Synthetic VS Semi-synthetic Poll

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Midnightrider909, Dec 8, 2018.

Which do you use?

  1. Full synthetic

    9 vote(s)
    22.5%
  2. Semi-synthetic

    16 vote(s)
    40.0%
  3. Regular oil

    15 vote(s)
    37.5%
  1. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

    2,383
    9,599
    Oct 26, 2016
    0
    I am at the TA and getting full synthetic is $200 more than semi-synthetic. On my last oil change I saved the $200 and did semi-synthetic and averaged 8.6 mpg. I have heard you can get better mileage and extend change intervals with using full synthetic oil. Volvo recommends a 60,000 mile oil change interval for my D13. That scares me a little bit so I think I might need the full synthetic if I want to wait that long.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

    20,819
    71,604
    Apr 8, 2012
    Orion's Belt
    0
    First I wouldn’t let the TA touch the truck.......

    2nd full synthetic for cold start protection....
     
    BigCam9670 and Diesel Dave Thank this.
  4. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

    2,383
    9,599
    Oct 26, 2016
    0
    I hate the Volvo dealer in SLC so TA it is. I watch them closely.
     
    Cat sdp Thanks this.
  5. sealevel

    sealevel Road Train Member

    2,664
    10,282
    May 31, 2012
    U.S. 41
    0
    How much does t/a charge for the semi synthetic PM?
     
  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

    8,516
    23,380
    Jan 20, 2010
    Hesperia, Ca.
    0
    upload_2018-12-8_12-35-57.png
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    For 10 gallons of synthetic blend. (Oil Only)
     
    sealevel Thanks this.
  7. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

    2,383
    9,599
    Oct 26, 2016
    0
    About $300. Full synthetic is $200 more.
     
    sealevel Thanks this.
  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    13,212
    70,201
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    Full lab oil sampling is the only safe way to determine extended oil drains.

    I use semi synthetic at $16/gallon, bypass filtration and change oil based on oil samples, typically 30-50k intervals.

    Soot, silicon and wear metals are typically low - base number (acidity) and viscosity generally spur me to replace oil.

    A manufacturer recommendation would not scare me.

    A TA/Petro/Speedco plunges a hot knife of fear into my core, and lack of samples would twist said knife.
     
    kemosabi49 and sealevel Thank this.
  9. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

    2,383
    9,599
    Oct 26, 2016
    0
    Why do you fear Petro/TA/Speedco? I have always got my oil changed at those places and never had a problem. Do you change your own?
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2018
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  10. sealevel

    sealevel Road Train Member

    2,664
    10,282
    May 31, 2012
    U.S. 41
    0
    Detroit is bending me over on filters. My F/W separator is 100 bucks and Donaldson hasn't come up with a approved filter yet. I'm spending 600 bucks on a Semi synthetic PM on a 2018 DD15 knowingly getting gouged. I won't let TA touch my truck but dang. I changed the oil on my 60 series myself but this one nope. No wonder people trade these pos in when the warranty is up.
     
  11. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    13,212
    70,201
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    Yes I do.

    I know of a half dozen horror stories from the chain stores.
     
    Diesel Dave, sealevel and Cat sdp Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.