schebro

I have been using Mobil 1 synthetic oil with Honda filter for the last year or so. But, since I don't do oil change myself (no tools), I usually take it to the dealer and provide the oil. Dealer charges ~$36 including the filter. Considering that an oil change at AAA runs about $17 (including Castrol GTX), is it advisable to get it done there instead of spending ~$60 at the dealer? Are there any advantages of using synthetic oil except for the longer change intervals?

Beane71884

Synthetics have better wear protection, but I do not believe they extend your change intervals unless you buy an oil specifically intended for extended intervals. I use Mobil 1 personally, but I also change my own oil so I don't worry about the cost of taking it somewhere. For most vehicles, conventional oil changed regularly at the stealer with the OEM Honda filter (which is made by Honeywell, who makes Fram, btw) will do just fine. The filter decision is where I would be more concerned, not the oil. Just my $.02, but you will get differing opinions from just about everyone.

samnguyen

i've used m1 for about four yrs, mostly got it changed at the dealer. about a year ago my car felt really sluggish, after the switching from m1 to amsoil it got rid of the problem - amsoil full synthetic oil change it every 7500k-. stealer cost way too much for an oil change.

philliesfan980

Where do you get amsoil from? I've never seen it at the stores here in the NE.

samnguyen

Napa store or amsoil dot com, they have the 25000k oil too...

philliesfan980

Thanks for the info. I'll have to give it a shot with my next oil change. A lot of people seem to like Royal Purple too. Personally, I use Mobil 1 synthetic, but I was also thinking about switching over to the 15K Mobil 1.

It seems though that with any of these oils, you'd still need to change the filter once or twice. Personally, I've never even tried to take the oil filter off before draining the oil. Is this is really messy process?

MichaelBenz

iTrader: (2)

Note....there is NOBODY that changed their oil to another brand and now their car runs better. Thats their own imagination. Oil does not change the tune nor runability of the car in such short term...simply doesnt happen. So dont listen to that....its their own perception. In the case that did happen....there is WAY more wrong with this car than oil...lol.

Simba91102

+1.... I've always chuckled when reading a post by someone who claimed that changing their oil made their car run better. Kind of like the performance advantage achieved when changing to summer air in the tires I guess.