QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2001 Ford Escape V6 with 94400 miles on it. I love the car and want it to last as long as possible. I have been using Mobil 1 Full Synthetic and noticing that it either burns off quick or leaks. I am looking for an alternative to that oil. I was thinking about Quaker State but I am not sure. Also, I use a Fram Tough Guard Oil Filter but I do not like to all that often. I like to use AC Delco but when I traded my Grand AM, I cant seem to use AC Delco anymore. In your opinion, what is the best motor oil and oil filter to use in my situation? Thank you very much for your time.
ANSWER: Hi Pete,
AC Delco is a General Motors affiliate. I would assume they make filters to fit ALL cars, but maybe they don't. I wouldn't use Quaker State oil if I were given 100 barrels FREE, and I am from Pa.! Valvoline or Castrol would be my suggestion. Coming from almost 100K of synthetic oil however, would tend to steer me clear of ANYTHING that is not at least part-synthetic. I guess it wasn't explained to you the differences between full-synthetic oils, non-synthetic and part-synthetics. You shouldn't use non-synthetic oil AFTER you've used full-synthetic because of the differences in base. The full-synthetic is silicon-based and not real compatible with non-synthetic, petroleum-based oils. The real problem is the two do not like to stick to each other and since full-synthetic oils adhere REAL well to engine metal parts, it actually will RESIST the non-synthetic oils from doing their job and will more likely than not, result in premature bearing failure.
Part-synthetic oils are designed for those that initially were sold on the thought that synthetic oils will be best for your engine in the long run. This statement is totally untrue and the part that petroleum and silicon do not mix was conveniently left out. Non-synthetic oils are as good as their full-synthetic counterparts and will certainly last as long. The only real difference is cost and the fact that once you go synthetic, you CAN'T go back. Well, that's wrong, you CAN use regular oil again, the risks involved are the same as an organ transplant. Some engines will not be bothered by the change whereas others will reject the new lubricant quickly leading to engine damage.
Oil filters? Dual element filters are better than single element filters. That's pretty obvious and for obvious reasons, there is twice the protection. If you regularly change or have your oil changed like every 3,000 miles or so, you can use practically any filter on the market including non-name brands. Minimum element requirement is for 17 microns. Fram uses 15 micron filters, but uses two of them which is why they are more expensive but at the same time, reduced oil flow-cold is often experienced with those Extra-Guard filters and that can be an issue if you live in a colder climate. ANY filter can protect your engine adequately as long as it is changed on a regular interval.
Personally, I use multi-viscosity Valvoline non-synthetic oil and Purolator filters. I have been for as long as I can remember and have never experienced a problem with them. Valvoline oil is somewhat more expensive than other brands (in your case, it will be less expensive) and the reason is because they use less detergents and more polymers to increase the usable viscosity over the life of the oil.
I change my oil at exact intervals, every three months whether it needs it or not and every year at Christmas time, I treat them to a bottle of Dura-Lube. The small price I pay extra by doing this allows me to be driving my car while others I know have them in the shop every couple of weeks getting this or that repaired. Preventative maintenance is the key to vehicle longevity. I can't remember back to a time when I got into one of my vehicles and had it fail to start or drive. Piece of mind is a priceless commodity.
Thanks for the question, I hope this information is helpful to you. Sorry to be so long-winded but it is the only way to get the point across.
Fred
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I actually live around you. I live in Hazleton, PA and the number you listed is a Hazleton extension I believe. Anyway, I ended up using 5W-30 Valvoline Full Synthetic. I was fearful of using a non synthetic because it might break down. I may start using a blend soon, but I really have not decided. Do you think changing the oil every 3 months is better then 3,000 miles? I drive almost 3,000 miles in a few days past 2 months. It's alot of in town driving too. Thank you, for your response!!
AnswerHi Pete,
We have our office on Allen Street and our yard is in South Tamaqua. Next time you're in the market for used auto parts, think of us before those other two yards in Hazleton. ;-)
If you change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles, you shouldn't be wasting your hard earned dough on synthetic oils.
The rule of thumb is 3-months OR 3000 miles whichever comes first. But if you frequently put 1000 miles per month on your car, you're probably not going only two miles to work which is the real killer of oil. Short trips allow condensation to mix with the oil which should go without saying it is a bad thing. This is the type of driving that should see an oil change on the month-schedule whereas someone who drives twenty minutes or more on nearly every trip the vehicle makes, should work around the mileage schedule.
For your application, I would go on the 3-month schedule regardless of the amount of miles passed 3000 but within reason of course. I take back what I said about buying part-synthetic for your vehicle. If you regularly drive right through the 3000 mile mark, you're best suited to keep using full synthetic unless you switch to a 5000 mile part-synthetic type which will be about the same price you're paying now, but you'll get a few more miles out of it and possibly two more months worth of not worrying about an oil change.
I wish I had a shop here to do repairs but I won't work for anyone but myself. My experience is worth more than I'd get paid around here. I worked at Monro on rt93, John's Car Care Center in the late '80's /early '90's, Auto Trans and Body shop when it was still open on 940 and since they closed in '01, I have been in salvage. there's no money in it but the hours really suck and until I can afford to buy a shop, I'm keeping a low-profile.
Thanks again for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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