Any more, having your oil changed seems like a commodity with prices advertised as low as $14.99. At that price, why would anyone want to change their own oil or use a premium oil? Conventional oil has been around for years, but like everything else in an ever-changing world, new products and technologies are introduced to improve inefficiencies. So we wanted to learn more about this synthetic oil, how it differs than convention oil and to use it while changing our own oil. Using the Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic (5W-30), not sure we’ll ever use conventional oil again!
The one common bond between convention and synthetic oil is that they both come from the ground…and pretty much stops there! Synthetic oil is redefined, distilled and purified; which removes a higher level of impurities from crude oil. This process is broken down to the basic molecule level to be tailored for today’s modern engines. When oil is broken down to this level, it provides higher levels of engine protection and performance than conventional oil. Of course the right blend of additives need go in to create the premium product that it is.
Using a synthetic oil like the Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30, helps keep engines running like new. As oil circulates through the engine, over time it can pick up deposits and when using convention oils, can lead to unwanted sludge. Sludge reduces an engines efficiency and its overall life. The Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic oil contain fewer impurities compared to conventional oils and better resistance to sludge build up forming in the engine. As engine parts are in constant contact with each other and moving at high speeds, the components can wear and break down over time. Motor oil is the protective barrier between these components and while conventional oils break down, synthetic oil retail better wear protection and increases the engines life.
Synthetic oil can also increase better flow at colder temperatures and protection at hotter temperatures. When vehicles sit overnight or over a length of time, oil settles. As the engine fires up, oil begins flowing through the engine to protect against friction. Convention oils take more time until they are able to flow smoothly and during colder months, the flow process will take even longer. Platinum Full Synthetic oils are much quicker at low and extreme cold temperatures and begin flowing immediately after the engine turns on. During the summer months, engines can get hot…extremely hot! Conventional oils can break down over time or even evaporate, exposing your engine to wear. Synthetic oil has a higher heat resistance, which is crucial if you’re driving in hotter temperatures.
Now that you’re an expert and know the differences between conventional and synthetic oils, let’s change our oil using synthetic. Fortunately our vehicle was high enough off the ground, we avoided using a jack and raising it up off the ground. But always make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, parking brake engaged and engine turned off. We put down a plastic sheet for an easier clean-up and to keep the area clean. Opened the hood and located the engine oil dipstick and was removed. Using the FloTool Less Mess Oil Drain Pan, we removed the drain plug and removed all the old oil. While the oil was draining, we wiped the drain plugs threads with a rag and inspected its condition. Replaced the drain plug and moved over the hood of the car, located the oil filter and installed the new one accordingly. After removing the oil fill cap, we used the FloTool QuickFill Funnel to pour in the Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30. After pouring about 3 qts., we replaced the oil fill cap and started the engine and ran it at idle for approximately 30 seconds and checked for oil leaks.
In using the right equipment, changing your oil isn’t rocket science and saved us a fair amount of money! After this experience, I don’t think we’ll ever go back to using conventional oil. Way to many benefits of synthetic oil, especially if you plan to keep you vehicle for a long period of time!
