Street Spirit

I currently have ~115,000km on my '99TL. I'm thinking of switching over to synthetic engine oil - either Mobil 1 or AMSoil....not sure which one (any suggestions?) I'm going to check with Acura to make sure this change is okay. From what I've read here - once you switch, you cannot go back. If I do switch over, I'm just wondering if I should be getting an oil for 'higher mileage' engines. I'm not sure what mileage this would be of benefit..... ? Also, do you guys still use the OEM oil filters, or do you use high performance filters, such as the ones they recommend you use when you switch over to Mobil 1, etc... ?

Severin

The switching part was true for much older cars (80's-ish); if you used conventional oil it was not wise to switch to synthetic as your car might leak like a siv. However, this is no longer the case.

You may switch as often as you like. As far as needing a an oil "formulated" for high mileage vehicles, Acura (honda) engines wear extremely well. There is no need for this gimicky oil.

Most of us using synthetic oil use a Mobil 1 or K&N filter (they are equivalent). I sometimes go 5-6K between changes, though you can definately go farther (other members have had their oil tested and proven this). However, old habits die hard and I tend to change on the earlier side...

Street Spirit

Can I buy these high performance oil filter in-store somewhere (Canadian) or am I stuck ordering them online from the States? ...Walmart, Canadian Tire, a repair shop, performance shop... ?

dordal

Actually, these high-mileage oils DO make a difference for many cars. In particular, they contain seal conditioning additives, which help stop minor leaks from old seals. It isn't a gimmick.

That said, Honda/Acura engines ARE built extremely well and wear extremely well, and aren't as likely to develop leaks in the first place. So there isn't really as much of a need for us.

fsttyms1

if your car doesnt burn oil now its safe to change over. i changed over a little over to synthetis at a little over 100k and my engine likes the syn

Street Spirit

Actually, the oil still looks pretty good from when I got the car and I haven't had to add a drop!! ....What a change from my previous car!....

I only got the '99 a few months ago, so I didn't have the option to switch right from the start. I'm assuming that 115,000 KM is somewhere around 53,000 miles?? (Don't quote me on that!) I am due for an oil change soon, so I am trying to figure this out within the next few weeks. Is it too late to switch to synthetic now? Someone on another forum said that my seals might leak since it is probably the sludge and build-up from the conventional oil that is keeping it from leaking.

Has anyone switched over this late in the game? Risks/advantages? Can anything really go wrong from doing it now?

AznBalla

I just switch ay 93,000... Doin GREAT! Cars feels so smooth and quiet...

fsttyms1

like i said i changed over to synthetic at around 100,000 miles. with no issues. it will be just fine to switch over now

antlive

I was recently told by an Acura Mechanic (15yrs Acura) that you don't have to use synthetic oil. If you change your oil every 4000 miles your engine should run real smooth until the wheels fall off.

Once you go synthectic you can't go back.

fsttyms1

thats not true any more you can switch

and synthetic just gives you more protection than standard oil under sever conditions

antlive

so you saying this mechanic of 15yrs of acura experience is wrong about switching back and forth from synthetic to conventional is one way?

ChucksCL-S

Look at my sig..all on synthetic oil....

Street Spirit

I guess Canadian Winter counts as a 'severe condition' thus making the switch to synthetic oil somewhat helpful?? Considering people seem to back-up the long-lasting Honda engines, would this be my only major benefit? It doesn't get super hot here though, so that aspect isn't an issue.

I was just wondering - how much money does your shop discount from their regular price for an oil change when you've brought your own oil and filter? Just wondering approximately how much places have been deducting since I will only need their labour and not any parts/material.... These otherwise uncostly oil changes could become pretty expensive if they don't discount the price very much considering you're providing your own supplies....

fsttyms1

well you shouldnt switch back and forth once you decide to go to synthetic, you should stick with it. if for some reason you cant put syn in it wont hurt to use standard oil. back in the day when syn first came out once you switched you wernt supposed to go back, but thats different now.

antlive

Well thats all good, what I'm saying is he said you don't have too. Besides its much cheaper to stick with the standard oil. So to me, if its doesn't make a difference and I save money I'm sticking to the standard oil.

fsttyms1

standard oil is not cheaper! i run 10,000 plus miles on my 24.00$$ synthetic oil change. i buy the oil and filter for around 24$ and due to the amount of miles i drive synthetic is alot better and more cost effective. it is safe to run that many miles on the oil, i know because i have it tested every time i change it. and every time i have it comes back with results better than standard oil with 4,000 miles on it. so your not saving money running standard oil if you have to change it that much more often

antlive

10,000 + is a long time. Does your price include the filter? Not clear in your post. The price I get for just the synthetic is $24. But lets break it down. Say you buy Mobil 1 standard oil at 1.59 w/tax, a qt (approximate price in NE USA) and you change your oil at 4,000 mils. If you change your oil 3 times (12,000) you only spend 23.85. Plus $15 for filter, so you spend $38.85. So to me, I get 2,000 more miles for the approximate same price. I really don't see the need.

hangbok

i put syn on my car at 60,000 Miles, and it runs good. I say go syn..

Seotaji

antlive said:
fsttyms1 said:
seems pretty clear to me.

i just went from using amsoil w/ amsoil filters to mobil 1 w/m1 filters, didn't really notice a diff. except in my wallet.

i change oil at 10k, filters at 5. still get 22 MPG.

i'm going to start using redline water wetter to see if i can net some more improvements.

fsttyms1

i get a 5 qt jug at walmart for 19.89. the filter is 4 bucks. (unless i spend teh money on the mobil 1 filter) i change my oil for 24$
that and my driving is sever, my car idles ALL DAY LONG and if i used standard oil i would have to change it that much more often

antlive

Oh aight, what oil and filter you get?

fsttyms1

i use the pureolator, (every ones most disliked fram) and if i know that there is going to be real sever driving conditions, or if i feel like spending the money mobil 1. i got a deal on the mobil 1 filter a few months back i got 5 m104's for 15 bucks so im still using the mobil 1 filter

fsttyms1

fsttyms1

fsttyms1

what the heck just happened here?

jean

A good mechanic is like a good G.P. doctor.
If your GP suspect you have cancer he will send to a Oncologist.
If he suspects melanoma he send you to a Dermatologist.
If he suspect asma he will send to yet another specialist.....etc etc etc

A good mechanic is like a good GP... He must know about engines, tannys, electrical, body work, brakes etc etc etc.....
My point is, a good mechanic probably doesnt even know the difference between a group I, II, III, IV etc motor oils and applications.
He may be a good mechanic ... he may know squat about motor oil....
J

Seotaji

as long as you use a high quality oil (dino or syn) you should never have a problem that isn't the result of a pre-existing condition.