OK, I know there are lots of opinions on this board about synthetic oils, but based on previous discussions here (and the fact that I think someone said that Saab has switched to synthetic oil for the 2001 models), I switched over to Mobil 1 10W-30 at my oil change today. From what I read here, 10W-30 seemed to be the right weight for central North Carolina where our winter temperatures don't usually go below 15F and our summer temperatures regularly get up in the 90s. (Prior to this change, I had been using Castrol 10W-30 dino oil exclusively for the first 14,000 miles.)

Since this was an oil change not on a major service interval, I had it done at a local shop that specializes in european cars (primarily BMW, MB, Volvo, and Saab). I wanted to get a feel for how well-versed they were in Saabs since they are more convenient for me than the dealer later on when my warranty runs out. They seem to be very knowledgeable about Saabs and had a good discount for new customers which is another reason why I tried them. The owner has been in the auto repair business for 25 years starting out in New York and moving to North Carolina about 18 years ago.

Why do I go into all this? Well, he told me that he thought 10W-30 was too low viscosity to use in a Saab with the turbo engine. He said he always uses 5W-50 in all his cars and would especially recommend that for cars with a turbo. He said he uses Castrol Syntech, which is available in 5W-50 and feels it is a superior oil to Mobil 1. (He said Mobil 1 just gets all the hype because their marketing is better and have convinced more of the car makers to use it as a factory oil.) They went ahead and used the Mobil 1 10W-30 I asked for, but he said he felt obliged to tell me what I did if I was going to swithc to synthetic.

So, I am looking for feedback on his discussion of recommended grade of synthetic oil. I know there are a variety of opinions about which brand is best, but I wondered if his opinion on grade is valid for this part of the country or is he just remembering what was best for when he was in New York?

Mark

• Synth oil grade question, Mark Anderson, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 12:42:39 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Synth oil grade question, Dick in Falls Church, Thu, 18 Jan 2001 23:50:49
  • Mobil 1, but I switch grades..., SS, Thu, 18 Jan 2001 00:09:39
  • Re: Synth oil grade question, Arne, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 19:14:44
  • Mobil VS Castrol, various stories, all true unfortunately., Dean, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 15:47:52
  • Re: Synth oil grade question, Turboman, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 14:39:50
  • Thanks guys! That is the kind of info I wanted., Mark Anderson, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 14:22:16
  • Old Myth - Thicker oil is better......, REM in Seattle , Wed, 17 Jan 2001 13:39:18
    • Re: Old Myth - Thicker oil is better......, Dave Westlake, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 14:35:55
      • Mobil 1 15W-50 in my 1991 Alfa-Romeo Spider....., REM in Seattle , Wed, 17 Jan 2001 16:11:10
      • Re: Ok but, Stratmoen, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 15:24:25
        • Re: Ok but, TG, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 15:28:37
  • Re: Synth oil grade question, TG, Wed, 17 Jan 2001 13:10:45
  • I think 10W-30 is right for you..., Richard P., Wed, 17 Jan 2001 13:03:44

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