Synthetic Motor Oil?

Question

What is it? From what I've read, I think I want to use it in my new vehicle. I've always used Castrol GTX. Is that synthetic or does Castrol make a synthetic motor oil? (Syntec maybe?)

My previous car was a 2004 4Runner, that's what I used the Castrol GTX in.

I'm referring to a new 2007 Corolla.

Answer 1

Hi Nina. Well, the technical answer to your questions is this: Conventional mineral oils are produced by distillation and refining of existing crude oil stock. Synthetic oils are made through chemical reactions; however, they still have some of the same natural ingredients found in conventional oils. In a synthetic lubricant, these ingredients are recombined to create synthesized-hydrocarbon molecular chains with favorable characteristics and uniformity not found in traditional motor oils. Synthetic oil’s molecules are more consistent in size and shape when compared to conventional oil. This added consistency provides a more slippery surface with higher resistance to extreme temperatures.

The simple answer is this: Synthetic oil will provide added protection to your engine and last longer. If you typically change your conventional oil every 3000 miles, you could switch to synthetic and go about 6000 to 7000 miles before you start to burn oil. In fact a BMW M3 comes standard with synthetic oil and that car requires an oil change only about once per 12,000 miles. I think you’ll find most new cars come standard with synethic oil now to help lower maintenance costs.

I would recommend synthetic oil to anyone. I think it’s worth the added cost for just being a better product for you car. It’s also more convenient to not have to change your oil every 3000 miles.

Oh, and Castrol GTX is not a synthetic. You’ll want Castrol Syntec, Royal Purple or Mobil 1 Synthetic. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Synthetic oil is a man made lubricant. It has superior lubricating and does not burn at the same temperatures as regular oil, so you'll get less deposits in the engine. Castrol GTX is a regular oil based product, but they do make both a blended and full synthetic product. I use Mobil 1. If you have a new car, I'd run regular oil in it for at least 2 oil changes (6,000 miles) to let the engine break in, then make the switch to synthetic. To even out the operating costs with the synthetic, extend your oil changes, and use a higher quality oil filter.

Answer 3

Castrol Gtx Synthetic

Answer 4

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RE:
Synthetic Motor Oil?
What is it? From what I've read, I think I want to use it in my new vehicle. I've always used Castrol GTX. Is that synthetic or does Castrol make a synthetic motor oil? (Syntec maybe?)

Answer 5

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One urban myth surrounding synthetic oil is its compatibility with conventional oil. At one time, those who switched from conventional to synthetics had to stick with synthetics—there was no going back. Synthetics expanded the seals in the engine; then, when conventional motor oil was used, that engine sprang multiple leaks. Now, while the companies don't recommend mixing or switching back and forth, one company's synthetics are fully compatible with others and compatible with conventional oils. The source of compatibility problems was high levels of ester in the earlier synthetics. Considering the consequences, it's best to verify this compatibility, either on the company's website or with your trusted mechanic.

Answer 6

As far as I'm aware GTX is a standard oil.

I've no idea how synthetic oil is manufactured but it can be easily identified in that it'll cost around twice as much!

I highly recommend the stuff - especially where extremes of temperature are involved.

Answer 7

Synthetic oil is man-made (or rather engineered)
It is far superior to the regular petroleum-based oil, and is significantly more expensive. But you can drive on it for extended oil changes; instead of every 3000 Miles, you can go 5000 to 6000 miles on a changer.
The molecules of synthetic are all the same size and shape, providing superior lubricity and shear resistance, and conducts heat away from the engine much better, as well as performing better under extreme conditions.
Go for it!

Answer 8

Be sure and read your owners manual for recommendations on oil. Some specify not to use synthetic.

Answer 9

GTX is not synthetic, Syntec is. Synthetic oil is chemically altered oil with far superior sheer strength, heat resistance to break down(of the oil itself) and longevity.

Answer 10

Here you go......good info.

If the corolla has low miles, Syntec blend should suffice. Synthetics work better on exotic engines that create more heat and mechanical stress than a production motor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

I use royal purple on my engines....but forced induction engines are considered exotic, high stress engines.