Should the Besturn X40 use fully synthetic or semi-synthetic oil for maintenance?
2 Answers
Generally, the Besturn X40 can use engine oil that meets the VW502/505 standard. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a product refined from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology. It is a mixture of mineral oil and fully synthetic oil in a 4:6 ratio. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of fully synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than mineral oil, making it an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil is a high-grade product among engine oils. It is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or crude oil, which undergo complex chemical reactions such as polymerization and catalysis to form a lubricating fluid composed of large molecules. Essentially, it uses the better components of crude oil, undergoes chemical reactions, and achieves the desired molecular structure under human control. The molecules in fully synthetic oil are neatly arranged, giving it strong resistance to external variables. Therefore, it has superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity stability compared to mineral oil and semi-synthetic oil, which is why it is also the most expensive.
My Besturn X40 has been running for almost three years using semi-synthetic oil, which is quite cost-effective. I do a lot of city driving with traffic jams, and the engine has no issues. But if you're after performance, full synthetic oil is better—it offers superior lubrication and engine protection. A friend recommended switching to full synthetic, saying it handles high temperatures better when driving at high speeds. Honestly, it depends on your budget and habits. The manual states that semi-synthetic oil is sufficient for the Besturn X40, and regular maintenance will keep it running fine. Even in cold winter starts, semi-synthetic oil does the job. I drive about 1,000 kilometers monthly, so it's both economical and convenient. In short, check the manual first and choose based on your driving conditions. If you frequently take long trips or treat your car like a treasure, investing in full synthetic is definitely worth it. Full synthetic oil also has longer change intervals, so it might be more cost-effective in the long run.
