Regular vs. Synthetic

[CaddiLackin]

ive been running synthetic in my cts since day one. Is it better? I dont know. But our cars deserve the best. BTW, i have an 03 with 108,000+ miles. Runs like a champ, And i drive the chit out of 'er. oil charged at 20% also

[JimmyH]

Originally Posted by C&C

Unless you changed the viscosity of the oil (substantially), when switching, I'm calling B.S. on both these posts. Synthetic is no more slippery than conventional.

I ran conventional in my maxima for 180k miles, through stop and go, regular trips to 100mph, through winters extreme cold, and summers extreme heat. The engine is as strong or stronger than the day I bought it.

todays cars can go 15000 miles between oil changes I bet.

[Chief_AT]

Originally Posted by C&C

Unless you changed the viscosity of the oil (substantially), when switching, I'm calling B.S. on both these posts. Synthetic is no more slippery than conventional.

The Mobil 1 I used was either 5-30 or 10-30. Viscosity is the thickness (pourability) of the fluid, and is no indicator of the coefficient of friction. What I wrote about the VW is true, and, if there's any BS between us, it ain't on MY side!

[C&C]

Originally Posted by Chief_AT

The Mobil 1 I used was either 5-30 or 10-30. Viscosity is the thickness (pourability) of the fluid, and is no indicator of the coefficient of friction. What I wrote about the VW is true, and, if there's any BS between us, it ain't on MY side!

I guess we agree to disagree. I maintain that synthetic is not any more slippery than conventional. The advantages of synthetic are its stability at temperature extremes. If your Volkswagon, using conventional was at a 20W-50 and you switched to a synthetic 10W-30 that might explain the differences in idle speed. The high number in oil viscosity 'would infact' alter the coefficient of friction in an engine. I still stand by my statements (though I admit I should have been a little more diplomatic and refrained from the B.S. part; my apoligies for that).

[JimmyH]

sooooooo, since we are on the topic... I just bought a CTS 3.6, and the oil filler cap says mobil 1 on it. Does that not mean GM requires you to use synthetic? I think synthetic is a waste of money, but if GM requires it, I am going to use it rather than risk warranty issues.

[C&C]

I think that the oil cap means that GM endorses Mobil 1, in fact uses it as factory fill, and recommends that you use it. However, you can check your owners manual and use any oil that meets the recommended GM rating; this does not translate that you should only use Mobil 1 (though obviously Mobil 1 does meet that standard).

[Chief_AT]

GM requires synthetic (not necessarily Mobil 1) in the CTS. After you're out of warranty, use what you dare, but until then - here's the direct quote from the manual:

"The engine requires a special engine oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M. Oils meeting this standard may be identified as synthetic, and should also be identified with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. However, not all synthetic API oils with the starburst symbol will meet this GM standard. You should look for and use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM4718M. GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle."

[JimmyH]

That's what I thought. I already have mobil 1 in the garage that I use for the V, I shall be using it for the CTS also.

On a related note, I rented a Fusion over the weekend, and on the gas filler cap it says "Ford recommends BP fuels" with a BP logo on it. That was a first.

[concorso]

Originally Posted by JimmyH

That's what I thought. I already have mobil 1 in the garage that I use for the V, I shall be using it for the CTS also.

On a related note, I rented a Fusion over the weekend, and on the gas filler cap it says "Ford recommends BP fuels" with a BP logo on it. That was a first.

BP? boar piss? i'ma guess i may be off on that one...

[kfx]

Originally Posted by concorso

BP? boar piss? i'ma guess i may be off on that one...

sounds like something ford would do though