premium for this small amount of the good stuff and see improvement, you might very well be better off spending a tad more on reputable synthetic fluid. Your cold- starting results will be much better.

safristi · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2007, 10:10:58 am »

is IT McSivic.....ya cheep Bastard BUY THE W'HOLE SHEEP not just the WOOL over yer eyes........

Trainman · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2007, 10:29:45 am »

Quote from: SiRCivic on January 17, 2007, 11:23:13 pm

One other thing, BTW: "wind chill" is totally meaningless as far as your car is concerned. To an inert lump of steel, minus forty is minus forty, no matter how hard (or not) the wind may be blowing.

If you have an outside temp gauge, you will notice that as well. The radio may be saying it is -27 with the wind chill but the temp gauge will show the actual temp of say -14 (sort of typical for here).

Wind chill is an issue for flesh and blood, not steel and plastic.

Poll

What oil should I put in Mrs. Monty's Ford Focus?

Author Topic: Synthetic vs. Regular Oil (Read 21494 times)

mdxtasy