What kind of engine oil do you use in your car—petroleum-based or synthetic and why?
TLT Sounding Board June 2017
© Can Stock Photo / ifong
There are many oils to choose from, but TLT readers give the nod to synthetic over traditional petroleum-based products—36% versus 9%. Most TLT readers choose synthetic oil because of its better protection, extreme-temperature performance and longer fill intervals, while others choose traditional petroleum products for price considerations. Most readers suggest going by OEM recommendations when choosing oil. Readers differ significantly on the topic of how often to change oil. One notes, “It is important to change the oil and lubricate the vehicle, but less frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation is probably fine.” Many readers stand by the traditional “every three months or 3,000 miles” rule, while at least one says that rule is bogus.
Synthetic because that has been prescribed by the car/engine manufacturer.
Petroleum-based because of availability.
Synthetic—I have an understanding of the benefits to cold-weather and hot-weather performance. I watch for sales, and that helps to control the cost difference versus traditional.
Traditional, low cost.
Petroleum-based. Cost.
Part synthetic (dexos®).
Synthetic, as it’s easy starting and best for extreme cold weather.
Synthetic due to life span.
Semi-synthetic so as to get the benefit of part synthetic without the cost of a full synthetic.
Synthetic, less wear and lower friction.
I try to use synthetic because this oil has the better oxidation stability, viscosity index, lower sulfur, etc.
Synthetic-based—OEM requirement.
Synthetic. Gives extra protection at higher temperatures and extended oil life. Also decreases my environmental footprint.
Synthetic. It came factory filled and recommended to continue and allows for more kilometers per change.
Petroleum-based because the car has an oil change reminder that I use, has a parameter to proceed with the oil change and is based on the performance of the engine using petroleum-based oil.
Synthetic because of its longevity and performance over time.
I favor synthetic based on Group III. I live in Canada and find it packs a good punch of performance enhancements (including low temperature) without PAO pricing.
Synthetic—longer oil drain intervals and better protection.
Petroleum. Synthetics are overpriced for the advantages they provide with longer drain interval.
Just switched to synthetic for better protection and longer replacement time.
Traditional. It is cheaper.
5W-30 traditional oil for newer car; semi-synthetic for older car. I use the semi-synthetic in the older car to increase elastomers (seal swell). I realize that not all semi-synthetics increase elastomers swell.
Synthetic—I’ve always gone 10,000 miles between changes and never had a problem after 200,000 miles. Life’s too short to spend it changing your oil.
Toyota: Traditional 5W-30 mineral oil as per spec. Mazda: Synthetic 0W-20 as per manual.
Petroleum-based. That’s what the mechanic in the shop I use puts in the car. It’s a high-mileage oil.
5W-30. Usually traditional because it’s cheaper.
Synthetic for extended drain interval and convenience (fewer times to change oil).
Synthetic engine oil—recommended by the car manufacturer, and I believe it provides better protection and fuel economy. My car engine has lasted without repair for 11 years.
Petroleum-based multigrade engine oil. It works well for me and above the API quality spec by the car maker.
Synthetic—longer drain intervals, better viscosity endurance and better wear prevention.
Whatever the manufacturer put in the car. My cars are always under full warranty and it is to the manufacturer’s advantage to use the best for the vehicle.
Synthetic because it is engineered to not break down as quickly.
Traditional. Had motor go 500,000 miles with mineral oil (changed oil every 5,000 miles).
Traditional—I use synthetic blend and change oil around 3,500 miles. Most of those miles are in town. I can’t justify using higher priced synthetic oil because of the low mileage; contamination will be the same no matter what.
Synthetic. OEM recommendation.
Conventional—as it is what my vehicle came from the factory with (still fairly new). Looking at switching to synthetic blend once I have hit a certain mileage range.
Synthetic. The vehicle is new (2016 model), and I want the best performing engine oil. The synthetic also provides a longer drain interval.
Traditional—it’s an old vehicle and not worth the extra cost of synthetic.
Synthetic. Handles everything better.
Synthetic because it lasts longer.
Petroleum-based. Never had a problem related to the engine oil.
Synthetic. It is recommended by the manufacturer.
Traditional. Allows me to have my car looked at more frequently.
Synthetic—for reduced oxidation and longer drain interval. Higher viscosity index offers wider operational temperature range, quicker startup at low temperatures and optimal film thickness under severe conditions.
I use oils that meet my engine’s requirement. If it calls for dexos1™, then it’s usually a synthetic blend or full synthetic. If it simply calls for an API SN, then it’s a conventional mineral oil.
Synthetic. I drive about 40,000 miles per year, own my car and want to use a premium engine lubricant.
Synthetic in newer vehicle. High mileage oil in older vehicles. Synthetic for better cold and hot performance, high mileage to reduce consumption.
Traditional. Because they already have plenty of Group III/IV in them compared to synthetics. I don’t expect significant engine oil life of synthetics.
Synthetic—better protection and longer life.
Petroleum-based. Just because of habit.
Synthetic. Lasts longer between required oil changes based on lubricant condition rather than car oil management system.
What advice do you give friends when they ask you about changing their car engine oil and lubricating other parts of the vehicle?
Use an oil that meets the requirements set out in their owner’s manual.
Follow the instructions of the engine manufacturer and use preferentially a premium oil.
Regular change of oil.
The best advice is do it on time and make sure you have a good quality, highly rated filter.
Get routine testing done on your engine oil to see potential problems before they cause any damage.
Follow OEM recommendations.
Change regularly and check the oil levels.
Follow the manual.
This is a key discipline for car maintenance: Either change your oil at least annually or your engine every three years—the choice is yours!
Use quality oils.
Use high-performance oils to minimize waste. Take care of the environment and follow all the requirements in terms of waste and renewal.
Follow OEM specification in the handbook.
A short-trip vehicle should have an oil change every 3,000 miles. A vehicle that is used for long trips should go no longer than 5,000 miles between oil changes. Always use an OEM oil filter.
Three months or 3,000 miles or go synthetic.
Stick with the OEM’s recommendations.
It is important to change the oil and lubricate the vehicle, but less frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation is probably fine.
An oil change every three to six months, other grease fittings if possible, other fluids as needed.
Change the oil more frequently than recommended to remove contaminants.
Read your owner’s manual and follow its recommendations.
Use synthetics and perform service regularly.
Read your owner’s manual. Then get an understanding of what your OEM considers “severe service.”
Consider using a real synthetic for longer life and low-temperature fluidity.
Clean fluids make an engine last and perform.
Always use synthetics due to higher engine temperatures and fuel economy benefits.
Follow the OEM intervals. Buy a name brand and a synthetic if possible.
Use a good name brand oil that suits your driving needs.
Use synthetic to increase drain interval.
Although newer oils do not need to be changed as frequently, 5,000 miles is a good comfortable distance to change oil and easy to remember from odometer reading.
I tell them that synthetic oil is the way to go.
Older cars can use traditional oils of the right viscosity. For extreme cold, hot and trailer towing I recommend a full synthetic. Newer cars follow manual.
The old every 3,000 miles rule is bogus.
Use a reputable brand of engine oil—make sure it meets current vehicle requirements. Other parts of the vehicle need to be lubricated based on the manufacturer recommendations or more often if driving conditions warrant it. In the event of a major incident (e.g., vehicle exposed to flood waters) all of the lubricated points should be rechecked.
Engine oil change: (1.) Every 3,000 miles with filter change. (2.) Change filter only at 3,000 miles and add quart of oil. Run to 5,000 miles.
Stop changing it so often but consider changing filters more.
Always go with synthetics due to the enhanced performance.
Change oil when engine oil monitor shows 10% life.
In the fleet of 300, low-use, low-mileage vehicles that I manage, my advice is to run synthetic blend oil and change it at scheduled intervals.
Use the highest quality engine oil and other lubricants possible. The added cost is small compared to the cost of repairs!
Follow the OEM recommendations, with the exception of older vehicles and vehicles that operate in demanding conditions. Both are better off with shorter oil change intervals.
Use synthetics when possible.
Change it and the filters regularly.
Use synthetic—burns cleaner and lasts longer.
Depends on their driving and driving conditions.
Use a branded product and make sure it is the correct viscosity for your engine.
You get what you pay for. Don’t go cheap when purchasing lubricants for your second-most valuable tangible asset after your home.
Consider the weather parameters you deal with for your car and the intensity of how you use your car.
Use heavy-duty diesel engines oils to get better protection and longer oil life.
Change every 5,000 miles and use a synthetic. Still the cheapest thing you can buy for your car.
Beware the quick lubes and dealers that don’t use recognizable name-branded products.
Synthetic every 7,500 miles.
Synthetics give the best overall bang for the buck and deliver better performance.
Don’t worry about changing it too often or “pushing out the oil.” Better for the engine if oil is changed more often.
How do you decide which engine oil to put in your vehicle?
I let the service mechanic decide.
16%
I make the decision and inform the mechanic.
37%
I go with the least expensive oil.
2%
I go with the most expensive oil.
0%
I always use petroleum-based oil.
9%
I always use synthetic.
36%
Based on responses sent to 13,000 TLT readers.
If you could design an “ideal” engine oil for a car, truck or other large vehicle, what would you make? What properties would it have?
It would be inexpensive and meet all the performance requirements of the vehicle engine.
Low friction, low wear.
A synthetic that could run a very long time (40,000 km)—it could be expensive, but the long-term savings in labor and disposal costs as well as the engine protection offered, would offset the higher costs.
An oil that is sustainable and low cost. Great shear stability and oxidation control.
It would be shear stable oil.
Good efficiency and small wear. Small footprint to the environment.
Synthetic, lowest possible viscosity for input energy efficiency, long life and good antiwear.
Something with no harmful emissions.
High tribological performances. Environmentally friendly.
Very high viscosity index to balance cold starts with increased ring/cylinder lubrication.
Long wear with reduced breakdown over time.
I think the current engine lubricant formulas are very good products. Unfortunately only OEM personnel know the lubrication failure points within their engines.
Lowest friction coefficient, no effect on emissions control equipment, high oxidation stability, excellent wear protection and complete deposit control.
A synthetic that would have an extremely long life span that provided lubrication at startup.
Something that has the proper levels of protection for wear, emissions and fuel economy for the vehicle and its class/intensity of service.
Low viscosity synthetic to capture fuel economy benefit and longer oil life.
Thermal stability, high viscosity index.
Need to balance performance versus cost. A technically ideal engine oil would be too expensive for most consumers.
The present oils are very good and certainly much better than earlier versions.
Long drain interval, better fuel economy.
Oils need to be tailored for individual cars. Ideal oils these days are trending toward lower viscosity, and engine design is evolving to make best use of low viscosity oils.
It would have a renewable fuel source (i.e., solar), which has an unlimited number of recharging stations.
Something that would allow me to change it every 25,000 miles or so and not violate my car warranty.
What is currently available meets my engine’s needs.
An oil that works for all applications. One for gas engines and one for diesels.
It would be the right chemical composition based on the heat and wear properties of the engine. It would be long lasting and protective to the gears and other components.
Extended use period.
Diesel engine with time delay on startup to allow the engine oil pressure to come to the normal range by using an electric oil pump.
Long lasting and would not need to change the oil filter as much.
Roughly what we have today. I want to change oil twice a year. Most synthetic 5W-30s provide what I need.
An oil with strong properties for oxidation and long drain intervals. Cost must be very cheap.
Excellent detergency, long life, cool operating temperatures, improved fuel economy.
More consideration for after-use purposes like recycling.
How often do you change the engine oil in your car or truck?
Every 3,000-5,000 miles
24%
Every 5,000-8,000 miles
44%
Every 8,000-12,000 miles
23%
> 12,000 miles
9%
Whenever it looks dark and dirty
0%
Based on responses sent to 13,000 TLT readers.
Editor’s Note: Sounding Board is based on an email survey of 13,000 TLT readers. Views expressed are those of the respondents and do not reflect the opinions of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. STLE does not vouch for the technical accuracy of opinions expressed in Sounding Board, nor does inclusion of a comment represent an endorsement of the technology by STLE.