What oil do you use and why?

sumdude · 03-26-08, 08:55

I am getting ready to do an oil change on my 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. Me and my dad were talking about which is best for newer vehicles. I only have 12,000 miles on the car and am going to use Castrol Syntec Blend, just dont think I need a full synthetic. Price is not a factor so would going full synthetic be worth it?

What are your preferences for oil and why?

Setec Astronomy · 03-26-08, 09:14

I use Mobil 1 because I like to pay full synthetic price for an oil that's not really really a full synthetic anymore.

SilverSeven · 03-26-08, 10:37

I use Castrol Magnatec and very happy with its performance. It also makes the engine runs smoother and quieter. Cheaper than a fully synthetic. I even notice the engine starts easier in the morning. And adds a little more pickup to the engine's acceleration.

2KLS1 · 03-26-08, 10:41

Currently using Mobil1 but will switch to Penzoil Platinum at the next oil change.

JonP · 03-26-08, 11:33

I use Purple motor oil because I like the cool purple color bottles they come in.

Actually I felt a slight power improvement and better MPG from the OEM oil when switched to full synthetic.

truzoom · 03-27-08, 12:40

Motorcraft 5W-20 is my go-to oil.

I have tried Pennzoil Platinum "full synthetic" with good results, as well as Mobil Clean 5000.

jetset4me · 03-27-08, 03:19

Nothing but Mobil 1 - 15,000 mile cause it's the best I've used so far over the years.

rjstaaf · 03-27-08, 05:02

If price is no object than there really is no downside to using a full synthetic.

I regularly run Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 or Mobil 1 Racing 0W-30 in the Mustang. I have been doing used oil analysis on the Mustang for years and they always come back with glowing reports.

I just had a used oil analysis done at 102K with an oil change interval of 7500 miles. The Mustang does not burn a drop of oil and the results again were positive with below normal wear and no water, fuel or solids in the oil and plenty of additive left with a TBN of 3.0 (TBN of 1.0 is considered low).

If you have questions about your oil than I would suggest used oil analysis. I use Blackstone labs and would recommend them to anyone.

Blackstone Laboratories

Way2SSlow · 03-27-08, 06:26

I run Mobil 1 5w30 in my Impala and I run Penzoil Platinum 5w20 in my Focus. I've been flling the Impala with Mobil 1 for years. I think synthetic is the way to go.

M54 · 03-27-08, 06:32

It's pretty hard to justify using anthing over the OEM approved and recommended Motorcraft 5W20 as it's a spectacular product.

Overall you would just have to keep this car well over 300k miles to perhaps maybe see a difference.

mshu7 · 03-27-08, 06:47

I've been using Penzoil Platinum synthetic 5w20 in my '05 Mazda3 for the past couple years. I run it 7500K between changes. After my 2nd 7500K run, I sent it in for a UOA. It came back flawless and showed that I could have run it out longer. Platinum, IMO, is the best bang for the buck synthetic oil out there...or, it used to be. I stocked up with 60+ quarts a couple years ago when they had crazy deals ($1.99/qt.).

For my leased Tacoma, I use Motorcraft 5w20 and change it every 5K. MC is a rock solid oil.

tom p. · 03-27-08, 07:37

I use oils that meet the mfr's required spec for my vehicles