Is it ok to use a different brand of motor oil?
(2011-12-13 15:20:13) 1. Says: I have a 2012 mustang and just got my first oil change. With lack of knowledge I used a different oil as I thought it didn't matter. I used pz platinum full synthetic 5w-20 and the book recommends motorcraft saw 5w-20. Is it fine that I changed oils? And if I wanted to go back to using motorcraft would that be bad?2. Says: Marlon, you are VERY intelligent to ask this question!!! Many people just do NOT get this. If you read your owner's manual, it will tell you EXACTLY what specification oil your new engine requires in it. It will say something like "use engine oil that meets Ford standard 'so-and-so'" There is a GOOD reason for this. NOW, Ford engines have what European engines have had for more than TWENTY YEARS.It is engine technology that includes "piston wrist pin oil squirters." These gems extend power and engine life because the wear point of combustion are virtually reduced to nothing and the engines can run at higher RPM longer without sustaining bearing or engine failure. VERY SMART!!! THe FORD dealer is using oil that it has made that automatically meets it's own specifications. There are OTHER oils that work just as good as Motorcraft, and some are even BETTER than motorcraft. The Pennzoil Ultra you are using is PROBABLY one of these finer oils. always READ the back label of the oil you are using to see the FORD SPECIFICATION number printed there. Otherwise, you are tempting fate as your engine is so sophisticated, it has variable camshaft timing, hydraulic timing tensioners, and a host of other engineering marvels inside. You should be VERY proud of this car, it's engine, and your question asked here! PLEASE be smart enough to actually READ Your owner's manual about WHICH oils ford approves of and what NUMBER spec your engine requires!! You might consider finding PENTOSIN oil from Germany or LUBRO-MOLY oil from Germany or TOTAL oil fom France. THey suaully have engin eoil that is CUSTOM made for each car maker, and will properly protect your expensive engine internals. I used to race Ford years ago, and I know a LOT about their engine refinements and requirements. GOOD LUCK to you, and your EXCELLENT car choice!!3. Says: In the "old days", it was recommended to not switch or mix oil brands as makers used different kinds of additives. Don't think that's a problem these days, but I'd stick with one type: I've got an 06 'stang. . . . manual recommends semi-synthetic and it be changed at 5000 miles..........I guess a full synthetic can go 7500.........but since I've only put 2000 miles on mine in 6 years, I change it once a year with conventional oil (sometimes I think I should take the oil I drain out of the 'stang and put it in my daily driver !).4. Says: Motorcraft distributes several types of 5W-30 motor oil. It's made by Conco Phillips and you'll never guess where some of it comes from. KOREA. NO KIDDING!Now do you think you want to switch back?5. Says: You're fine. Yes you can switch back if you want.6. Says: They recommend Ford or Motorcraft parts because they sell those parts and wont your money. Tag: Is it ok to use a different brand of motor oil?