The Best Synthetic Oil

In this article, we take a look at the question of what is the best synthetic oil. Defining the best of anything is always a bit subjective, but we definitely have an opinion on this one.

The first issue to discuss is the nature of synthetic oil. What is it? As the name suggests, this lubricant is a collection of chemical compounds not found in traditional mineral oil. They are synthetic and designed to maximize engine wear. They can be packed as a straight synthetic product or can be combined with traditional mineral oil.

Synthetic oils are designed to maximize engine protection. It is hard to know where the marketing claims of these products end and the truth begins. It is generally accepted that synthetic engine oils are superior for vehicles running in very hot or very cold temperatures. That being said, it is less clear how big a benefit there is in areas where the temperature stays in a temperate range.

So, what is the best synthetic oil? All of the big names have their own brands now. The big dog on the block in my opinion is Mobile 1. It always gets high marks in studies, but I am looking towards another source – my own experience. I’ve used Mobile 1 in an RV and my cars for years. I’ve never had one engine problem during this time. The same goes with everyone I know who uses this oil.

There is one caveat to using Mobile 1. If you have a car under warranty, you should probably stick with the recommended oil in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to get bumped off the warranty on some technicality! Also, synthetic oils are generally not advisable for rotary engines as found in some Mazda vehicles.

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