[tang]

Hello again everyone,
My dealership offers Ford's 'The Works' (or is it Fuel Savers?) oil change (with complementary stuff such as tire rotation, etc.) for $20. I used to think that the Ford deal was $40, but I'm not complaining. It might just be the oil change, but the tire rotation is $20.

Right now, I am paying $50 for the separate conventional 5W-30 oil change and tire rotation. I've read up on the benefits of synthetic oil versus conventional oil. If it's offered at a lower price, should I seriously start thinking about making the switch to synthetic? I do a lot of in-town driving and I live in a mild-change climate (Minnesota), and I'm also doing oil changes at every 5,000 miles. I'm also curious to see what type of oil you people reading are using!

Thanks everyone.

P.S. is this even the right section to have this threat? hah

 

[megascape]

I use full synthetic. I think the number 1 issue with full or half and half is you can never put non-synthetic in again or it ruins he motor be putting tiny grooves in areas. (not sure what areas.)
Ilove the synthetic 31,000 miles in a year w/o any problems..

 

[tang]

Guess I'll talk to my service advisor about it when I see him on Friday.

No other opinions though.... :shrug:

 

[SilverAthlon]

hey man I change my oil regularly, I'm averaging about every 3500 miles. I've ever used synthetic in my auto, but my last motorcycle I switched to synthetic after 9000 miles. The current cycle I have now I haven't put the miles on as of yet to make the jump. I just turned over 30000 miles on the Escape and I guess I was considering looking at semi-synth or going to full synth but I hadn't gotten around to it yet.

The one thing I do remember was that you cannot go back to conventional like Mega said although I admit I don't know why. I see that synthetic is more expensive (specially for cycles - $5 a qt.!!) and you can't tell me that synthetic lubricates better. I think the major advantage is that it breaks down slower, providing less engine wear and allows for longer distances between oil changes.

I have a garage and I don't mind taking time to change oil and have a beer or 2 so it's just not a problem to me. It also gets me under the hood more often and I'm more aware of things happening in the engine compartment.

 

[JoeyK]

I do believe that's just an old bit of misinformation about the synthetic / dino oil compatibility. There's no reason why you can't go from one to the other. I had an '01 Grand Am GT, which was the wifes' when I met her. I started putting mobil1 in it at around 15k and did so religiously until I sold it to my niece at around 85k on it. She cannot afford the synthetic all the time for it so has since switched back to standard dino 5w30. That was over 2 years & 30k ago. The car is just fine
I have noticed that synthetic looks so much better than conventional oil after 3k. It's still a med. tan color @ oil change time, compared to the burnt, broken down black with the dino / conventional oil.`

 

[RobtRoma]

I've always requested the semi-synth. I have a tendency to go 3500-4500 miles between changes and like the extended protection for not that much more.

 

[2010Escape]

I do believe that's just an old bit of misinformation about the synthetic / dino oil compatibility. There's no reason why you can't go from one to the other. I had an '01 Grand Am GT, which was the wifes' when I met her. I started putting mobil1 in it at around 15k and did so religiously until I sold it to my niece at around 85k on it. She cannot afford the synthetic all the time for it so has since switched back to standard dino 5w30. That was over 2 years & 30k ago. The car is just fine
I have noticed that synthetic looks so much better than conventional oil after 3k. It's still a med. tan color @ oil change time, compared to the burnt, broken down black with the dino / conventional oil.`

I agree with the misinformation. You can switch from dino to synthetic oil (and vice versa) at anytime. Synthetic has been known to have superior cleaning properties and this in conjunction with being thinner has led to oil leaks in many cars. Keep in mind this usually occurs on older vehicles with existing gasket/seal issues that may not be noticable prior to switching. I have switched and I use synthetic oil in all my cars/lawn tractor/snowblower/trimmer.

I would use caution on older vehicles as synthetic may exaserbate (sp) existing gasket/seal problems. Trust me, as my 2000 Jeep Wrangler with 9,000 original miles now has a very small leak at the rear main seal. Also, I had an 89 GT convertible with 6,000 miles 2 years ago and switched to synthetic and the rear main seal leaked like a siv.

 

[kkreit01]

Change your own own. Watch for sales. A very high quality synthetic + high quality filter can often be had for $25-$30 (5 qts & filter). Watch your local Autozone, Pepboys, Advance, O'Reilly, etc. ads every month. They can be found online.

Any name-brand dino is also good for 5K miles (assuming you use what's spec'd for your vehicle :wall: ). Those can often be had for $12-15 (5 qts + filter). Semi-synthetic deals often run $19.99. You really can't go wrong with any API Ford spec'd 5w20 and the factory recommended intervals. Save your receipts.

 

[skibender]

Switching from synthetic to dino back and forth is not a problem. Many people do it with no problems. IMO, if your going to follow Ford's recommended change interval, which you should for warranty purpose, a name brand dino oil is perfectly fine. Motorcraft semi-synthetic is an excellent oil and the price is right. Unless your planning on running extended miles between oil changes, synthetic isn't worth the additional cost. Just remember your warranty and always follow the guidelines in your manual for intervals.