Topic: Synthetic vs. Regular Oil

[mdxtasy]

First oil change.  But first find out exactly what synthetic oil the Acura uses.  I think it's dealers choice.

From what I know, the dealer carries Mobil 1.  That's what I was told when I called both the dealers here.  That's what they stocked.

[dave 2]

Umm, normally they recommend changing the filter every 2nd oil change... not the other way around.  Methinks you might be wasting filters

.

The recommendations for Amsoil are(as written on the container): 

Provides exceptional protection over extended drain intervals of up to 40 000km or one year, whichever comes first....Replace AMSOIL oil filter at 20 000 km or six months, whichever comes first (other brands at standard intervals)

.
 
I don't use an Amsoil filter and I wouldn't go 40k whitout a change.  works out to be around 6 to 7 k for filter change and oil change at 15k.

[AVToller]

  I switched at the first oil change for the Yaris (6 months, 6700 km).

[barrie1]

Whats the owners maual say. Probabley somebodys 5w20 or 5w30 . 

[duck]

'WpgMonty '  I think you should use Mobil 1  5W 20.  Crappy Tire sells it.

[duck]

Here is a cool video.

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Product_Testing_Las_Vegas.aspx


 

[curls]

Julie, you should be fine changing to synthetic immediately.  In fact, all engines are fine to use synthetic from the first startup.

I can assure you that the dealer will probably try to steer you away from synthetic oil, though, as the TSX 'technically' doesn't call for it, they won't often recommend it.  However anyone that does their research will see that longer OCI's on a better oil is no worse for a car than shorter OCI's on dino oil.

[dave 2]

On an older car they may suggest an engine flush but may be unnecessary on a new vehicle.  I started using it after 5 years on my CRV.

[bobby]

My 3 runs on full synthetic from day 1.  Manual says, as does the car's computer, that it only needs to be changed approx every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).  I'm guessing it's the Mobil 1 Ext. Perf. in there.  Most people say that's totally crazy and I should change it myself every 6,000 km anyway.  I don't think I will... the car is warrantied for 80,000 km anyway 

Aside from that, I saw a segment on Motorweek where some oil guy was in and he was saying that if you took the same type of oil that they used 20 years ago (same type, not 20 year old oil) and put it into a modern car, it would destroy the engine... that's how much things have changed.  For once I think I'll trust those greedy oil company guys.

[Wolfe]

He is a cool video.

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Product_Testing_Las_Vegas.aspx


 

Thanks for posting that Duck. I was interested to see the results of the engine tear down.




However, they compare the results of using a synthetic oil w/15 000 mile drain intervals to a conventional oil w/15 000 mile drain intervals. No sh!t the synthetic will come out much better, it's not a fair comparison.

  Misleading marketing

[yugrus]

However, they compare the results of using a synthetic oil w/15 000 mile drain intervals to a conventional oil w/15 000 mile drain intervals. No sh!t the synthetic will come out much better, it's not a fair comparison.

  Misleading marketing

Exactly.

[dave 2]

I agree, they should compare the same type of oil however, I believe the intention was to show superiority of syn oil.

Was interesting though, I had heard of a similiar test with NY taxi cabs with Amsoil. 

Here is a study that directly compares many brands and syn blends and conventional.

http://www.amsoil.com/products/atm_testing/index_flash.aspx

[barrie1]

The Amsoil charts only seem to show the grade of oils for a factory built engine and not a custom race build at all. There are many variables when you use custom parts and they don't show it at all. Unfortuante. 

[Julie]

Thanks guys!, I will ask them to put in synthetic oil then. (It will approach its first oil change in a couple of months.)

Like Monty, I've been reading (and getting a headache too  :ugh:), and feel it's a good idea.

[duck]

I agree, they should compare the same type of oil however, I believe the intention was to show superiority of syn oil.

Was interesting though, I had heard of a similiar test with NY taxi cabs with Amsoil. 

Here is a study that directly compares many brands and syn blends and conventional.

http://www.amsoil.com/products/atm_testing/index_flash.aspx

Seems as if Quaker State synthetic is not as good as Mobil 1.