I have used Mobil 1 in my cars for years (Corvettes). What are most of you guys (& Gals) using in your TL? I should be taking delivery of my TL sometime this week.

RB

 

I think Mobil 1 would be great but just be aware I think Acura calls for 0-20W oil in the 04 TL.

I used Mobil 1 0-30W in my Audi S4 and I know Porsche uses 0-40W but I don't know if Mobil 1 makes a 0-20W.

 

Actually, I believe the TL "wants" 5W20. Supposedly Mobil is coming out with a 0W20 Real Soon Now, though I haven't seen any of it yet. Link is here.

 

I would like to know if the 5W/20 is really a requirement or just a way to get to the 20/30 epa gas mileage figures. I intend to use the 5/20 until about 10000 miles...changing first at....don't know yet, but absent any good discussion on the forum probably first change at 5000, or sooner if the gauge say so, and then look for the closest weight Mobil 1, unless I find out that there is no 5/20 and that it would be a real problem to use another weight. My Acura service guy will probably have some thoughts! I use Mobil 1 in my S4 and picked up 1.5 mpg ave. when I switched, and will go to Mobil 1 in my S2000 next change (at 10000 miles). I am not sure that Mobil 1 is any better or worse than other brands of synthetics, but it is available "cheap" at Sam's Club.

 

Is there any downside to changing your own oil if you're not all that familiar with the car?

In other words, are the mechanics really doing that 15 point inspection (or whatever the # of items they check happens to be) that provide added value for taking a car into a mechanic?

I can probably manage to jack the car up, open the oil tank and change the oil and the oil filter, but beyond that, I'm clueless. I've always likened car maintenance/repair to computer maintenance/repair (the latter of which I am quite qualified for) -- people without the knowledge are always scared to do it themselves.


Thanks!

 

I think there is a compressible gasket on the drain plug that needs replacing everytime you drain your oil.

 

Yes you can change your own oil. I would keep receipts for the oil and filter. I don't do it anymore because it is messy. My mechanic looks at things underneath and just generally makes sure nothing is about to fall off, etc. I bring my own oil and filter (it is an independent guy) and he charges $15 and I get to watch and look underneath myself.

 

When you change your own oil, how do you reset the maintenance minder?

 

If you change oil at the "Service Due Soon" or "Service Due Now", you would be able to reset it to 100% by pressing & holding the button.

If you change oil without those information on, you still can call it out or ask the dealer to plug in their PGM to change for you.

For the minder system, I don't worry about oil change, but other stuff...