[Webmaster]

What's everyone's take on synthetic oil? I used it in my last new vehicle (a 98 F-150). I used Mobil 1 synthetic for years but then decided it wasn't worth it in the end because I sold it with 50K miles on it 6 years later. I did some Google searches and some Dodge motors (2.7L engine I think) had sludge problems and in many cases DCX blamed the owners for lack of maintenance. So I'm a little paranoid about having a similar problem.

Regular 5W20 oil is $3.99/L and Mobil 1 is $8.99/L. So there's quite a price difference. But I only need 5L which is less than my old vehicle.

I guess I'll see how much the dealer wants for an oil change and that will help me decide what to do 8)

 

[curt]

Try using an oil that is partially synthetic. Cost should be less than full synthetic, but witha similar result.

 

[Pro-Pain]

Opinions are like assholes right? lol

In my car before the compass I ran a semi syn oil. mainly because I lived very close to work and the car never had a chance to get up to temp. same as when we'd go "downtown" or to the grocery store, I'd also get my oil changed a lot sooner every 2500km or so. even in that short of time my oil would still discolor.

the main difference in full syn oil is that the oil molecules are all symmetrical as opposed to conventional motor oils. they cool a little better, and are a little better lubrication wise, but for the price your paying IMO its not worth the price.

your best bet would be to just use any major brands conventional 5w20 oil and just change it a little bit sooner.

and if your in the middle of nowhere and they only have 5w30 no worries 5w20 is only used in new applications for fuel mileage
:roll:

 

[tf34mech]

Synthetic Oil

I just changed to Mobil 1 and my mileage has improved to 27.3 from 26.6 after just 300 miles of driving 70% highway 30%% city. 6000 miles on my Jeep Compass Sport AWD

 

[NoNamesLeft]

Thats encouraging. I can't wait till i get to my first oil change. I have had my compass for about a month and I have already put 13000 miles on it.

 

[Cherokee]

When I bought my Cherokee, that was what had been run through it was Mobil 1. I swore on synthetic. Yes, I could have paid $3 USD/quart for regular oil, but I preferred the $8/quart. My truck ran fine until I switched. Normally, I get 19/22 with my Cherokee. My MPG didn't really change, but as the years wore on, the engine performance suffered. Synthetic is exactly that, synthetic, whereas, motor oil that is a derivative of crude oil, has certain detergents and additives formulated for certain engines and operating conditions. I like synthetic, simply because it does not break down near as fast, and still protects critical engine parts. The downside is, people are already lazy about keeping up with regular maintenance, and they think that with synthetic, they don't have to worry as often (the recent Ford commercials where they go around the world on one oil change doesn't help in changing the mentality).

Truth is, automakers are extending the time between oil changes and lengthening their warranty periods and maintenance schedules, but one still needs to be vigilant with their vehicle, as it is an investment, and like someone here already said, I keep my vehicles for 10+ years, and in order to make that happen, one has to keep their vehicle up. After all, it's a Jeep, so why wouldn't you???

 

[NickD]

Re: Synthetic Oil

I just changed to Mobil 1 and my mileage has improved to 27.3 from 26.6 after just 300 miles of driving 70% highway 30%% city. 6000 miles on my Jeep Compass Sport AWD

Yup, synthetic oil reduces friction by ~5%. This will also increase power output of the engine but not by anything noticeable.

 

[rommel543]

I have to take my Jeep in for it's second change right away. Maybe I'll check for the $$ for Synthetic or Semi-Synth

 

[OnRoad]

I'm running Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W20. I have used Mobil 1 for over 20 years and have never had any issues with engine wear. (If I do, I'll know it is not the oil.....) I use the 3K change interval but will let it slide to 4K if I can't get in for a change...

The Compass takes about 5qts. I buy it at Walmart and take it with me to the dealer.

 

[NickD]

If you are concerned with longevity of your oil and how it holds up, synthethic does not break down as easily. No where near as easily. What does break down easily is your oil filter. The next best thing to synthethic you can do for barely any extra cash is put in a good oil filter. The best filter on the market is made by Wix Filters. They sell Wix branded filters but also make other brand filters such as Amsoil, Napa, Castrol and maybe a few others. Cheap brands like Fram will break down over time, do not filter nearly as well and have very low flow rates. Wix actually invented the modern 'spin-on' oil filters used in most cars today!

Man I just re-read what I wrote and I swear I do not work for Wix Filters...