| srpbep |
Observation: Everyone seems to agree that synthetics are as good as petroleum products and MOST seem to agree they are better [better on cold start, better at low/high temp operation, etc.].
Question-1: For those using synthetics, how often do you change your oil. I know there is no "correct answer" so I am simply curious what sythetic users are choosing to do.
Question-2: For those using synthetics, have you noticed any difference in gas mileage. Specifically, was wondering if synthetics have any positive/negative effect on mileage.
Thanks in advance |
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| Gregc |
I use Mobil 1 and change oil and Filter at 7500 miles. I have not noticed any increase in mileage. I use 5W30, but I am sure if I were to use the 0W30 I would see a little benefit in the MPG department.
Greg |
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| DaleB |
Even non-synthetics that are labelled Energy Conserving II are designed to give better mileage. Dino oils have been improved to the point I think it would be very difficult to discern any differences from synthetics as far a MPGs.
Small enough differences that it would be difficult to say other factors were not at play. |
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| MaD-X |
| just replaced my Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic after 5000 miles, and it was less black than regular oil after 3000 miles. I think I will stick with 5000-6000 mile interval, but really 7500 is fine too. If manual says that you can run MDX for 7500 miles using regular oil in normal conditions, then you can run that on synthetic just fine. Less than 5000 miles with synthetics is probably a waste of oil IMO. |
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| DaleB |
I change mine about every 4-5000 miles using Mobil 1.
The color of the oil can be deceiving, as detergent oil suspends particulate matter making the oil look darker in color.
So if it's color was always the same one may question if it's doing it's job.
On the other had, I think regular changes with any quality oil would keep the engine cleaner, and the oil 'looking' cleaner. |
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| mcclendons |
4-5K IMO, although I would go a little further if in the middle of a trip.
Have not "seen" a mileage difference |
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| Fireblade6 |
I use Castrol SYNTEC for my MDX and Car and I really like it. I do notice that the break downs is not as quick as that of standard petroleum oil.
It burns a lot cleaner I think. |
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| stumpie |
| :29: :29: Have '03 MDX on order....coming off of 2 yrs w/my '00 ML320...Mercedes went 100% Mobil 1 2 yrs ago...ML has a viscosity sensor...my average mileage between oil changes for the 1st 50K has been 12-14K.....why would U want to change at 7.5K or less?? |
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| srpbep |
quote:
stumpie wrote:
Guys...we're talkin synthetic....!
Have '03 MDX on order....coming off of 2 yrs w/my '00 ML320...Mercedes went 100% Mobil 1 2 yrs ago...ML has a viscosity sensor...my average mileage between oil changes for the 1st 50K has been 12-14K.....why would U want to change at 7.5K or less??
First, thanks to stumpie and all the others for the information.
I am starting to believe that synthetic maybe can be left in 7,500 miles [that is why I started this thread -- trying to figure it out].
Regarding stumpie's comment about "why change at 7.5K" [good for 12-14K] -- here I have an issue. To the best of my knowledge, there is no provision [differentiation] in the service schedule regarding use of regular oil vs synthetics. Thus I would be concerned about "not following MFG service recommendations" as it relates to warranty issues. In fact, I have looked at a couple of synthetic maker web sites and think they all said "change at MFG recommended intervals". I can't recall any synthetic maker who suggested that their product didn't need to be changed at the vehicle MFG's schedule.
I don't even want to venture into the possible domain of whose fault a failure is or being "contributory to a problem".
I have once had a "big problem" [lemon law thing] and let's simply say that the Mfg's preemptive strike was that I was the cause of the problem. Happily for me, my i's were dotted, t's crossed, had ALL records, copies of all letters, etc. 'cause it was indeed a "trying ordeal". I'd sooner wrestle with a greased pig!! |
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| mcclendons |
There are two factors that play into oil use. One is that Oil breaks down due to heat and use. Synthetic REALLY helps here, and you could easily go 12K-15K or more w/o breakdown due to heat.
The 2nd issue, and the reason that I change earlier than 7500, is that any time gas combustion takes place, contaminants are created. These contaminants make it into synthetic oil just as they do normal oil, and overtime can/do cause reactions with engine internals. On today’s engines, with today’s gas, this is a minimal problem, but it is still there. Good filters help with big contaminants (metal etc), but they can't get the acids etc that are created.
Oil is cheap, engines are not! I could go 7500 in a crunch. 12K makes me nervous.
Just MO |
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| deltajetfixer |
Yep, I change filter and oil every 7500 miles. Only exception is my Porsche which goes 15000 between changes... BUT it has a 12 quart capacity and two filters.
Always follow the manual....ESPECIALLY while under warranty!!!
Only Mobil 1 anecdote I have is that when my Grandfather and I changed to Mobil 1 in his '77 Honda Civic, we had to LOWER the idle speed 200 rpm's. |
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| Robyjo |
Great thread, srpbep! I'm glad to get these opinions on this subject...
Rob :31: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by stumpie
:29: :29: Have '03 MDX on order....coming off of 2 yrs w/my '00 ML320...Mercedes went 100% Mobil 1 2 yrs ago...ML has a viscosity sensor...my average mileage between oil changes for the 1st 50K has been 12-14K.....why would U want to change at 7.5K or less??
I've heard of those sensors before, my understanding they are most valuable if you have serious oil dilution by fuel or antifreeze in the oil.
I am not convinced that sufficient viscosity is enough of a yardstick. Some additives in the oil my be depleted, and the viscosity would still be within range. |
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| C-Bear |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I've heard of those sensors before, my understanding they are most valuable if you have serious oil dilution by fuel or antifreeze in the oil.
I am not convinced that sufficient viscosity is enough of a yardstick. Some additives in the oil my be depleted, and the viscosity would still be within range.
Exactly! Viscosity isn't the only issue necessitating an oil change. In fact, oil (synthetic or otherwise) will last much longer than the detergents in them, and these detergents are as crucial as the oil itself in maintaining a clean, low-temp, properly running engine. As well, though an oil's viscosity might be within range, as the miles wear on the oil becomes inundated with the impurities (metal shavings, acids, silicone oxide, water, etc.) it's meant to trap and hold. Over time it can hold fewer and fewer of these impurities until it's saturated and can't carry these impurities AND effectively protect the engine from them.
Yes, viscosity is an issue in relation to when oil must be changed, but it isn't the only one. |
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| deltajetfixer |
quote:
Originally posted by C-Bear
As well, though an oil's viscosity might be within range, as the miles wear on the oil becomes inundated with the impurities (metal shavings, acids, silicone oxide, water, etc.) it's meant to trap and hold.
Errr...just what the HECK is "Silicone Oxide"?! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
Errr...just what the HECK is "Silicone Oxide"?!
I think he meant 'silicon'.....a primary ingredient of semiconductors. |
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| deltajetfixer |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I think he meant 'silicon'.....a primary ingredient of semiconductors.
So...how are "semiconductors" getting into OUR OIL?!:confused: |
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| DaleB |
Well, you have to live in Silicon Valley, to begin with! The air is thick with the stuff!
Of course, there are quite a variety of natural silicates in the environment that find their way into our oil. |
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| deltajetfixer |
| I was just (as they say here in The South), "Picking at you":D |
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| C-Bear |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Of course, there are quite a variety of natural silicates in the environment that find their way into our oil.
Thank you for elaborating in my absense. ;) |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
I was just (as they say here in The South), "Picking at you":D
And I was picking back. Actually the concept of semiconductors in the oil is interesting. |
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| jonnygoodboy |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
And I was picking back. Actually the concept of semiconductors in the oil is interesting.
And at some point will probably be true. Nanotech, etc., promises to be a pervasive technology -- even more so than microchips. |
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| deltajetfixer |
quote:
Originally posted by jonnygoodboy
And at some point will probably be true. Nanotech, etc., promises to be a pervasive technology -- even more so than microchips.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...but what other than MICROCHIPS will guide these "nanobots" on their microscopic missions?
Won't each one have to have a co-located "brain"?
(Can you tell that I'm having a beer?):D :confused::7: |
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| srpbep |
deltajetfixer ... actually I couldn't !!
haha ... gotcha |
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| yzthumper |
Interesting topic...good stuff here. I will say that the 2500-3000 mile oil-change necessity is a myth perpetuated by Jiffy Lube. Most manufacturers now recommend a minimum of 7500 miles before an oil change. The acticle below suggests that this may be pushing it if using cheap oil, but the guy who wrote it works for Amsoil, and I'm not 100% convinced that he's being perfectly honest about lesser oils completely failing.
Most will agree that synthetics provide better additives, and will last longer than dino oils under extreme conditions, but look at the top auto manufaturers and what they recommend. BMW: you may not like the cars, but there is no arguing that they build some of the finest engines on the planet, and have done more testing on fuels and oils than all other manufacturers combined. BMWs actually have indicators that show when your oil should be serviced. They take into account temperature, city vs hyw driving, stop & go vs long trips, and engine speeds. Mine averages about 11,000 miles before an oil change is recommended. That blew me away when I bought the car, but others agree. Porche says 15,000 with synthetics. Benz is up there as well. A decent name brand dino oil will last 15,000 miles. Experts say change it at 12,000 to be safe. Synthetics should last twice that.
http://www.seansa4page.com/resource/synth.html |
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| deltajetfixer |
They need to offer a Hobbs Meter (elapsed hour meter) in some form as a more accurate measurement of engine use.
I'm thinking multicolred flourescent displays coupled to the Bose Sound System...
Eh? |
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| srpbep |
deltajetfixer,
You have hinted at a very easy [e.g. no cost] enhancement to the MDX. Acura could include the "oil change elapsed hour meter" in the trip computer [and Nav system trip computer] with some simple software, EVERYTHING ELSE IS ALREADY THERE.
The trip computer knows how to measure elapsed time. So all we need is an elapsed time meter that is manually reset when the oil change is performed.
Acura ... Hope you are reading this!! |
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