I am new to the forum and just wanted to see what everyone else uses. I have an 02 tahoe with 50k and the previous owner told me he always used synthetic. What is the worst that can happen if I switch to regular oil? I have heard it can develop leaks. Thanks for any help.
Synthetic oil question
- Thread starter trev
- Start date
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killer20072001
Yep
If you switch from synthetic to regular it will not leak. Maybe try a blend mix like mobil 1 IMO the best oil anyways.
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it won't leak.
When synths first came out, switching TO synth would sometimes leak to discoving a leak that gunk from years of dino had plugged.
the worse that could happen in your situation would be a drop in MPG. maybe cost you 1 mpg at worst.
it's not that much more to use the synth: you cna get Walmart Supertech (penzoil) synthetic in a 5 qt jug for the price of 'name brand' Dino.
I'm happy with it.
When synths first came out, switching TO synth would sometimes leak to discoving a leak that gunk from years of dino had plugged.
the worse that could happen in your situation would be a drop in MPG. maybe cost you 1 mpg at worst.
it's not that much more to use the synth: you cna get Walmart Supertech (penzoil) synthetic in a 5 qt jug for the price of 'name brand' Dino.
I'm happy with it.
killer20072001
Yep
DONT USE PENZOIL. When I worked at the parts store every mechanic in town called it yellow death. They said it is the worst at engine build up. When using oil dont go cheap. Its one of the most importatnt things on your vehicle. Going cheap on something like that isn't worth the risk of a motor.
Tribalbreak
Full Access Member
mobil 1 full syn truck/suv blend ftw
Z15
Full Access Member
Nothing, you can change to whatever you like and no harm with come to anything.
Let’s call this an “old mechanics” tale. This fear has been around since synthetics lubricants came out back in the 1970's. Synthetic oils will not damage your seals and will not cause an engine oil leak. Synthetic motor oils have an inherent detergency and natural solvency, which can clean and remove deposits left by conventional oils. The removal of extensive oil deposits can expose marginal or damaged oil seals that may then leak. However, motor oils are designed to help swell seals slightly to prevent leakage. As long as a vehicle has been well maintained, and in good mechanical condition, Synthetic Motor Oils can be used in any vehicle without fear and changing back and forth will not do any harm.
Synthetic oil are a higher class of oil and regular is lesser quality.
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Noto81
Full Access Member
So what are the advantages of going to synthentic from regular? Sorry for the noob question. I'm approaching 100k on my 03 and have been considering switching if there's advantages.
rich5368
Full Access Member
Better resistance to viscossity breakdown. Some say it lasts longer. (I change every 3000 anyway) Heats quicker so on cold days it'll lube more efficiently faster. Keeps lube properties in higher heat. That's all I can think of for now. I haven't been using synthetic in my 04 simply because I resist change and have used a blend since I've owned it. I plan to switch to full syn Mobil 1 when the trucks come do for another change. Not planning on spending the money on Royal Purple but it is considered by some to be the best stuff money can buy.
