Dayton Daily News

Wheels: Barry of Beavercreek writes by e-mail: "In response to my e-mails of several years ago, you made clear that you feel synthetic oils are worth the money in return for the extra engine protection they provide. I have used Mobil 1 exclusively in my 2001 Chevy Express van, 5.7-liter, and changed oil at or before recommended intervals.

I recently noticed Pennzoil Platinum, SAE 5W-30, fully synthetic oil selling at Wal-Mart for about $23. while Mobil 1 was about $26. I have used Pennzoil non-synthetic in all my cars except the 2001 van for more than 30 years. Is Mobil 1 worth $3 more, or does, in your view, Pennzoil Platinum give equal engine protection? Is there a non-synthetic oil other than Pennzoil that you think gives better protection than Pennzoil non-synthetic?

Halderman: The reason I mention Mobil 1 and not other synthetic oils is that this is the only one that is recommended for use by many vehicle manufacturers. I don't think that Pennzoil isn't as good and I can't tell you that Mobil 1 is worth a certain amount of money more. I have, however, always recommended what the vehicle manufacturers recommend after countless discussions with engineers. They know more about the products they specify than I could ever know. Sorry, I can't answer your question about the relative worth or differences in the oils you asked about. It has been my experience that most oils that are from nationally known brands and have the specified rating for viscosity and quality (API and ILSAC ratings), can be used with confidence. Try to avoid using "no name" brands or brands that you have not heard about before. Also I recommend that you do not use a synthetic blend oil. It is not because they are bad oils and in fact they could be excellent oils, but there is no standard that specifies the amount of synthetic in the blend. Therefore there could be very little difference between blended oil and a good quality mineral oil and may not be worth the extra cost involved. Keep changing the oil regularly as you have been doing and you will be OK, regardless of the oil used.

James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician and the author of 12 textbooks. E-mail him at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.