SilverJ

I just got my car last month and have yet to change oil. I checked it and its about 1/4 past the gridded section on the dipstick from the bottom. I have no idea if Synthetic was used or not. I have always used synthetic on all my cars, but recently the dealer told me it wasn't necessary on my MDX so I wonder if that holds true for the TL as well. Can anyone offer input on this ?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

synthetic is not necessary when regular conventional oil does the job just fine.

and most synthetics are blends of regular oil ANYWAY.
its all marketing. read the bottle carefully. the bottle of synthetic will say blend....which is a mix.


so, if you want to buy a blend of synthetic, go ahead. it wont harm your car and you'll get a little bit more protection from it

CruzanTLSH-AWD

I have not been using Synthetic. I use to on my Type-R (Teg) but man I use to burn thur it like no tomorrow. I started using conventional oil since my first oil chance (Late 2013) (TL) and have been fine. Drove to Houston from Toronto and back and she still good. One thing I've always wondered if Synthetic helps with MPG. And when I was station in Alaska we use Synthetic because of the cold and cars being park outside.

Jerry"O"

I do use synthetic oil 5w-20 on my 2012 TL sh-awd. Just wondering why all current Honda cars like 2015 civic and so on switched to fully synthetic motor oil 0w20. Is it better for the car or just another money grab?? Here is very interesting read.
https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...update-927004/

Mr Magoo

My last oil change i put in Castrol Titanium 5w-20 full synthetic, shes running like a dream

VanyDotK

iTrader: (6)

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum + S2000 sized Royal Purple oil filter

TAK87

Did you ask the dealer? I got mine from an Acura dealer and i checked with them when i bought it - they told me they are required to use synthetic on all TL's...although that could be specific to that dealership?

SilverJ

it seems either works and answers vary. I thought I read a long time ago that once you go synthetic, you shouldn't switch back to regular. Although I cant imagine why that would be an issue. Perhaps a more knowledgeable person than me can weigh in.

Georgiey22

Own a 2013 TL Advance. I am using Royal Purple 0W20 in my car. The type of oil is your choice and would encourage you to check out bobistheoilguy.com to self educate. My two cents is you own a $40K+ car and synthetic oil with additive packages improve the make up of motor oil and will only help. Give your car the best for your budget.

gemz_acura

I use standard Acura oil from the dealer in my 2010 TL SH-AWD.
Since my engine block replacement (due to oil burning), I have ceased using synthetic.
My SA believes the thinner makeup of synthetic may increase the chances of oil burning.
Since block replacement and using standard oil, I have yet to encounter oil burning.
That's my two cents..

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

a long time ago this was true.
you had regular oil that left "crud" in the engine...then when you introduced synthetic with all its cleaning properties, you could develop a leak.

but now that its all a blend...the regular oil has just as much detergent in it as synthetic oil....

so you can switch freely, because they are all mostly blends anyway.

SilverJ

Perhaps this would still be true if you went from full synthetic to regular oil right ?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

no, because modern oil is great.
the composition and chemistry of regular oil has improved.

ie; Blends.....

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

blend:
noun
noun: blend; plural noun: blends
1.
a mixture of different things or qualities.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the important factor to take away from this is; change your oil regularly.

MID oil life counter takes the guess work out and tells you when to change it.

so, as long as you're obeying MID, you're golden!

vtec260

Since I am using up around 2 to 2.5L between oil changes (~9000 km OCI as per MID), I am thinking about using conventional dino oil next time around. Using various brands of synthetic didn't much difference thus far so I am debating if extra $ if worth it as 50% of oil gets replenished during OCI.

CruzanTLSH-AWD

When I was station In Alaska I knew they Highly suggested using Organic or (Syn) for those who don't know. What the brands you been using?

KarKraze

Justn is correct,the lines between conventional oil and synthetic is becoming blurred because most is simply a blend.
The important thing is to check your oil often and change it sooner rather than later,I use the "regular" oil from Acura and have not had any oil burning issues (Sh Awd) to date,mind you I change it between 5 and 6k Kms.

Tony Pac

I take my car to the dealer, i don't even know what Acura dealer use in Canada. Any idea guys?

vtec260

When I go to the dealer, they have synthetic package or regular package. I am thinking their regular package is synthetic blend.

I have used Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec (black bottle), and Shell synthetics so far and they all get used up. I have been refilling lost oil using Castrol Syntec Titanium (gold bottle) between OCI. I am leaning towards regular dino in summer and synthetic in winter as an experiment. Can't get any worse than it is, IMO.

SinCity-TL

Have always used full synthetic in my personal vehicles. That is until the dealership came up with $30 oil changes if a synthetic blend was your choice.
Put on just over 5k miles a year, thought it a no brainer.

mr_raja

I have been using full synthetic from the first oil change. Since I only do one oil change a year (every 8 - 9) months, I dont see any reason not to use full synthetic. I get the gallon from Walmart, bought 6 K&N Oil filters a while ago from Pepboys for 8 bucks each. So for about 40 bucks, I get full synthetic oil change. The last oil change cost me a bit more because I decided to go with Royal Purple. Paid 38 bucks for the gallon alone. Wont be doing that again. I will be reverting back to Mobil 1, or Penzoil Ultra or Castrol Titanium Edge for my next oil change. All of them cost around the same at Walmart, so why not?

amill

can you explain how 5w-20 dino oil is thicker than 5w-20 synthetic oil?

amill

I use synthetic in all my cars. The reason some people think synthetic "causes engines to use oil" is because of the following.

"Synthetic oil does not damage oil seals or gaskets BUT it often has good detergent levels and cleans well, so if your engine has a high oil consumption or some leaks already, removing sludge or varnish might make the leak rate worse."

Personally, both are fine, I just trust longer change intervals to synthetic oils, especially since I change my oil every 6-8 months or so.

I have used Pennzoil Ultra and Pennzoil Platinum which seemed to work fine. I'm thinking of switching to Castrol Edge or whatever they call their updated version with detergent packs.

Marmbo

Going to use Castrol Edge in my next change, normal price at Canadian tire is $54 a jug, on sale for $32.39, can't beat that!

amill

Check amazon. It's $25 shipped for the 5qt jug normally.

Marmbo

amazon.ca does not have the oil. Amazon.com does but then its + shipping for me to get it up here in Canada so doesn't work for me. That's a good price for everyone in USA land.

amill

I just changed my oil and tried Castrol Edge. I've been using Pennzoil Ultra and then Platinum after the change over. I will say that my car seems to be quieter at idle with this oil. The valve tick isn't as noticeable after a cold start. Weird.

4GIRLS

I would ditch the K&N oil filters. I read a great article about how they are not made as well (cant find it at the moment) The filter is one place I would not skimp on. Just a thought.

4GIRLS

have you pulled the plugs or had the dealer check to see if you have the piston ring problem, known on the 3.5s? My Odyssey just had the piston rings replaced because I was burning through oil as well. The plugs will give you and indication, if any oil is getting down on the threads, may have that problem. I know they didn't name Acura vehicles at the time, but look how long it took to admit to it in the first place.

Soal Man

Did a lot of research on this as well and found out Mobil 1 & Pennzoil Ultra or Pennzoil Platinum works wonders for the 3.5 or 3.7
Guess it's all about what you think its best for your machine, but if your trying to get into the hardcore nitty gritty stuff, suggest you just take your oil samples to the lab and see which brand works best for your car.