tnobori1

Can I run 5w 20 mobil 1 synthetic in my 03 MDX? We're in the Bay Area so the weather never goes below 35 and seldom goes over 100

T0L8

What about the time you take the car to another region where the temperatures go below or above the range you stated?

tnobori1

Those times are few and far between. I just want to know if anyone else is running 5w-20 in their MDX.

MulliganMan

I am running Mobile1 fully synthetic 5w-20 in my '05 with no problems.

Majofo

Do you guys ever read your owner's manual or look under the hood at the oil cap?.. 5w20 is the recommended oil.. If you're running 5w30 that is fine as well. I have used 5w30 for added protection. If you get M1, get Extended Performance. It's a higher grade synthetic, more PAO's which makes it a better lubricant & less prone to oxidation. I run RP and have been happy with it. I definitely recommend running the RP filter.. it's a little pricey but well worth it.

MulliganMan

That's why I run it. I thought the ? was more about running the synthetic or how mobil 1 is as an oil.

Majofo

I like that there's usually a deal every month on M1.. usually ~$28 for 5qts of any M1 product & a M1 filter. Definitely hold out for M1-EP, it's always the first to go during the sale. Going from the OE synthetic blend to "full synthetic" is fine. I really like RP, but unless I find a good deal on it.. I'll use M1 instead, but only EP. If you guys want to use a true full synthetic, then there's nothing better than Redline. You can usually score it for about $12 / qt.. .. Overkill on the X but definitely worth it.

vybzkartel

Old thread, I know, but I want to do an oil/filter change on the X.

I know the manual specifies 5w20(I'm assuming conventional oil?), but what viscosity should I use for an X with 109,xxx miles?

Should I stick with dino oil, or can I use synthetic? Which is better, in you guy opinion?

csmeance

It might be good to go with 5w-30 oil. As far as synthetic or dino, synthetic is always better than dino in the fact that it provides better protection against wear.

vybzkartel

I take it, 5w-30 is heavier than 5w-20?

csmeance

I believe it's slightly thicker when warmed up than 5w-20...

Type34

I've used synthetic oil is all of my cars since 1995 and have had (knock on wood) great success with engine longevity and performance.

Synthetic oil is designed not to break down as quickly and can tolerate extremities in temperature and weather (hot to cold). Most military vehicles, fighter jets, commercial airlines, and just about every sports car (Corvette, any BMW, Porsche, etc.) use synthetics in their engines.

However, you may not want to switch if the vehicle has 100,XXX miles using conventional oil.

Conventional oils have solvents that stick to gaskets and seals and often cause them to swell a certain way. The changing of oil types could result in oil leaks and/or a once small oil leak becoming bigger due to the reaction the seals and gaskets will have to the change (not because of the oil itself).

Good luck with your decision, but I'd stay with what has worked in the vehicle for 100,XXX miles...

vybzkartel

Just checked a sticker on the windshield that states:

Valvoline instant oil change
Next service due:

Miles: 111,500
Date: 03/04/2010
Oil used: 30WND

30WND?!?! Never really heard of that oil before!
I just googled it, and it says something about compressor oil!!! WTF?

Advise, please?

Majofo

should've changed your own oil..






















j.k.. I'm sure it was a typo. It more than likely indicates they used 30 weight. It doesn't indicate the winter / cold rating.. but more than likely they used 5w30.

vybzkartel

Lol! haven't changed the oil since I bought the X 2 month ago. This will be my(its) first oil change.

I always change my own oil :-/!

The ND in WND stands for 'Non Detergent'. So you're probably right, that it's 20w-30, hence the 30W.

**SIGH**

Majofo

I just looked it up.. I'm sure it's still a typo, but Vavoline does have a Non-Detergent 30 weight oil. From the description it sounds like a single viscosity group II oil.. which means they used the cheapest oil they could and if it is indeed a single viscosity oil, you should get that crap changed to an appropriate multi viscosity group IV or V synthetic. Instead of taking it back to the place you had it changed, you should change your own oil.. It's extremely easy to do on the X, no ramps required.. oil & filter take about 15-20 minutes to do.

edit: Just saw your post.. disregard what doesn't apply

billman730

When I worked a Minute Auto Care years ago we used that oil in cars that came in a quart low, had a ton of miles on it and looked like they used oil.

Valvoline is a generally good oil but I would change it after checking to see what is up with your engine at the 100K marker. Be more selective in what you use next change.

Straight weight oils maintain a higher pressure in the engine as they do not thin out when heated. If you never see smoke and the level is right up there you should be fine with a multi weight quality oil...

vybzkartel

I know I said that I'd be buying the oil tonight, but it's gonna have to wait 'til tomorrow, lol.

I think it's gonna be Mobile1 5w-30 full synthetic Extended Performance.

vybzkartel

Thanks for the words of encouragement, lol...

vybzkartel

Ok, just finished reading some posts on different car forums, and needless to say, me think I'll stick with dino oil!

Lots of oil leaks reported, when switching from dino to synthetic(especially on high milage engines)!!

Majofo

You should find a good deal on M1EP definitely a step up from standard M1. Don't worry about changing to a synthetic.

Guildermesh

Not sure if all Autozones are currently doing this, but there's a promo for 1 5-qt jug + filter for $36.99 (plus you get a $10 Autozone gift card). Makes it $26.99, which is a steal for M1EP. I'm going after work today for it!

AutoZone Mailer:
http://www.autozone.com/images/MEDIA...circular-r.pdf

$10 Gift Card Rebate:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/exx...100726_bz_2%22