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2008 Jeep Patriot 4*2 with 127k Miles. Should I switch to synthetic oil?

2.5K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Ignatz  
#1 ·
I've always done regular conventional oil changes but was wondering since my mileage is getting up there for her would it be a good idea to switch to synthetic for prolonged engine life? Thanks for the opinions and happy jeeping!
 
#2 · (Edited)
Talking about oil is akin to talking about religion. There's many opinions. Here's mine.

My knowledge of today's oils is that the difference between conventional and synthetic is merging. Conventional oil is made from group 2 or 2+ base stock and synthetic is made from group 3 and/or 4 base stock (keeping it simple). The additives are every bit as important to the final product. Its my understanding that in order to make today's thinner oils such as our 5w20, even a conventional oil has a bit of synthetic in it (thus, the merging comment).

My belief is that synthetic oil is only marginally better for a few aspects. It might flow a tiny bit better at very cold temperatures. It might handle extreme heat a tiny bit better (turbo applications). Its best attribute is that it should last for a longer oil change interval. What I believe that it does NOT do is appreciably reduce engine wear under normal conditions. Tons of used oil analysis at Bobistheoilguy forum show this.

These are generalizations. In Minnesota with sub zero f temps., a synthetic might help. If you are doing 3K to 5K oil changes, you probably will not see less wear using a conventional vs. a synthetic. If you want to go beyond 5K oil changes, then the synthetic is "probably" a better choice. Some people ARE doing the long intervals with conventional oil with success. It depends on the conditions, hard vs easy miles, and the vehicle. Our engines are generally easy on oil compared to the newer direct injection or turbo engines.

Some claim that changing to a synthetic after years of conventional will "over-clean" the seals and cause leaks. This is based on experiences MANY decades ago. But, it is still a very controversial and contested subject. Many (most) believe this is no longer a problem.

I use Pennzoil Platinum synthetic and change my oil about every 7 K miles. In the past I always used conventional oil at approximately 4K intervals. Used oil analysis is the only true way to know. Plenty of people are getting 200K+ miles out of their engines using either conventional or synthetic, so toss out the idea that a synthetic will magically make your engine last longer.
 
#3 ·
Yup, religion, politics, oils & tires. Everyone has an opinion.

I've used conventional oils all my life with one exception, my 1985 Pontiac Turbo that promptly died. I doubt it was related to the oil but it was making big smoke on its last few trips.

Also, my BIL put Mobil1 in his Datsun B210 and wrecked the engine. Prevailing wisdom at the time was the the engine was full of gunk from the old oil and the synthetic oil loosened it enough to plug it up = wrecked engine.

Both my recently passed Pontiac and my 2008 Patriot have had conventional oil all their lives, and after 225,000 they started to use a little, as in 1 qt/4000 miles. Basically I'll top it off every 1000 miles. Pontiac died due to transmission and ECM problems that together made repair too expensive to be worth doing. Patriot is still on the road and it has the lifetime warranty; I'll let you know when FCA replaces the engine. Last time I was worried about oil consumption it was just a leaky oil plug.
 
#4 ·
I've heard seals on older engines, probably referencing pre-1980 models, doesn't like synthetic oil and will degrade faster with it. Ours probably won't have that problem, but many people I know...people who know the intracacies of an internal combustion engine and the basics of working on one.....have told me that a straight switch from conventional to synthetic will plug up the engine and that if such a switch is made, that flushing the entire engine is a necessity if you want to ensure it'll work. Such a flush seems like a good idea anyway, if pricey. However, Treegrower's comment about even "pure conventional" oil having some synthetic properties would also make sense, and if true could partially explain why I have no problems after an experimental straight switch from Valvoline "Premium Conventional" to Valvoline "Durablend" partial synthetic (this stuff https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-5W...6/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1510936635&sr=1-6&keywords=valvoline+5w20). It really all depends on what you want in your Jeep and how sure you are of what's going to happen after a switch if you choose to do the switch.
 
#5 ·
With the exception of my current 08 Compass, I have run Walmart Supertech conventional oil in all of my vehicles using 7500 mile OCI with zero problems and putting well over 100,000 miles on each of them.

Since I bought my 08 three years ago with 62K on it, (118K on it now), I've been running Mobil 1 full synthetic using 10K OCI (Mobil 1 is guaranteed for 15K). No issues yet. I basically change my oil and filter in the Spring and Fall.

Many people will claim one brand is better than the other but here in Vermont, the main culprit in the demise of my vehicles is rust. The vehicles rust out while the engines are still running strong.
 
#6 ·
personal preferance
i have had no problem with using regular oil
i try to stick to manufacturers original recommendation
have had 3 cars go +200k miles with 0 engine problems using standard oil,
and i dont baby them, often go 5k-10k miles between changes still havent had a problem,
my most recent vehicle is only vehicle i have been using synthetic on as thats the recommended oil for it 5w30dexos
 
#9 ·
Hey, brother -- hop on over to the newbie forum and introduce yourself to the others. BTW, I've got a 2008 Patriot too. Quite durable machine. It will be racking up another 500 miles taking us to NY for the weekend. Like the Energizer rabbit, it just keeps on going.