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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Synthetic
Oil, How Long Will It Go?
Q:
I am getting close to my first oil change on my '99 Ford Explorer (3000
miles). Would there be much of an advantage to go to synthetic oil after
the break in period? Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic
or do you lose the protection if you go longer? ... John
A: Synthetic
engine oil is a better product than conventional engine oil. Generally,
synthetic oils exceed all car and light truck manufacturer warrantee requirements.
Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic oil? If you have
a new vehicle you'd better not! Whether you're using conventional motor
oil or synthetic you must change the engine oil as required by the vehicle
manufacturer. The reason? The manufacturer, can and has, the right to
void the warrantee on the vehicle's engine if the engine oil is not changed
as specified (mileage/time) in the Owner's Manual. I use synthetic oil
myself, there's no doubt in my mind that synthetic oil will provide superior
protection to your vehicle's engine. As for extending your oil change
intervals? Stick to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals,
or you could lose your warrantee protection.
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