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indy4192
User
Nov 16, 2010, 2:45 PM
Post #1 of 3
(1620 views)
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I keep seeing ads on TV for synthetic oils and high milage oils and such and how we need to change our oil every 3000 miles or 3 months and I am wonder what is the truth about it all?
For cars like mine over 135,000 miles, do I need to change it at 3 months even though i have not done 3000 miles? Do I need to change it at 3000 miles? Would going with a high milage oil be wise or should I go with the synthetic stuff. Also if I should go with the good ole regular, which is better, the 5W30 or 10W40 or such?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 16, 2010, 5:20 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1616 views)
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Re: An oily question
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Synthetic oils tolerate heat better and resist sludging up. Depending on several factors I find the miles more the issue than the time. Garaged vehicles will have less contamination which any oil will get. Water, fuel gets into it so it isn't pure and for my own I still go by the miles more than the months. Totally depends on storage, exposure, tons of short trips all factor in.
Stay with suggested viscosity which is usually 5w-30. Some cars are now calling for 0w-20 and it pours thin but works when called for by the maker. I've been using only synthetics since it all came in metal cans you had to punch with a spout and no problems yet.
I see all the marketing for high mileage and other stuff and don't really buy into that and think it's mostly marketing. Just use what viscosity is suggested. It clearly flow faster upon cold start ups which is a damaging point of time so the faster you get proper oil pressure the better.
As an industry suggestion most will suggest either 3,000 or 3 months which ever comes first. Hard to peg what's best for each situation so the industry pic a fair average for most vehicles.
What I don't buy into is this extended life up to 15,000 miles stuff as it's plain going to get some contamination. Stored vehicles I generally ignore the time.
Look at all the new cars that can hang around for perhaps a year and you know dealers aren't changing oil on them every 3 months but new is new.
Take an actual look at the oil. Don't freak if it looks dirty as some oils are higher in detergents and the dirt is cleaning up the engine. That should stabilize.
Absolutely noted is that I own a 12.5 HP engined pull start lawn mower and you can feel the synthetic is easier to pull especially as colder weather sets in,
T
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 16, 2010, 5:25 PM
Post #3 of 3
(1613 views)
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Re: An oily question
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What oil has got you to 135,000 miles ? If you have been using reg oil you can stay with it . I would not go heavier than 10w30 on a late model car. If you have a new or low mileage >50k car and have been using syn oil stay with what the manufacture recommends. I dont believe all the claims on the "high mileage" oils but thats my opinion. My own experiance is a lincoln with 175k and a chevy pickup with 280k both use regular 10w30 in winter 10w40 in summer. What ever is on sale ,but always a name brand.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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