Minivanmotoman
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- Sep 11, 2017
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The oil argument, er debate, ummm discussion. Everyone has their preferences and biases because their cars supposedly run forever and it works for them. Their maintenance? or just simply great design, engineering, materials, machining and engine assembly?
I like to make my decisions on realistic data. Oil to keep the engine running and lubricated is important. But where to get unbiased, fact based data and information on which is best? Not readily found.
Back in the 80s, Consumer Reports tested motor oils by running them in NYC taxi cabs, running them for like 50k miles and then tearing down the engines to inspect for wear. Or something like that. What I do recall for sure was that the top 4 were judged effective and similar- Castrol, Quaker Stats, Pennzoil and Valvoline. Couldn't go wrong with any and buy upon price. Great, did that. All is good in the world. But times and things change since then.
So what is the reality today?
I was digging and reading online on this subject. Bobistheoilguy seemed to give good info but then discredited by others. Lots of snake oil, hype, bias and bs all over the Internet.
Then stumbled upon this long, detailed, researched info online from a drag racer and engine builder. He had done independent tests, had data results and seemed credible. Much better than anything I had seen online since CR in the 80s.
Check it out for yourself, but it is a long read.
Quick answer? Of the top 10 rated oils, most being Mobil 1 synthetic brand, the best and cheapest oil value, protection/cost wise, turned out to be Valvoline's synthetic blend. It performed better than many higher priced synthetic brands. Might be the best choice for our mostly used vehicles of recent vintage.
Synthetic has really come down in price but there are different types now.
Read the article and become advised. Good info on oil weight selection and importance.
If anyone has other, newer, better or more comprehensive info, would be great to hear about.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...sg=AFQjCNFYt4calgjDmBH0yklKxkOlqun8nw&cf=1
I like to make my decisions on realistic data. Oil to keep the engine running and lubricated is important. But where to get unbiased, fact based data and information on which is best? Not readily found.
Back in the 80s, Consumer Reports tested motor oils by running them in NYC taxi cabs, running them for like 50k miles and then tearing down the engines to inspect for wear. Or something like that. What I do recall for sure was that the top 4 were judged effective and similar- Castrol, Quaker Stats, Pennzoil and Valvoline. Couldn't go wrong with any and buy upon price. Great, did that. All is good in the world. But times and things change since then.
So what is the reality today?
I was digging and reading online on this subject. Bobistheoilguy seemed to give good info but then discredited by others. Lots of snake oil, hype, bias and bs all over the Internet.
Then stumbled upon this long, detailed, researched info online from a drag racer and engine builder. He had done independent tests, had data results and seemed credible. Much better than anything I had seen online since CR in the 80s.
Check it out for yourself, but it is a long read.
Quick answer? Of the top 10 rated oils, most being Mobil 1 synthetic brand, the best and cheapest oil value, protection/cost wise, turned out to be Valvoline's synthetic blend. It performed better than many higher priced synthetic brands. Might be the best choice for our mostly used vehicles of recent vintage.
Synthetic has really come down in price but there are different types now.
Read the article and become advised. Good info on oil weight selection and importance.
If anyone has other, newer, better or more comprehensive info, would be great to hear about.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...sg=AFQjCNFYt4calgjDmBH0yklKxkOlqun8nw&cf=1
