kmk42019

Should I switch to synthetic oil for my next oil change? I have 168,000 miles on my 04 TSX and have always used dino oil in it. Any reasons why I should or shouldnt? It does seem to be burning up about a quart of oil every 3-4,000 miles.

DuckDodgers

I would certainly NOT switch to synthetic at high mileage if you are burning oil. Syntheric will generally leak slightly more than conventional oil due to smaller and more uniform molecules. Also, synthetics have less "additional" items in them that might help slow or stop leaks.

If you are leaking, the synthetic will almost certainly increase your oil burn rate.

If you have a high mileage engine with no leaks and good seals, changing to synthetic is fine. But to do it and have to pay $5-8 a quart for a leak instead of $2-4 a quart seems to be a bad trade.

npolite

I know that Mobil One has a synthetic for higher mileage cars which may help but it probably isn't worth changing over to it at this point.

1Louder

Agree with all. I think synthetic is a choice you make earlier on the chance it will improve the odds of extending the life of the engine. At 168K, you are alreay there. I say dance with the one who brung ya - maybe look at a high-mileage dino oil.