That is a matter for debate. Obviously the people who make synthetic oil claim that it does and the evidence suggests that it does protect engines from wear. The real question is whether or not the benefits outweigh the added costs. No it really isn't a matter for debate. It is a proven fact that when using a synthetic oil will cost less in the long run and protect your motor longer. If anyone has questions about synthetic oil and filters visit AMSOIL.COM or www.wolfesynthetics.com. Here you will learn more then you will ever need to know about synthetic oil. Harley is putting synthetic oil in their new bikes off the line,Gm has been putting synthetic oil in their corvettes off the line and Dodge viper also. Petroleum based oil is a thing of the past.With Amsoil synthetic oil and filter the 5w20 up to 25,000 miles or 1yr they also have a 0w30 that will last 35,000 miles or 1yr.90% of people that buy oil don't even know what the w stands for on the bottle.