Should I use fully synthetic oil?

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 01:07

Manual calls for Semi-Synthetic oil. I've been told to use fully synthetic as it's better.

Just made me wonder, why would the manual call for semi-synthetic? Surely it's for a reason?

It's an 03 Mondeo 2.0L Petrol.

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 07:17

So there's no advantage to me buying fully synthetic then? Just to confirm?

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 17:38

Dr Who said:
There are advantages in some cases, I highly doubt you will justify the extra cost on a 10 year old mondeo.

Could you please tell me why? If you know?

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 17:54

wazza300 said:
fully synthetic is always better

its about more uniform molecule sizes in synthetic vs random sized molecules in non/semi synthetic

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-T...tic-Oil-And-Conventional-Motor-Oil?&id=293637

So, ignore Dr Who then?

That's what I was told but wasn't sure why Ford would tell me to use semi. I wasn't sure if it would utilise the fully synth or what.

I've always bought fully synthetic but it got me thinking if I was doing more harm than good.

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 18:01

I just figured regardless of age, a better quality oil would have been better for the engine.

It's not like 99RON petrol going into a 1.2 Corsa.

I've read the linked article. Confusing!

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 18:03

Dr Who said:
Yup ignore the guy with 40 years in motorsport and take some randoms advice based on an 4 paragraph article he clearly hasn't read fully

I never said Full Synth wasn't better, I said a 10 year old mondeo would not benefit from the extra expense, but it's your money.

Don't take offence. I don't know who you are, you never told me. You were very brief and never offered much other than an answer and a wink.

I'm all for listening to you. You're also a random to me remember as the other guy is.

Semi-synthetic it is then. Cheers, I appreciate your input.

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 18:07

Janesy B said:
Semi Synth was just the spec at the time, Ford Formula E, which is what I used in my Focus until you couldn't get it any more. It's been replaced with Formula F which is fully synth. As long as it's Ford WSS M2C 913 B spec it'll be fine.

What is "WSS M2C 913?"

I know I need 5W30?

So what oil and where from then folks? Links would be good.

Buchanan0204 · 4 Nov 2013 at 18:15

Dr Who said:
Fair point. Just one thing, oils are a minefield so better to go with a decent oil of semi-synth than a cheap full synth.

What Janesy said is true, and more cars have switched to full synth with increased service intervals and use based servicing when they can benefit from extended longevity but I am guessing your car is still mileage based servicing?

Simon is the best guy for oil here, maybe he will comment later?

Brilliant, cheers.

Yes, I bought it last year and I bought all the service parts and got a local guy to do the oil change and fit the filters and plugs etc. it's now been a year and 10k miles, so due another. I was planning on doing it every 10k miles or annually, whichever came first.