| The internet is filled with websites and forums that | | | | of semi--synthetic we naturally think it will be a 50/50 |
| constantly debate who makes the best oil. Putting | | | | mix, nothing could be further from the truth. |
| brands aside let's look at what really matters most | | | | Group III synthetics are actually petroleum based |
| and that's what protects your engine best when | | | | products, but because of a ruling in the late '90's |
| price isn't a consideration. | | | | manufacturer's are permitted to label them as |
| Do you agree with this statement; "oil is cheap | | | | synthetic oils. The bottom line is Group III synthetics |
| insurance so change it often.Oil isn't cheap when you | | | | are actually petroleum oil that have gone through an |
| discover that you just blew up your engine, don't | | | | extra refining process known as hydrocracking. This |
| believe the old adage that "oil is cheap". Since oil is | | | | is a process where petroleum oil has undergone an |
| the lifeblood of your vehicle it only makes sense to | | | | extra process to eliminate more of the impurities in |
| look at higher quality full synthetic oils on the market? | | | | crude oil. Group III synthetics are the most popular |
| Why do people not bat an eyelash when they spend | | | | on the market today, but do not offer the best |
| $25,000, $30,000 or as much $35,000+ for a new | | | | protection. |
| vehicle then head to a discount retailer to buy the | | | | Group IV synthetics are clearly true synthetics. If |
| cheapest oil they can find on sale. This rationale | | | | you find an oil that recommends a drain interval such |
| escapes me when for just a few more dollars and an | | | | as 25,000 miles then you can be fairly certain that |
| ounce of research they can protect their investment | | | | this oil is made from a Group IV basestock. As of |
| plus get better performance. | | | | this writing there are 3 synthetic oils on the market |
| As far as determining the best oil's out there you | | | | that are independently recommending specific drain |
| must first understand the different classifications of | | | | intervals outside the traditional recommendations |
| oils. For the sake of this article we are only going to | | | | made by car manufacturer's and the national quick |
| talk about synthetic oils. The time is nearly here that | | | | lubes. |
| even some of the better petroleum oils on the | | | | Two of these manufacturer's recommend 15,000 mile |
| market will eventually be obsolete soon because their | | | | oil change intervals and one manufacturer |
| limits have been reached. | | | | recommends 25,000 mile change intervals. These oil |
| If you want to separate the different synthetics on | | | | change intervals do not void any car manufacturer's |
| the market there are really 3 classes. | | | | warranty and at least for one of these companies |
| Semi--synthetics, Group III synthetics and Group IV | | | | they have been practicing 25,000 miles intervals since |
| synthetics. Without getting into the chemical makeup | | | | 1972 without any interference from auto |
| of these oils we will attempt to explain the | | | | manufacturer's. |
| difference. | | | | The price of a high quality synthetic oil should be the |
| Semi--Synthetics are simply that, part petroleum part | | | | last thing you consider. A good synthetic oil will give |
| synthetic. The problem with these oils is there are no | | | | you longer drain intervals and better fuel mileage. |
| guidelines in place that says how much synthetic oil | | | | Additional facts can be found on the internet about |
| has to be in the formula. Some reports state that as | | | | these oils and we highly encourage you to investigate |
| little as 5% of the product can contain synthetic oil | | | | this further. Extending your drain intervals is not only |
| and be labeled a semi--synthetic oil. When we think | | | | safe, but permitted in every vehicle on the road. |