Engine oil ?! I'm really confused

[BLOODY_STONE]

Originally Posted by Happy Little Pony

There's not a lot of difference in your scenario. In a warm weather climate with a car that doesn't have a high performance or turbo-charged engine, the benefits of a synthetic are minor. If you want to use a synthetic for a little more peace of mind, go ahead, but it probably won't affect the longevity of your engine to any great degree.

As long as you use a quality oil and change it regularly, I wouldn't worry.

All i need is outstanding protection & long life ... so all i should care about is interval changing not the type of oil ...

[Happy Little Pony]

Originally Posted by BLOODY_STONE

All i need is outstanding protection & long life ... so all i should care about is interval changing not the type of oil ...

Exactly. In an ideal situation, you can run a synthetic oil longer than a conventional because the synthetics tend to have a more robust additive package. But, as you describe, you live in less than ideal circumstances in a very dusty environment. That will be your problem. Keep an eye on your air filter and your air intake, making sure all of the seals are good and that there are no cracks or leaks. That will have more to do with you engine's lifespan than the oil will.

But especially keep watch on your cooling system. Check your coolant level regularly and watch for leaks! More engines end up on the scrap heap from coolant problems than from oil problems.

[BLOODY_STONE]

Originally Posted by Happy Little Pony

Exactly. In an ideal situation, you can run a synthetic oil longer than a conventional because the synthetics tend to have a more robust additive package. But, as you describe, you live in less than ideal circumstances in a very dusty environment. That will be your problem. Keep an eye on your air filter and your air intake, making sure all of the seals are good and that there are no cracks or leaks. That will have more to do with you engine's lifespan than the oil will.

But especially keep watch on your cooling system. Check your coolant level regularly and watch for leaks! More engines end up on the scrap heap from coolant problems than from oil problems.

big THANX!! considering synthetic oils ... what do you recommend?

[Happy Little Pony]

Originally Posted by BLOODY_STONE

big THANX!! considering synthetic oils ... what do you recommend?

It's hard to say, not knowing what's available to you there. Any synthetic oil that's rated "SL," "SM" or "SN" by the API, or "GF4" or "GF5" by ILSAC would be fine.