changing my oil...

[2K3 MSP]

I need to change my oil this coming Wednesday and had a few questions. Ive heard a lot about people using synthetic, but I change my oil about once every 3-4 weeks(on my next day I have off after hitting 3,000 miles basically). If I use sythetic, can I go longer between oilchanges, or is it still recommended every 3,000 miles?? Can I use any type of oil filter with sythetic oil(I always used Fram sure grip on my Civic)Will that be okay? Any other tips you can think of that might help me out regarding synthetic vs. regular oil??
-If I use Synthetic, what brand is best?
-If I stick with regular, what brand/weight?
Thanks!!

 

[PatrickP5]

I'm sorry I'm not contributing anything worthwhile, but...

HOLY CRAP! You're putting ~50k+ miles on your car a year?


Patrick

 

[t3ase]

I'm at 10,498 after three months (minus the combined two weeks it's been in the shop :/)

 

[2K3 MSP]

It shouldn't be quite that high, but I'd say a good 35,000+...I average a little over 100 miles a day.
In 4 months, I've put 10,700+ miles. It's kinda wierd seeing people talk about their year anniversary with their cars and only having 10K on them...

 

[t3ase]

Real weird.

Anyway, I use Royal Purple synthetic. It's the first oil (synthetic or regular) that I and people riding with me have actually noticed a change from. It's about the same price as Mobil1 and it's a bit less popular, but I'm a user for life now.

 

[2K3 MSP]

Can I go longer between oil changes though? that stuff is twice as expensive as regular oil isn't it? Do I still use regular filters or are there special ones?

 

[t3ase]

I change at 5k miles right now just due to money constraints. If I had more cash, I'd change every 3k. It's not that bad cost wise in my mind, though, considering the change it made. I thought it was just the infamous placebo effect until my girlfriend and orangemsp noticed the difference, too.

 

[sal002]

Heh...see the For Sale thread.

Check out Amsoil's 2000 0w-30 (http://www.amsoil.com/products/tso.html ). Very good extended drain (when used with a good filter). With the deal on the For Sale Thread, it should be cheaper than you see online and will allow for the extended intervals you claim.

 

[girth]

First off, if you're putting on that many miles it typically means you're doing a lot of highway driving, so absolutely you can go over 3000 miles before a change - even with regular oil. I'd be changing every 5k with the miles you're putting on.

As far as filters go, it's all a matter of opinion. I always use Fram Tough Guard just because that's what I've always used. There are many people here that say Fram is crap - believe them if you want, I choose not to.

With synthetic you should be able to go further than on regular oil - how much more, I don't honestly know. IMO probably 2k more.

Just my 2 cents -- my personal choices are Fram Tough Guard filters with Valvonline full synthetic and changes every 3k or so - but I do more stop and go driving than you, plus I'm in a more harsh environment.

 

[sal002]

Fram Tough Guard is probably the best Fram filter...I'd take a look at K&N though...great oil flow. K&N oil filter + Amsoil 0w-30. Do some oil analysis and I bet you could get at least 7500 miles between oil changes - safely.

 

[ARunto]

I change at 5k using mobil 1 5w30 and I use STP oil filter.

-Alan

 

[PochaccoMSP]

It's about the same price as Mobil1 and it's a bit less popular, but I'm a user for life now.

That's a really good price for Royal Purple. The best price I have found for Royal Purple is about $8 per gallon. Where do you buy them for such good price? Thanks.

 

[t3ase]

Napa. I didn't realize that it was such a good price..

 

[2K3 MSP]

I stock store shelves for Nabisco/Kraft. I drive about 30 miles to work, then its stop and go throughout the day(going store to store), and end up with about a 40 mile drive home. I get on my car pretty hard so by the time I hit 3,000 miles, I sub-consciencely start thinking the oil is dirty and it's bogging down the motor. It's driving me nuts right now, and I'm not even at 3,100 since my last oil change. I'll head to Autzone after work tomorro and see what they have as far as synthetics and prices on them.
Can I go straight to full sythetic, or do I have to go partial the first time?? Thanks for your info guys...Much appreciated!!

 

[t3ase]

Go fully synthetic and do not switch back.

 

[servoeyes]

I've been using Royal Purple for the past 2 changes and the stuff is great. The problem is, I can't get it local...my local NAPA carries AMSOIL, so I may try that. Other than that, I have to order RP online! ICK!

As for filters...I'm a firm believer that fram, even if it's ok, is overpriced for what you get. I've been using the purolator filters since I stated using RP, after my walmart-trip-oil-change (fram and castrol...) and they work really well.

Also...if you're putting that many miles on with a synthetic, and they're all easy driving miles (highway) you're definately good to go 5k, but don't wait too much longer than that. Synthetics' break down pattern is funny...different than regular oils'. Anywho...if you can't get AMSOIL or RP easily, just go Mobil 1. There's a reason porsche and other performance co. put it in from the factory...

 

[upstop]

From what I understand when you go synth you have to flush your system of the petro oil. You dont just want to drain and fill with synth because when you drain there is still oil in the system and synth and petoleum based oils dont mix unless thay were made that way....
As far as the filter goes I would go with the best you can get strictly because of the driving you do. YOu paid good money for your car and no matter what you will never get that money back so treat it good and make it last...

 

[t3ase]

I didn't flush out my car, I just put the Royal Purple in. No problems yet.

 

[low_psi]

3k was established by the motor oil companies and shops in order to create more revenue. you can change it at around 5k without worry, as long as you haven't ragged on the motor too much(constant drag racing, weekend road race).

i change mine at 3K just b/c my father owns the car, so i'm extra careful with how i maintain it. i tend to get in atleast 2 full day autoXs, sometimes 3 per 3K miles, too.

 

[sal002]

In the days of old you needed to flush - no longer is the case.

If you are looking at Amsoil why not also use your purchase to help this forum?