Synthetic Oil?

[H3PAC]

New H3 owner here. This forum is great. I'm looking forward to getting to know my new friends.

A couple of my buddies have suggested switching to synthetic engine oil. I've heard all of the advertising hype, but I'm curious if it is truly worthwhile? What are the specific advantages, if any? Also, if synthetic oil is so superior, why doesn't the manufacturer specify it? I sure would appreciate some expert opinions, especially from the Hummer techs.

I certainly don't mind spending money on something worthwhile, but one of my buddies that suggested the synthetic oil is a guy who spends hundreds of dollars on vitamins, only to flush them down the toilet in his very colorful urine.

[H2ummer]

I use Mobile 1. It does in fact come from the factory in some cars, like the Vette. I changed the factory oil in the H3 to Mobile 1 at 500 miles, since I am going to follow the recommended change interval. One thing that is often overlooked is not all oil filters are rated beyond 3000 miles which has be the standard interval. Use either the factory filter or an aftermarket filter that has been rated for extended intervals.

[Maui Nick]

Synthetic oil=cooler engine, better mileage, longer engine life.

[H2ummer]

Oh and don't forget to reset the Oil Percentage on the DIC.

[f5fstop]

GM's testing on this engine does not require the use of synthetic oil. It won't hurt, but not necessary. As far as temp decreases, it is minimal, and remember, for efficiency, the engine must be running at a certain temp. The true advantage of syn oil is in extreme hot conditions (resistance to breakdown) and extreme cold conditions (flows at extreme cold temps).
If you want to find out how well non-syn oil is doing, send a sample for an oil analysis and see how the TBN is, to check the true oil life remaining.
For some people, using syn oil is similar to burning premium fuel.

[usetosellhummer]

Plain and simple, it won't hurt but you are the only one who can justify the cost. It is not a need.