I finally made the switch today from dino oil to Mobil 5w30 syn. oil. I had the dealership do the work for me just like I always do. I also had my oil jet installed.

I asked the service manager what the new oil change intervals should be and he insisted that they should still be at 6000km now that does not sound right since synthetic oil is supposed to last much longer. I know there has been much debate over this topic and im sorry to bring it back up.

I plan to extend the intervals up to about 10,000km. Does anyone think that this will be a problem? Will I have to change my filter somewhere in between or will I be fine? the service manager told me that the Honda/Acura engineers stated that synthetic oil will not help the engine. I find that hard to believe. Will extending the intervals void my warrenty in any way?!?

 

10k km is pretty conservative. As of 60k miles, I switched over to a 10k mile oil change interval with an oversized filter. Prior to this, I've been doing the 7.5k mile interval. I switched to synthetic after the 3rd oil change where I was using dino oil every 3.75k miles, which was @ 11,500 miles...reason being is that many suggest that you should switch only after 10k miles.

 

I asked my dealer the very same question: Would use synthetic oil and extending oil changes over range specified in Maintenance Schedule affect my warranty? The answer was “Yes!” It will void your warranty on engine.
So, do not extend distance between oil changes over at least 7,500 miles (maximum in our manual). Once you are out warranty, do whatever you want, or whatever people recommend.

 

i had a feeling that it would void the warrenty.. thats why i plan on doing the oil change every 10,000 kms... which is significantly less than the max of 7500 miles!

 

The oil will last longer than 7500 miles but your filter might not be able to handle it. That's why a lot of ppl is using oversized oil filter, ie Mobil 1 m1-105. Do a seach, there's a study done saying that the oil does not degrade up to 14K miles, yes miles.

 

The problem with "recommending" this practice to other members is that later, they may hold you accountable for any "damages" they may experience (example: voiding of warranty). The more knowledgeable members know better, but personally, I held out until I've past my original 50k miles to start the REAL "extended" oil drain interval.

 

I don't think that you will find any certified Acura dealer who will tell you to extend the period between oil changes! Since they will be somewhat liable if they tell you otherwise, they must continue to recommend the usual time periods...even if they personally believe something different. They do not want any customers coming back with a problem and then complaining that the dealer said it was okay to go that long without service, etc. So just be aware that he will always cover himself (as an employee of the company) --- you can do whatever you want, really....and he might even agree with you...but he will not put himself in that position. He might tell you otherwise if he is close with you or knows that you are smart enough to use your own common sense....check your oil on a regular basis and make sure it's not horribly low or dirty....that'll give you an idea of when you need to top it/change it.

 

There was an extensive log of motor oil analysis between acura-cl.com and maxima.org sites. According to that log, synthetic oil does not show heavy signs of wear until atleast 7,500 miles. Ofcourse you can go more miles but the metals and elements in the oil build up pretty fast after that. I always recommend 7500 mile oil change intervals for severe driving conditions to all of my friends.

 

I'm not "recommending" anything. It's just my opinion. that's why I mentioned doing a search on previous articles. I didn't say I was an expert on the topic either.

The forums are here for members to vent and get second, third or more opinions from people w/ the same interests.

The one that is held accountable is the owner, maybe the dealer, for putting whatever in his/her car.

Just my 2 cents.

 

when i was talking to the service manager it seemed that he knew that syn. oil does last longer but probably told me what he did to save his a$$ incase anything happens. i figure since there are soo many people out there using syn oil and use it for longer intervals that there really should not be a problem....

of course since this is my fist time ever using syn oil I will be keeping a close eye on it... im not expecting any surprises but i know it will help me sleep better at night if i check it on a regular basis

 

Common sense states that any business minded machanic *should tell you to get an oil change every 3k miles.

Heck...if I were a major stock holder of Penzoil, I'd be promoting it like crazy.

 

i do 8000 to 10,000 "miles" on my mobil 1 syn. i have it tested at every oil change and every time i have had a 4-6 for a "TBN" # (its a oil life rating) the higher the better. i had my oil (conventional) tested at 3000 miles when i switched over and it came back with a 3 for a TBN. it must be doing its job, just lok at my miles

 

Hey ndawood ...

Got remember: 5W30 is a little heavier than OEM 5W20. If fuel economy is an issue (C$0.93/L in Windsor for premium unleaded) then it might lower it to a certain extend (but having better engine protection in the process) Also ... what happens in the winter? It'll be harder to start your car if it's left outside in the cold ... BRRR ...

- derrick

 

i went 8000 miles with quaker state synth oil, and my mechanic said it was dirty....so i had him put mobil one in it.

 

thanx for the heads up on the fuel economy derrick... ive been driving it for a day now and i really havent noticed much of a difference. the car does seem to run a little smoother but that might just be because of the fresh oil.

i went with the 5w30 becuase a few friends of mine use it in their wrx's and they havnet had any problems. they also didnt have any problems in the winter, however i guess with the TL only time will tell.

by the way I feel your pain. ive been in london this week and have been paying .93cents for premium as well.... it sure does hurt the pocket....

 

I'm using Amsoil syn 10w30 oil right now. I will change this on 7.5k miles for 2 reasons.

A.) to change the oil filter.

B.) If the oil filter should be replaced at 7.5k miles and 1 quart oil is refilled for the filter change.

Then why not get an oil change then?


BTW yes 10w30 is heavy of the 5w20 oil but I didn't loss MPG. I will be using 0w30 in the future because isn't as heavy.

 

I think it’s a good idea to change both the oil and filter. If this saves you from changing an engine in the long run, then do it.

I am.

 

you wont hurt fuel economy with it. the 99 and 2000 required 5w30. and thats wht i run in the winter and 10w30 in the summer and i still get 30mpg on the hwy

 

I though all 2nd gen 3.2TL required 5W20. Am I wrong ?

 

Alas,

I forgot that the 99-01 TL (pre-Type-S) in the manual states 5W30. My bad ... '02+ states 5W20 in the manual. Thanks for the clarification.

Also ... 5W20 VS 5W30 with regards to fuel economy ... marginal. My point being it might be harder to turn the crank in the winter. But since most GTA (greater toronto area) people put 30000+km / yr on their cars, it won't be much of an issue (ie they'll change oil at least a couple times a year)

I'll soon join the synthetic oil club soon ... looking at Amsoil 5W20.
- derrick

 

amsoil 5w20 was a little more expensive than the mobil 5w30 at crappy tire.. but i thought i would try out the mobil this time and see how it work

thus far the biggest improvement i have noticed is that the car warms up to optimal temp ALOT faster and overall it seems that the engine runs smoother... fuel economy hasnt changed at all i dont think

 

Do u also change the K&N Filter? I've heard they last for at least 20,000 with out effecting the oil.


I'm looking at 8,000 on Mobil 1 and K&N Filter.

 

i use the Mobile m104 oil filter and change that when i change my oil. as for the k&n i clean and oil it twice a year, spring and fall

 

Why buy it RETAIL when Amsoil East Coast Distributer is in Mississauga ???
I buy Amsoil 5W20 Direct and have been changing every 10000 kms... since I hit 20,000kms . Gotta go get some since I'm approaching 90,000kms ... she revs so smooth ... just like the fist day I got her

 

i had no idea there was a distributor in mississauga.... ill have to pick it up nxt time... any idea of the price? im sure its alot cheaper out there...