I just looked at 10 oil containers of current product in 5W30 grade.I’m referring to the bottles of oil written « conventional » on it at the store you buy oil. That is the subject of this discussion. These bottles of oil would meet performance requirements of the majority of the cars on the roads if someone decide to use them. Claiming they are being discontinued because they don’t meet performance requirements is toilet.
Only 2 containers were exhibiting "Conventional" and that was Traveller (Martin Lubricants) and SuperTech.
The Majors are using the terms "Motor Oil" or "Synthetic Blend" .
Herein lies a point of contention: "Conventional" is now a misnomer with OLM drain oils - or at least a "moving target" as most all ILSAC lubricant will require group II and III hydrocracked base stocks AND advanced additive packages to meet GF-6A minimum performance standards and requirements. That leaves Conventional out.
And of course the industry confused "Synthetic" by allowing finished product built largely from severely "processed crude" oil to be labeled as a "Full Synthetic Motor Oil". Then others confuse true understanding further still by saying "synthetic oil is made in a laboratory". That must be one honkin' big lab! Developed yes, manufactured ? That is a falsehood.
Synthetic on the label does not automatically mean a higher performance level / or specification is met in a finished product. But you can pass a test with a C- or a B+. What do you desire for your car?
This is why many members here will suggest you should choose by the approvals and specs met and the good ole' API Certified Donut being displayed on the bottle - is this not what is required your vehicle Owners Manual?
- Ken
edit 30MAY22_1117hrs added "to be labelled as"
Last edited: