Vehicle Oil Brands

I'm just curious. Since we as pi's/bea's are pretty hard on our vehicles, which brand of motor oil do most of you prefer ?

Synthetic vs traditional ?

3k vs 5k for changes ?

I have used Castrol brand for the past 10 yrs in both of my trucks. Recently I changed to a high mileage, synthetic blend. My mechanic told me it was better for my engine.

I have close to 215k miles on my truck now. I change it religiously every 3k miles. In some cases that's once a month.

I started this business with this truck; 1992 Ford Ranger xlt 3.0 ltr v-6 5 speed manual. Most of my apprehensions have been from her. I have slept, eaten, surveiled, extradited, and even fought a fugitive in her..he was trying to escape a moving vehicle. I was able to prevent him from doing so, but he almost caused us to wreck in the process.

She has never broken down on me save 1 time, the transmission went out. I replaced it with a rebuilt one and we've been good to go ever since.She's a little worse for wear, has a few dings n dents in her, she could stand a new coat of paint..but who wouldn't after 14 yrs and hard use ?

Most importantly she's paid for, and the insurance on her is cheap. Anyway, I'd like to read what others do regarding vehicle maintenance.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

We upgraded our vehicals in 2005 to Impala's but we still use valvoline oil as we have for many years. We change oil every 3000 miles like clock work. I have never had a motor failure in 18 plus years, just the usual plugs, brakes,Alt. and a few sensors. Use to go thru alot of exhusts because of so much road salt but we went to all stainless and no more problems

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The Rose Investigations LLC
Collection Agency
Security & Investigations Consultant
Retired Private Investigator & Bail Enforcement
NAM VET 1969- 1975 US Army (RECON)
Office 260-220-3877
1-888-631-5520
Fax 260-456-6062

I use Valvoline in all my vehicles. Never had a problem. I change the oil every 5k in my huntin car, 2000 Cadillac DeVille. I change it every 7500k in my 04 F250 Diesel.

I have been using Valvoline for as long as I can remember and havent had a problem. Next time I trade for a new vehicle, I may go synthetic. Just longer between changes and everything sounds good.

But, I have a little reservation. You know, if it aint broke, dont fix it.

Some of you guys know that I hold a double master certification (gas and diesel) have owned shops and have a remanufactured transmission and engine business www.drivelinedirect.com . I have used synthetic oil (Valvoline) in all of my vehicles, changing to their Extended life oil after 200,000 miles. I switch because I want the valve seals as well as other seals to be rejuvinated by the additives in the Extended life version. I have pulled engines down that has Synthetic oil in for 200,000 miles and they were spotless, still had visible crosshatch in the cylinder walls. I was impressed.
I change oil every 3k because oil is cheaper than metal. My vehicles are all diesel now accept for my 2002 Yukon XL, it has just under 200k on it and will be here until it is past junk. Great vehicle for hunting in! I went to the diesels to be able to have cars last 3-400,000 miles, due to the cost of cars these days, I want the best bang for the buck. I still feel that the best buy in an American car is the Crown Victoria. $22-25k and it goes 300k and has plenty of room and metal around you with great road manners.

Scott

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R.E. "Scott" MacLean III

"Leaders are like Eagles, you never see them in a flock, but one at a time"

Chesapeake Group Investigations, Inc.
Chesapeake Bail Bonds
877-574-0500
301-392-1100 (fax)
301-392-1900 (Office)

We here use and will always use Mobil 1. Every since the Mobil 1 dealer give us a free case and told us that we will see a difference in how our cars will run and the gas milage will go up 1 to 2 mpg. We do see the difference and gas milage, we are going to keep using it. We own a 1997 chrysler Town & Country with 265,454 miles on it with Mobil 1. That is our pick-up vehicle. We change the oil in all of our cars every 4,000 miles. No more then that.

That's my 2 cents!!!

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Steve Faircloth
A Way Out Bail Bonds
(220) 204-9733 Cell
NSIN# SF0105
LIC. #704058

Scott,

I wish I had known about your engine business last year.

I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. My engine is running fine. I've had multiple mechanics check her out all over the country..all have the same opinion. Engine is sound as it was the day she was built.

However, I have also been told that you should have an engine rebuilt around the 200k-250k mark due to the possiblilty of worn out parts.
I am a student of the old addage "an ounce of prevention vs a pound of cure". However, someone else reminded me of another one.."If it aint broke, don't fix it".

So what do I do ? Keep driving until something does break? Or, have it rebuilt and feel confident that she's ok ? If I do have her rebuilt, what is the avg cost ?

Thanks

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

If it ain't broke...drive her until she pukes, unless of course you have a stack of money laying around, then call me.

Year make and model gets a quote!

_________________
R.E. "Scott" MacLean III

"Leaders are like Eagles, you never see them in a flock, but one at a time"

Chesapeake Group Investigations, Inc.
Chesapeake Bail Bonds
877-574-0500
301-392-1100 (fax)
301-392-1900 (Office)

year, make and model are at the top, but here they are again:

1992 Ford Ranger xlt 5 speed manual transmission w/ps and a/c; 3.0 ltr. 6 cylinder manufactured 8/91.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

I have a 99 C V. Bought from the CA hi patrol with 100K on it. As with all my other vehicles, I use regular Pennzoil and change every 5K miles. Haven't had any problems with any of them.

The C V now has 260K. Maybe when I hit 300K I may switch to a syn oil. Maybe I can get 500K on it before buying another.

BTW, the CA highway patrol really take care of the vehicles unlike most of the local PDs. If you can find a unit from a more rural area, they last well past 300K if maintained. They ususally sell the cars @ 2 years or 100K miles.