Fireman2789

Recently did an oil change on my 2012 fx4 5.0l and I'm curious I've always sworn by valvoline always used it in my old truck and the first oil change in my 2012 I used valvoline full synthetic.. This time I used Mobil 1 full synthetic to see if there was any noticeable difference in performance as in drive ability and smoothness maybe switch back to valvoline seeing that it's cheaper and if there's not really a difference no need to spend the extra money any input??

Tothemax

I run the Motocraft Synthetic blend. Why? Because its good oil and I can get it at walmart or the dealership. Any quality synthetic will do you just fine.

Fireman2789

in my 04 I always ran valvoline syn I just never really changed oil brands so figured change it up to see if there's a difference

joedotmac

One is never going to be able to discern the difference in the worst versus the best oil when it comes to vehicle performance. Honestly can't fathom how without considerable scientific measurement that there would be even a single horsepower difference. Else make no mistake the companies would market the metrics.

Typical oil performance considerations will be for engine component wear and and oil change intervals. Only way to truly validate one oil versus another is through UOA scientific analysis. Even then you really splitting hairs.

Generally the things your looking from from a motor oil is that they are providing adequate lucubration over X miles. That said, not all oils are created equal I found the OEM Motorcraft semi-synth oil to be good for around 5500 to 6k miles of use till the additive package is depleted. Using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum I'm running right at 10k with enough additive package left to go to 11k miles.

Without a doubt there are people have run every type of oil in the F150 imaginable and have posted UOA results. One might do some research to find an oil that fits the cost and longevity they're after.

diegoo.jayjay

Here is my 2nd OA on my 13 Ecoboost with Mobil 1 EP 5w-30.

The first test I had a TBN of 4.5 with 6700 miles. They always say try 8,000 miles. So I say 8,000 miles is safe for this oil but I usually stay around 5500 intervals.

joedotmac

Using the same oil in two different trucks will typically have differences in oil life, how the truck is used in what conditions, and any even minute differences in manufacturing tolerances of the engine, different oil filters, how much of the old oil was drained. Was it drained for 2 minutes or 30 minutes. All the small things matter and can all contribute to different results in the end when looking at continued use of oil. Thus use others results as a ballpark for your vehicle.

Ricktwuhk

+1 on doing research on what's already out there vs. subjective impressions that have no value. The person who says they can notice a difference in driveability and smoothness between two synthetic oils is someone that is full of malarky.

diegoo.jayjay

True, I should have added how I drive and it would have given a better idea.

JLTD

Synthetic holds up better in temperature extremes, and can last for a longer interval than dino oil.

So for example in NY where you are, a synthetic with same viscosity as the dino will flow better in the coldest winter temps. If you're looking to extend your oil changes (you didn't say how far you've been going with Valvoline) then synthetic is the way to go. I know of several people that use Mobil1 for 10000 miles for example.

Speedfreak400

I have used mobil 1 in every vehicle owned in the last 20 yearz and always changed around 10k