Synthetic oil still preferred in new trucks?

[Brad Clark]

Back in high school and college I always changed my own oil and honestly speaking it's been years since I have changed my own oil. Not because I don't know how, because of timing or just being lazy . I'm going to start changing my own oil again this weekend. Now back in the day I remember synthetic was preferred, is that still the case today?

 

[smritte]

Short answer is yes.

Comparing oils is difficult. Several years ago, I sat down with a couple of the engineers from Pennzoil and had them explain all the differences. The bottom line is, "most" synthetics are more durable than "most" regular oils. If you stay with the big names on either, you cant go wrong. I use (which ever is on sale) Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1.

What it all gets down to is the refining process and the additive package. This is why the durability is higher on synthetics.

More then anything, the filter is as important as the oil. Do research on oil filters. You may be surprised how poorly most are made. I use Purolator Boss or Pure1. Mobile1 filter is a good mid grade also.

If you drive hard and have oversized tires, odds are you need to change oil more often. How often will depend on the oil and filter. The best way to see all of this is to send an oil sample out and have it analyzed.

This is something I highly recommend. Especially on a used vehicle.

I use Blackstone Lab. Go there and read what they do. Also read one of the sample reports. I highly recommend this every couple of years.

This is also how I found out Jeep screwed up with the engine build on my 04 TJ. They used the wrong injectors. This put too much fuel in the cylineders casuing it to wash the oil from the cylinder walls, get into my oil and casue more wear as well as breakdown my oil.

 

[Scott Macon]

Agree, I've been using Royal Purple for nearly 11 years at least. It's pricey, and I run this in all my cars and trucks. Synthetic is the way to go

 

[smritte]

Royal Purple was one of our sponsor's for a long time. They use to give me free oil. Motor and gear. I was sorry when they stopped. The guys from that company were real nice. If you had any issue they would step up without question.
Supposedly Amsoil is one of the top synthetics. I never tried it because you had to "know" someone. I was told anyone can buy it now.

 

[Sid Clayton]

How is Amsoil compared to Royal Purple? I've been using Royal Purple for.... dang, must be at least a good 8-9 years myself. I was under the impression that their oil was the best?

 

[smritte]

Excluding custom blended racing oils.
Amsoil has always been one of if not the highest rated synthetic oil and filter. I haven't looked to see if they were knocked down a notch lately but their still going to be one of the top few.
I have a couple of buddies in track and desert race who tear their motors down every season. They swear by it.