Mineral or Synthetic Oil?

[sunbaj]

I have a swift Dzire ZDI and I recently went in for my 3rd service at MASS. Till date I had driven my car for around 10200 Km and I had got an average fuel efficiency of arount 19.5 KM/litre with 100% AC . I was initially really confused as to what engine oil should I opt for as this was my first oil change. Initially I wanted to opt in for Mineral Oil as I could see an upfront saving of close to around 2000 Rs but then I was not really at peace inside as I always had second thoughts about it.

Also one of my friend had Mariti Swit and he had opetd for Mineral Oil. Initially his mileage was around 19 KM/litre but then he had clocked in around 6000 Km with mineral oil his fuel efficiency had come down and his car was also not responsive. So he went in for a engine oil change at around 7k Km after filling the mineral oil.

After going in to the service station I opted for Synthetic oil and I was charged 2900 Rs for 3.1 litre of 5W40 grade oil and 350 Rs for the Oil filter with ather charges also. It had been 3 weeks since I changed the oil and I am very happy that I opted for Synthetic oil. Had I opted in for mineral I would have required to change the oil again at 5K km instead of 10k which I would be doing now. Also after 1 year I would have gone in for just 1 service with synthetic oil instead of 2 with mineral. Overall I believe that I would end up paying 1000 Rs extra but I now have peace of mind and alo I won't mind paying 1000 Rs extra knowing that I have paid money for something better and also I do love my car and don't mind paying extra.

Also I would like to add that I also have a petrol car which has clocked 26 K km and I always use semi synthetic oil in it with oil change interval of 7k to 8k or 1 year which ever is earlier.

 

[IndicaDLS2002]

Okay quick question for the engine oil experts. If after the service ASS claims that oil was changed yet you see a little black smoke when the car climbs up slopes especially on lower gears does that mean it was not change properly or was not changed at all ?

Is there any way to visually or by touch verify if the oil in your car is fresh/new & was changed recently?

 

[sunbaj]

A black smoke in a Diesel car has nothing to do with the Engine oil. Whn ever you move your car to the turbo zone 99% possibility is that your car will emmit black smoke because the full combustion of the fuel did not happen. When ever you try to accelerate fast possibilty is that you will emmit black smoke as full fuel combustion did not happen. Also how many Km has your car done. There are chances that you might require a Intercooler cleaning if it is beyond 25 to 30 K Km

As for the oil check whether it has been changed is difficuly to identify as just trying to make it out of a dip stick would be tricky task.

 

[karthick raja]

My recommendation is , use mineral oil for first few kms for better break in and then switch to Synthetic at later stage. For any new vehicle , I used to fill factory recommended oil (either semi synthetic or mineral) and then I change them to fully synthetic with similar factory spec viscosity.

 

[amit1km]

My recommendation is , use mineral oil for first few kms for better break in and then switch to Synthetic at later stage. For any new vehicle , I used to fill factory recommended oil (either semi synthetic or mineral) and then I change them to fully synthetic with similar factory spec viscosity.

Did you find any difference before and after changing the engine oil.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Talk about adding oil fuel to fire:

 

[karthick raja]

Did you find any difference before and after changing the engine oil.

Absolutely yes, my gearbox feels butter smooth and slick after changing from Honda to Motul 300v Fully synthetic oil. I do say that its not only about spec but also quality as last time I used Fully synthetic oil of Honda 10w30 before switching to Motul 10w40 Fully synthetic one.

 

[Muhammed Riyas]

Somebody recommend me a good engine oil that can be used in 2002 model diesel lancer, to give good power and mileage.

 

[Muhammed Riyas]

Synthetic oils have better heat handling capacity than mineral oils, they do prevent the engine from overheating. I use synthetic oil in my pulsar 150. Felt no difference in mileage, but the bike is bit smoother.

 

[srinivas_gs]

This is not to hurt anyone.

The benefits of using Synthetic oil will be equivalent to using mineral oil with change intervals of 5-6K kms (as confirmed by Maruti dealer senior mechanic). Not sure why we should spend more on synthetic oil if not recommended by Manufacturer. That too in warranty period, the service folks will look for excuses to void the warranty and usage of synthetic may be one that too if not replaced through them. Also, oil should ensure that engine performs as expected - nothing more, nothing less.

From long term perspective, I did not have good experience with non mineral oils. I was using semi synth oil consistently in my Bajaj Rave (old bike) for long period but that had damaged the engine components. Eventually, I had to sell my bike for a low price . From then on, its big NO for semi synth/synth oil and for all my vehicles, I am doing oil changes at service station (during my presence - otherwise service guys tend to mix diesel vs petrol engine oils). I face no issues with engine performance.

 

[TurboZone]

Driving Grand i10 diesel which is 5 months old and 6000km odometer.
Surprised that Hyndai hadn't recommended engine oil change at 1000 or 5000kms.
They recommended every 10000km iterval that too mineral oil

I asked SA to do a engine oil change at 1000km for which he strictly turned down not to do so.
Then i took my car to anothe service station at 4000km for batter drain software upgrade.
i asked him to do engine oil change for which SA told there is of no use unless Engine oil was changed along with filter.
I opted not to do so as filter will cost 2k more any way which is not needed.

How come Hyndai cars managing with mineral oil change for prolonged intervals (10000km or 1 year)?
Any how i decided to upgrade myself to aftermarket synthtic oil for second service which is 10000km, Please recommed me True VFM synthetic diesel engine oil?
More specific Shell or Devlac Mobilo?
Which grade, brand, and cost per liter?
Am i suppose to buy myself an engine oil filter(superior grade which compliment synthetic oil chnage) or else Hyndai's is sufficient?
Engine oil capacity is 5.3 liters, Though of buying 5.5 liters and keep an reserve of 200ml.

 

[Viru]

Oil is actually more complicated than just Mineral vs. Synthetic or Brand names, I've posted a detailed thread about choosing engine oil, have a look:

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/technical-zone/16281-choosing-right-engine-oil.html

 

[tjxc32m]

hi, i am due to change my swidt VDi ( 2011 ) engine oil and planning to put in mobil delvac 1 (5W40). can anyone suggest where to get one in Bangalore.

 

[Viru]

Driving Grand i10 diesel which is 5 months old and 6000km odometer.
Surprised that Hyndai hadn't recommended engine oil change at 1000 or 5000kms.
They recommended every 10000km iterval that too mineral oil

I asked SA to do a engine oil change at 1000km for which he strictly turned down not to do so.
Then i took my car to anothe service station at 4000km for batter drain software upgrade.
i asked him to do engine oil change for which SA told there is of no use unless Engine oil was changed along with filter.
I opted not to do so as filter will cost 2k more any way which is not needed.

How come Hyndai cars managing with mineral oil change for prolonged intervals (10000km or 1 year)?
Any how i decided to upgrade myself to aftermarket synthtic oil for second service which is 10000km, Please recommed me True VFM synthetic diesel engine oil?
More specific Shell or Devlac Mobilo?
Which grade, brand, and cost per liter?
Am i suppose to buy myself an engine oil filter(superior grade which compliment synthetic oil chnage) or else Hyndai's is sufficient?
Engine oil capacity is 5.3 liters, Though of buying 5.5 liters and keep an reserve of 200ml.

Most manufacturers these days allow a change interval of ~10,000Km, because newer engines have much less oil burn and oil/fuel mixing, making more frequent changes unnecessary. This is further complimented by the huge development in engine oil technology over the years, which allows oil to go for longer without ill effect.
The most suitable grade is highly dependent on your driving style, conditions, etc.

Synthetic oils are made to be 100% compatible with existing components, including oil filters, so the Hyundai one should be fine. Just make sure you change your oil filter EVERY time you change the oil, otherwise it will be a waste of your time and money getting the oil changed!

Buying extra oil is a great idea, not only does some tend to spill during the change, but extra is very useful when running the oil for ~10,000Km and you have to top it up to keep it at the ideal level. Oil doesn't expire!

 

[codename47]

Up in Australia

with cars over 100,000 kms are advised to use Fully synthetic engine oil
for cars with less then 100k, mineral oil or semi synthetic.