Oil

[Oldsman]

I only use castrol GTX

[spyhunter]

I only use Mobil1 when I can't find the stuff I like.

I tend to use Redline & Eneos... after that is Royal Purple then Mobil1.

Oil filter I tend to see what's the best one in stock in my area & then I go that route.

[jhubbz]

I use Mobil 1 and Royal Purple. My choice filter is Purolator PureOne

[XanderWiFi]

I never knew people had so many preferences for so many variations of oil...I just go by the owners manual and use a decent name brand of 5w-30.

So I curious: what is the influence behind all these different choices and the affects of such?

[widbyj]

Short answer: Generally you get what you pay for...

Somewhat longer answer:

Oil is basically either refined from crude or 'created' from raw chemicals (sythetics). In general synthetics are considered superior, especially in newer tighter engines. A major benefit of synthetic oils is that they last longer which CAN allow for longer times between oil changes, up to 25,000 miles.

Using the proper weight of oil is important. In almost all cases what the manual recommends is correct.

A good oil filter is VERY important. Changing them often will keep the engine and oil cleaner which helps the oil last longer. Many people using Mobil 1 for example will change the oil filter every three months or 3,000 miles but only change the oil once a year (topping off will be required).

Honestly a HUGE influence is brand loyalty. I never used anything but Pennzoil until I tried Mobil 1 and look forward to trying some truly premium oil in the future. High Mileage oils seem to contain more additives, which can help older engines to run better and/or last longer.

[the_weber]

Originally Posted by XanderWiFi

I never knew people had so many preferences for so many variations of oil...I just go by the owners manual and use a decent name brand of 5w-30.

So I curious: what is the influence behind all these different choices and the affects of such?

ha thats why I asked. Some engines do better with some oils than others. for example my old jeep ran best of of valvoline and my truck did best on penzoil. seems most car owners I know run high end premium oils or mobil one

Originally Posted by widbyj

Short answer: Generally you get what you pay for...

Somewhat longer answer:

Oil is basically either refined from crude or 'created' from raw chemicals (sythetics). In general synthetics are considered superior, especially in newer tighter engines. A major benefit of synthetic oils is that they last longer which CAN allow for longer times between oil changes, up to 25,000 miles.

Using the proper weight of oil is important. In almost all cases what the manual recommends is correct.

A good oil filter is VERY important. Changing them often will keep the engine and oil cleaner which helps the oil last longer. Many people using Mobil 1 for example will change the oil filter every three months or 3,000 miles but only change the oil once a year (topping off will be required).

Honestly a HUGE influence is brand loyalty. I never used anything but Pennzoil until I tried Mobil 1 and look forward to trying some truly premium oil in the future. High Mileage oils seem to contain more additives, which can help older engines to run better and/or last longer.

+ repd for the great answer