Going from M1 to a HM oil. Is it a downgrade?

[SFCP]

I'm not saying this is what I'm doing, but I've heard some people say there number one choice is M1, and then the next choice is Maxlife if their engine developes a leak. Not all engines develope leaks while using syn, but some do. And I wondered if it is considered a "downgrade" in oil to switch from a M1 (or any synthetic for that matter) to a HM oil? I've been told you should only upgrade your oils, and this is why I ask the question. My van is running M1 right now, but if by chance it developes a leak, I would think the best option next to fixing it, would be using Maxlife or Castrol HM.

 

[jazztrumpet216]

You could also consider using Maxlife Full Synthetic as opposed to the blend. I've heard it's quite a good oil, though I don't have a UOA on it myself.

 

[Merkava_4]

Quote:

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And I wondered if it is considered a "downgrade" in oil to switch from a M1 (or any synthetic for that matter) to a HM oil?

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In your mind it would be a downgrade yes because HM oils are not energy conserving; in my mind however, it's an upgrade.

 

[va3ux]

You can also consider M1 HM - which gets you HM oil and synthetic. There's nothing wrong with anything else that's been recommended here so far either.

 

[OilGuy]

Regular M1 already has (and always has had) the ester component as a seal conditioner. M1HM may have an extra slug of it. There is no need to switch from M1 to M1HM or to a conv HM oil to get the seal conditoner benefit.

M1HM is targeted to conv HM users who want the benefits of M1 to go along with the seal conditioner. A bit of HM marketing focus, yes, but most people don't know M1 already has the HM component - and M1 isn't about to suddenly change their brand message to accommodate the HM user.

Also, Mobil Clean HM is indeed an energy conserving conv HM oil - the only one that I've seen thus far.

 

[eddyzima]

some people think regular mobil1 is missing a big thing that I think mobil1 hm 10w30 has in it, Gp IV basestock. After talking to the mobil 800 number and reading the spec's I think the hm 10w30 is better oil. IMHO

 

[Cutehumor]

well since you have only run Mobil 1 one time, in retrospect, it's not a downgrade at all

 

[MONKEYMAN]

SuperTech HM oil is also energy conserving, at least the 10w-30 I bought this summer was.

 

[SmrtJustin]

I don't personally think it's a downgrade. My Jeep was run with M1 by the previous owner since new. Now (55k miles) I'm going to run Maxlife because I personally feel that will do a better job at a cheaper price.