Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Santo Fontana -
When you "better" define "best" then I'll give you a "better" answer of which one is "best" ...
I'm not being facetious. Even if you remove price from the equation, you still need to define other operating and conditional issues. However, the reality is that you cannot remove price from the equation, because even among synthetics, there are cost variables.
I am assuming that you are presuming there is some magical measuring stick that will fit all situations and give one golden answer. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Further, it's reasonably apparent to me that most oils perform to about the same level in short-to-moderate OCIs. Even when considering "synthetics", you still have to define the surrounding conditions. My point is that synthetics are often "over capable" for given situations. They can only perform to a level that is submitted to them. They cannot "clean" an already-clean engine any "better". They cannot reduce "wear" moreso than their counterparts, when the wear rate is already low. Likely, there are small nuiances that would should up in lab conditions; yes. But real world scenarios simply don't produce an image that would cast a shadow large enough to call one "best" over the others.
Here's an example: Currently, I can get synthetic QS at Menards for $2/qrt! That's a smokin' deal, to be sure. Or, I could run out and get some Mobil 1 EP. If I only use them for a 3k mile OCI, which one is "best". Heck if I know??? Heck if I care!!! Neither of them will be used to anywhere near to their full potential, as even a lowly house brand would suffice.
You CANNOT remove cost as a factor in the real world. The key to understanding this is that once a minimum safe level of performance is set and attained, anything above that is a waste. Any synthetic that outperforms your "need" is not utilized to it's full potential, and therefore is a waste. If you chose 4 synthetics and ran them side by side in a 3k mile OCI, each one would have some "winners and losers" in the wear catagoy, but they ALL would be more than capable. You'd have to study them in hundreds of UOAs in identical situations to call one "best". Can't be done in the real world.
You have not defined the OCI, severity, maintenance plan or anything else.
This makes for interesting internet chatter, but just realize that no concrete answer shall come of it.
I did describe the vehicles and the oci's, just not in the 1st post. Just trying to spark up some conversation and possibly uncover a good "deal". I have been around cars long enough to know that not changing your oil enough or with good enough oil is just about the least likely way to kill an engine....but I still dont understand your first sentence.
