Synthetic or Regular motor oil?

[YinYang]

I'm tempted to use synthetic oil in my car to get away from oil products. Upon quick review, the chemicals used are harsh on the environment.

I'm naive and unresearched on this and just wondering what you all do for car oil changes.

If it makes any difference (I doubt it) my car will now be getting more mileage as I'll be driving more frequently (visitation...).

Thanks!

[Leylla]

Just from a mechanical standpoint, we always use synthetic. It's just better for the motor, especially w/ some of the higher milleage synthetics out there.

However, if it doesn't look like you'll be able to afford synthetic in the long run, don't switch. It is very hard on a motor to go from synthetic to regular.

And if there is regular in there now, and switching to synthetic, don't forget to include a full motor flush. (You can find a DIY kit at any auto store)

Steph

[mags]

My DH only uses synthetic, even though it costs more. He thinks it is better for the engine and it also allows us to go longer in btwn oil changes... typically 5,000 miles vs the regular 3,000 miles with regular oil.