Chuck091279

I just bought a TSX recently and will be coming up for my first oil change relatively soon. What oil should I put in the car? Regular or synthetic? I have free oil changes from the dealership, but I would have to pay bit extra for synthetic. I don't mind paying at all, but I'd like to know the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of oil. I have no experience with types of oil. Any help would be much appreciated.

moda_way

Do a search on the word synthetic here.

I use Mobil 1 5W-30 and love it. Of course, I'm one of those types who only uses synthetic, but I'm biased. You can't go wrong with synthetic other than paying a little more. It simply doesn't break down as quickly as conventional oil, but that isn't to say conventional oil doesn't do the job.

Only thing you shouldn't do is switch back and forth from each. Choose one now and stick with it. If you decide at a later date to switch, fine, but don't switch back.

ilitig8

I am also a synthetic user and supporter but I have no clue what you are saying in the second paragraph. Conventional (Dino) and synthetics (with few exceptions) are 100% compatible. You can switch at you discretion and can even mix them, no issues at all. Can you clarify what you mean in the second paragraph?

Vandy

MardiGras

Mobil 1 5W-30 is the way to go. I've used it for the last 12+ years in my '92 Prelude, which currently has 229,000 miles. Each time I have a valve adjustment done (last was at 208,000 miles), the Honda techs freak out over how brand-spanking new the valve body appears. No deposits or crud whatsoever! I'll put nothing else in my '05 TSX once I purchase it later this year!! It's worth the extra cost if you plan on keeping your TSX long-term.

TSX 3Pedal

Mobil 1 Synthetic exclusive user here...

moda_way

My understanding is that you can clog certain oil channels inside the engine by switching back and forth from synthetic oils to conventional oils and back.

iTimmy

On new honda's make sure you use 5W20 the engines are built that tight and chances are if you have any engine problems you waranty will be void if they find that you were using a heavier grade of oil. Another benefit is that you will get better fuel economy using 5W20- this is crucial for at least the first few oil changes, after 15k miles or so feel free to use a 5W30 it won't be the end of the world- though 5W20 would still be preffered.

Synthetic vs. Conventional oil is a tough question, some swear by synthetic some feel it doesn't matter. If you plan on going 5k+ between changes then it may not be a bad idea, or if you plan on keeping the car for ever. I am getting rid of my TSX in 5 years I can not justify using synthetic- I'll never see any of the benefits or get my money back from doing it- so why??

tehCOW

yeah, if you aren't keeping the car for a long time, i don't really see why you would put synthetic into the car... other than just so the car lasts longer.

Chuck091279

How much of a price difference is it?

taewlee

I use Castrol GTX

iTimmy

Synthetic is about twice the cost of conventional oil for mearly a percieved benefit- you aren't going to prove it either way. If the vehicle has a turbo or you go a real long time between oil changes(which isn't a good idea for a number of reasons) then synthetic may help you.

Random Synthetic oil factoid of the day:
If your car smokes(blue smoke from the tail pipe) if you use synthetic it will go away- synthetic burns at a higher temp. so the fumes it emits are clear.

kiteboy

Since 5W30 is stamped on the oil cap I doubt Honda would deny a warranty claim for not using 5W20.

iTimmy

If that is the case I am sorry, I was under the impression that ALL 03 and newer Honda vehicles were using 5w20- I have not had a TSX in my shop in a number of months(there kinda rare up here) and mine won't be here till the end of April so I guess I did a bad thing and assumed!