Synthetic Oil vs Natural Oil (Read Post before voting please!)

[seasonalskier2006]

Ok, so i am doing a research paper on the benifits of using either natural oil, or synthetic oils in your vehicle. I wanna know peoples thoughts who are intrested in cars [ie: people who take the time out to check an automotive forum every day!! ] so if you dont mind, could you mark your preferance in the poll and tell me why you like it better over the other and/or why you think people should use your choice over the other. Thanks a ton for your time!!!

[vgames33]

I run natural oils in my cars, with relatively short OCIs.

[SaabJohan]

You need to define what a "natural oil" is. I suppose by natural oil you mean petroleum oils and not vegetable oils.

Well, it took some time until petroleum oils was as good as vegetable oils, after that petroleum oils was more or less the only choice. That is, until the synthetic oils were developed as harder and harder demands was put on the oil.

Although there is no question about which oil is better, the cost of a petroleum oil is much lower which makes them an option where possible.

[seasonalskier2006]

yes i ment natural by petrolium oils

[curtis73]

And one good old fashioned "abstain" I put no preference. Simply by economics alone, I vote for (and use) petroleum. The oil change intervals don't account for the extra money on the average.

From the standpoint of extending the oil supply a little, the synthetic (that is to say TRUE synthetics like Mobil 1 and Royal Purple as opposed to the non-ester cheap stuff that is labeled synthetic) is my choice. I'm not a conspiracy guy, or a huge environmental lobbyist, but if something CAN be substituted I think it makes fiscal sense to do it. I feel the same way about biofuels. Ethanol and biodiesel are every bit as reliable as the stuff that comes from the ground, and economically similar, so why not use it.

Incidentally I feel the same way about beer. Why go next door and buy it, when I can make it in my own kitchen

[UncleBob]

synthetic oil on any vehicle I care about. I've been into enough motors to see the difference it makes (as curtis said...REAL synthetics)

The evidence was enough for me. Oh, the longer mileage doesn't suck either

[534BC]

I use synthetics, I'm cheap and lazy.

If I encounter an oil burner or leaker then go back to petro oil, yet still keep the extended drain interval.

[mr_mushroom]

my motor doesn't like synthetic oil.
i think it's better, but my truck disagrees.
i had it filled with synthetic, it leaked.
i took it to my mechanic (a neighbor and friend)to help seal it all up.

him: why'd you put that shit in there?
me: it's better for it.
him: uh, sure, if it's not an old chevy
me: well it was already leaking a little before
him: it's a 350. if it ain't leakin', it ain't runnin' right. (yes, that's a quote)
me: well i guess i'll go home and switch it back
him: great idea
me: why the problem with synthetics? it's a brand new rebuild!
him: synthetics are 'too little'
him: it's like putting astroglide in your engine
me: sexy!

[UncleBob]

the correct quote is "if it ain't leaking, there's no oil in it"

[mr_mushroom]

lol, yeah.
that one too.
the acronym is true!
Can Hear Every Valve Rattle, Oil Leaks Every Time.

[Steel]

I dont change my oil for 12-15000 miles. So full synthetic for me.