Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Oil - is it possible to tell if it's synthetic ?

Hi,

I have some doubts on what i got on last oil change - Is it possible to find out what kind of oil i got - synthetic or regular?

If you took a sample to a lab, they could do some tests like IR, GC, etc., but it would cost you a bundle.
I don't know of any quick tests, like indicator strips, however.

Lick the dipstick. You should be able to tell by the taste.

Exactly Perry. The major synthetic manufacturers are part of an oil consortium where they each agree to flavor their oil slightly differently.

The following is true to the best of my recollection:

Mobil 1 - artificial grape

Amsoil - artificial cherry

Castrol - black licorice

Of course it all depends what kind of filter your using. Using Mobil 1 oil and Fram filter for instance produces a rotten egg taste.

Can i use vegetable oil in my car ?

Absolutely not. Only extra virgin olive oil. And the "extra" is important. You want to get the good stuff that comes out in the first squeeze, leave the leftovers for someone else.

cant.. read... screen.. shaking..

HAHA LMAO

This is insane!