Is Synthetic Oil Worth It? Ask Rob About Cars

7/3/2016 Is Synthetic Oil Worth It? Ask Rob About Cars | Examiner.com
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LEISURE / AUTOS & MOTORCYCLES / CAR & TRUCK ENTHUSIASTS
See also: car & truck enthusiasts, car advice
Is Synthetic Oil Worth It? Ask Rob About Cars
June 16, 2013
6:45 PM MST
Hi Rob,
Hey, what's your take on synthetic engine oil? My (Kia) Rio is getting close to the first oil/filter change. It only takes 3.5 qts with a new
640 horsepower, 511.5 cubic inches, 8382 cubic centimeters, pushrod V-10. Synthetic oil from the factory, would you switch to a conventional oil?
Rob Eckaus, San Jose Cars Examiner
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filter (huh, I laughed when I saw that in the owners manual). I was thinking of going with synthetic (for the first time on any of my vehicles)
since that small amount would be easy on the old wallet.
I understand that synthetic its even more 'slickery' than conventional oil. True??
Mike M., Mountain View, CA
Hello Mike,
Synthetics are definitely superior for numerous reasons and may extend your change intervals due to their superior protection and life
span. As far as “slickery”, yes despite an equal viscosity rating to a conventional oil, there will be less friction between moving parts.
What is important to know is what your current factory recommended oil change interval
Unless recommended due to a performance engine with extremely tight tolerances, high horsepower, excessive heat, track days, etc., it
would be a waste of money if you keep your change intervals the same. But that is the key, extending your intervals for cost and waste
savings.
I suggest trying a Blackstone Lab analysis for $35 with your conventional oil to see how well it is protecting and if your change interval
can be extended. See how long you can go with conventional oil. Then switch to a quality, full synthetic and have an analysis done again
to find out if a longer interval is possible and cost effective.
Keep in mind severe duty taxi services all over the country regularly see 300,000 miles from their engines and I’m going to go out on a
limb here and guess synthetics are not always used.
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Robert Eckaus
San Jose Cars Examiner