Engine oil - Regular vs Synthetic - The Facts.
28-May-2010, 02:14 PM
#1
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Engine oil - Regular vs Synthetic - The Facts.
The topic has come up over and over.
Let's finally put some FAQ's to rest.
I'm not going to get into engine oil as per what the different numbers/weights/grades mean (10w30 etc.)... that you can google. What I am going to do is try to answer some of the most faq's about regular vs. synthetic oil with the most basic explanations I can give.
#1. Question: Can you mix or switch between reg and syn, and can you switch back once you start using syn?
Answer: Yes you can mix and switch with either type, without ANY issues, what so ever. Some brands even sell semi-synthetic blends.
#2. Question: What is the difference between reg and syn oil?
Answer: The main/basic difference is that synthetic oil resists break-down under normal as well as more extreme conditions better then regular oil. This allows for a much longer oil change interval. Synthetics are also more versatile when it comes to extreme temperatures. Where with regular oil, to get the best results, you need to use different weights in summer vs winter, with synthetic oil you can use the same weight oil year-round and it's performance will be nearly the same despite the temperature difference. That's not to say you shouldn't use the optimal oil weight according to seasonal temperatures, it's just not as much of an issue with synthetic oil.
When it comes to performance, some will say syn makes more power, some say it makes no difference. Personally I prefer syn for my higher-revving b16 (mainly for the longer oil change interval). After switching back to reg (for reasons I will explain later) I have noticed zero difference in performance and engine/valve-train noise.
The technical answer: It all comes down to the molecular build of the oil. Regular oils, even though they are well-refined, they still contain impurities and contaminates like wax etc. which leads to the build up of sludge over time, and especially if not changed often enough. Regular oils also naturally contain/are made up of uneven and inconsistent molecular size and structural/elastic bonds for a base which allows for easier breakdown and less efficient performance under extreme conditions. Fully synthetic oils are specifically synthesized and designed from scratch to have a more exact and consistent molecular size and (stronger/elastic)bonds to begin with, with next to zero impurities or contaminates. This allows for a much stronger bond between the molecules and the ability to flow, resist breakdown and perform much better under extreme conditions.
#3. Question: Is syn good or bad for an older/higher mileage engine?
Answer: No it is not bad for an older/higher mileage engine. Where the problems tend to show up when switching to syn on an older engine is that the old seals and potential leaks are often plugged by the deposits and build-up of sludge over the years. What happens is syn oil will actually breakdown/clean-up some of that sludge 'n crap and get by those old valve seals and leaks easier, so the leaks and burning of oil can appear worse after switching to full syn. This is why I switched to reg oil in my b16 with 240k on it. It was burning oil at a rate of almost 1L per month at times when using full syn. After switching to regular over a month and a half ago, it has not lost a drop. The only real difference now is I'll have to change my oil more often and if I do need to top up it up between changes, it'll cost me $5 or less instead of $10+.
Now not every engine is in the same condition and not every situation is the same. You may find you'll need to go to a thicker weight oil as well. it all depends on your driving style and condition of your engine.
A lot of newer cars specify to use only synthetic oil. This is because of the molecular structure of syn and it's ability to flow through tighter tolerances and clearances (bearings etc.) more easily and consistently.
#4. Question: Which should I use, reg or syn?
Answer: It's up to you and dependent on how you drive your car, and the age/condition of the engine. If your engine is in good shape and you just daily drive the car and are typically a normal driver (don't beat the crap out of it on a daily basis) you could use either oil. If you are more of an aggressive driver and or track your car regularly, again, you could use either oil, but synthetic will stand up better to the abuse and last longer then reg oil under the same conditions. If you're engine is older or has higher mileage, leaks or burns oil, you would probably be better off with reg oil and may require a thicker weight/grade. Some older/higher-mileage engines can use syn without leaking or burning it off. It all depends on the condition of the engine, it may be fine with full syn.
#5. Question: How often should I change my oil?
Answer: The age-old rule of thumb is every 3 months or 5000kms. The truth is that oil has changed over the years. Even regular oil is better than it was years ago. You can even get away with going 10k between changes with regular oil these days, without any issues. However, your driving style and vehicle use should determine how often you change your oil.
If you're using regular oil and generally drive non-aggressively, you can safely go anywhere between 5-8,000kms+ between changes. If you track your car or drive more aggressively on a daily basis, it's probably a good idea to change it at least every 5000kms.
If you're using synthetic oil, regardless of your driving style you should be able to safely go at least 10-12,000kms+ between oil changes. If you REALLY pound on your car you may have to change it sooner.
The bottom line: Take into account the age/condition of the engine, any major modifications (turbo etc.), the type and amount of driving you do on a regular basis. Generally you can still use either type of oil.
**The most important thing is to keep it topped up and make sure it is changed at regular intervals.**
Any other questions not already answered regarding regular vs synthetic oil, feel free to ask!
Thanks for reading.
Let's finally put some FAQ's to rest.
I'm not going to get into engine oil as per what the different numbers/weights/grades mean (10w30 etc.)... that you can google. What I am going to do is try to answer some of the most faq's about regular vs. synthetic oil with the most basic explanations I can give.
#1. Question: Can you mix or switch between reg and syn, and can you switch back once you start using syn?
Answer: Yes you can mix and switch with either type, without ANY issues, what so ever. Some brands even sell semi-synthetic blends.
#2. Question: What is the difference between reg and syn oil?
Answer: The main/basic difference is that synthetic oil resists break-down under normal as well as more extreme conditions better then regular oil. This allows for a much longer oil change interval. Synthetics are also more versatile when it comes to extreme temperatures. Where with regular oil, to get the best results, you need to use different weights in summer vs winter, with synthetic oil you can use the same weight oil year-round and it's performance will be nearly the same despite the temperature difference. That's not to say you shouldn't use the optimal oil weight according to seasonal temperatures, it's just not as much of an issue with synthetic oil.
When it comes to performance, some will say syn makes more power, some say it makes no difference. Personally I prefer syn for my higher-revving b16 (mainly for the longer oil change interval). After switching back to reg (for reasons I will explain later) I have noticed zero difference in performance and engine/valve-train noise.
The technical answer: It all comes down to the molecular build of the oil. Regular oils, even though they are well-refined, they still contain impurities and contaminates like wax etc. which leads to the build up of sludge over time, and especially if not changed often enough. Regular oils also naturally contain/are made up of uneven and inconsistent molecular size and structural/elastic bonds for a base which allows for easier breakdown and less efficient performance under extreme conditions. Fully synthetic oils are specifically synthesized and designed from scratch to have a more exact and consistent molecular size and (stronger/elastic)bonds to begin with, with next to zero impurities or contaminates. This allows for a much stronger bond between the molecules and the ability to flow, resist breakdown and perform much better under extreme conditions.
#3. Question: Is syn good or bad for an older/higher mileage engine?
Answer: No it is not bad for an older/higher mileage engine. Where the problems tend to show up when switching to syn on an older engine is that the old seals and potential leaks are often plugged by the deposits and build-up of sludge over the years. What happens is syn oil will actually breakdown/clean-up some of that sludge 'n crap and get by those old valve seals and leaks easier, so the leaks and burning of oil can appear worse after switching to full syn. This is why I switched to reg oil in my b16 with 240k on it. It was burning oil at a rate of almost 1L per month at times when using full syn. After switching to regular over a month and a half ago, it has not lost a drop. The only real difference now is I'll have to change my oil more often and if I do need to top up it up between changes, it'll cost me $5 or less instead of $10+.
Now not every engine is in the same condition and not every situation is the same. You may find you'll need to go to a thicker weight oil as well. it all depends on your driving style and condition of your engine.
A lot of newer cars specify to use only synthetic oil. This is because of the molecular structure of syn and it's ability to flow through tighter tolerances and clearances (bearings etc.) more easily and consistently.
#4. Question: Which should I use, reg or syn?
Answer: It's up to you and dependent on how you drive your car, and the age/condition of the engine. If your engine is in good shape and you just daily drive the car and are typically a normal driver (don't beat the crap out of it on a daily basis) you could use either oil. If you are more of an aggressive driver and or track your car regularly, again, you could use either oil, but synthetic will stand up better to the abuse and last longer then reg oil under the same conditions. If you're engine is older or has higher mileage, leaks or burns oil, you would probably be better off with reg oil and may require a thicker weight/grade. Some older/higher-mileage engines can use syn without leaking or burning it off. It all depends on the condition of the engine, it may be fine with full syn.
#5. Question: How often should I change my oil?
Answer: The age-old rule of thumb is every 3 months or 5000kms. The truth is that oil has changed over the years. Even regular oil is better than it was years ago. You can even get away with going 10k between changes with regular oil these days, without any issues. However, your driving style and vehicle use should determine how often you change your oil.
If you're using regular oil and generally drive non-aggressively, you can safely go anywhere between 5-8,000kms+ between changes. If you track your car or drive more aggressively on a daily basis, it's probably a good idea to change it at least every 5000kms.
If you're using synthetic oil, regardless of your driving style you should be able to safely go at least 10-12,000kms+ between oil changes. If you REALLY pound on your car you may have to change it sooner.
The bottom line: Take into account the age/condition of the engine, any major modifications (turbo etc.), the type and amount of driving you do on a regular basis. Generally you can still use either type of oil.
**The most important thing is to keep it topped up and make sure it is changed at regular intervals.**
Any other questions not already answered regarding regular vs synthetic oil, feel free to ask!
Thanks for reading.
Last edited by MPR; 08-Jun-2010 at 11:28 AM.
08-Jun-2010, 04:25 PM
#2
I don't know if it's just a myth or what but i heard its really bad on a motor to go from synthetic to conventional?
this really doesn't support it too much due to he lack of knowledge some of them have... but even the air heads at crappy tire agreed that once you go synthetic its recommended that you continue rather than going back to regular.... can u verify?
this really doesn't support it too much due to he lack of knowledge some of them have... but even the air heads at crappy tire agreed that once you go synthetic its recommended that you continue rather than going back to regular.... can u verify?
08-Jun-2010, 08:20 PM
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Where my car is.
Posts: 5,460
I don't know if it's just a myth or what but i heard its really bad on a motor to go from synthetic to conventional?
this really doesn't support it too much due to he lack of knowledge some of them have... but even the air heads at crappy tire agreed that once you go synthetic its recommended that you continue rather than going back to regular.... can u verify?
this really doesn't support it too much due to he lack of knowledge some of them have... but even the air heads at crappy tire agreed that once you go synthetic its recommended that you continue rather than going back to regular.... can u verify?
Otherwise, there is NO risk what so ever. You are free to change your oil with whatever oil you want, anytime.
There is no reason if you are running synthetic, you can't switch to conventional. Heck, I just did it and my engine is still running as good as the day it was made...lol
What was their explanation behind their reasoning? Why did they say you can't switch back?
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