What year did GM start using synthetic oil?
General Motors (GM) began recommending the use of synthetic motor oil in some of its vehicles in the early 1990s. This marked a significant shift in the automotive industry, as synthetic oils offered improved performance and longer service intervals compared to traditional mineral-based oils.
The Rise of Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oils were first developed in the 1930s, but they did not gain widespread adoption in the automotive industry until the late 20th century. Synthetic oils are created through a chemical process that produces a more uniform and stable molecular structure, resulting in several benefits over conventional mineral-based oils. These benefits include:
- Improved resistance to thermal breakdown and oxidation, allowing for longer oil change intervals
- Enhanced lubrication and reduced friction, leading to improved fuel efficiency and engine performance
- Better protection against wear and tear, especially in high-performance or high-mileage engines
As the advantages of synthetic oils became more widely recognized, automakers like GM began to incorporate them into their recommended maintenance schedules.
GM's Adoption of Synthetic Oil
According to the information gathered from the search results, GM started recommending the use of synthetic motor oil in some of its vehicles in the early 1990s. This was a significant shift, as it marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of synthetic oils in the automotive industry.
The specific year when GM first began using synthetic oil is not clearly stated in the search results, but the early 1990s is the timeframe indicated. This transition was driven by the performance and durability benefits that synthetic oils offered, which aligned with GM's goal of providing its customers with high-quality, reliable vehicles.
As the use of synthetic oils became more common, GM continued to expand its recommendations and requirements for these advanced lubricants across its vehicle lineup. Today, many GM models, including high-performance and high-mileage vehicles, are designed to use synthetic oil as the recommended or required engine oil.
