Thread: thinking about going synthetic

Originally Posted by IndeedSS

I've heard that RP isn't the best oil to run in a car that's driven infrequently. Someting about an acidic buildup, although that's just what some people have said.

That acidic build up will occur with any car using any oil that is not driven frequently. More specifically, one that is driven in such a manner that the oil does not get up to temperature for a specified period of time.

The acidic build up is caused by moisture getting into the oil and it will react with other contaminants and accelerate oxidation and thickening of the oil. In the same manner, those of you that do extended warm up times, particularly in the winter and then only make short trips are flooding your oil with fuel contamination that is in many ways worse than the moisture contamination. The fuel will thin out the oil in short order. Only 2% fuel contamination in motor oil is considered abnormal and I have seen that much fuel in a motor oil before and have seen it drop the oil two grades thinner. Which leaves your motor severely unprotected during high load times.

Originally Posted by SyntheticShield

those of you that do extended warm up times, particularly in the winter and then only make short trips are flooding your oil with fuel contamination that is in many ways worse than the moisture contamination.

So does this mean doing a remote start and leaving it for 10 minutes then going and driving about 30 minutes is not okay, or is my scenario okay? What is considered a short trip?