Should I use fully synthetic oil?

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Soldato
Joined
10 Jun 2010
Posts
5,158
Location
Scotland
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 said:
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.
Click to expand...

It says semi synthetic as it offers greater protection than mineral, going one step further and using full synth will do no harm to anything other than your pocket.
 
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
Click to expand...

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 said:
Could you please tell me why? If you know?
Click to expand...

It provides better protection at extremes, for example track work, or extended high load work such as towing a caravan.

Long term use of mineral or semi-synth can leave deposits on surfaces which may be removed by a full synth resulting in increased friction.

I use full synth in performance engines which are driven hard and semi in everything else just to save money really. If the car won't really benefit from the oil why pay more than you need? Ford are happy with semi-synth in the engine from new, so why bother with more expensive full synth 10 years on?

Check out Opie Oils website and see what they recommend for your car and the price difference.
 
Buchanan0204 said:
So, ignore Dr Who then?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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!
 
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. If it's of any benefit using fully synth is another matter, but semi is fine.
 
Last edited:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

What is "WSS M2C 913?"

I know I need 5W30?

So what oil and where from then folks? Links would be good.
 
Buchanan0204 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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?
 
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom