Engine oil question...

[huy397]

I am going for my first oil change today, it's not quite the time yet because a lot of the milage are on highway but it couldn't hurt right ? A friend ( who drives a Acura 3.2CL-S ) recommends Mobil 1 oil to me, it's quite expensive but nothing is too good for my baby. Just wondering what oil do you guys use ? Also, according the manual... it only takes 3.7L of oil... is that all I need ? Lastly, my dealer told me only to use 5W oil... I live in SK, Canada where summer is +30C and winter is -30C.Is the dealer right ? thank you very much

[esjones]

Yes!!! Use full synthetic. Some will jump on here and sing the praises of Amsoil. I don't know if there is that much difference between Amsoil and other pure synthetics, but the difference between pure synthetic and traditional petroleum oils is well worth the money.My experience:88 Bonneville - 235,000 miles, no major engine problems94 Safari - 195,000 (so far) no major engine problems98 Intrigue - 124,000 (so far) no major engine problemsThe Vibe? almost 15,000 now, and spinning happily in Mobil 1 5W-30.As for changing viscosity, NO. Stay with the manufacturer's recommendation, at least as long as the car is under warranty. Don't give them an excuse to deny warranty coverage if you should need it.

[Kissfan79]

Using Mobil 1, how often do you change your oil. I have been using regular oil every 3000 miles for about 13,000 miles now. I would like to use synthetic, but I don't want it to cost me a fortune every other month (my trip to work and back is almost 100 miles per day round trip.) and I feel kinda' funny doing the oil change at like 7000 miles. Just curious as to your intervals between changes.Jim

[philndz]

Ok....while on the oil subject....I would love to put MOBIL 1 in the vibe, BUT, im not sure i can....i get all sort of benefits from my dealer by going there for all my oil changes (tire warranty, 100000mi engine warranty, lifetime towing etc...) What that all means is im not going to stop using the dealer for the oil changes. I just think that if i buy my own oil and give it to them to put in the car that being so much easier to use there on-tap oil pump hoses that fill in very short time....why would they waste their time using my bottles...they can fill my car up as usual and throw my bottles wherever.....i would never know!

[esjones]

I shoot for 6000 mile oil change intervals, and it seems to keep the cars happy and running well. As for using the dealer, I doubt that they are slimy enough to just use their oil anyway and throw yours away (or take it to use in their OWN cars!). If you suspect this, just ask for the empty bottles back! I think that protecting your engine is worth a few extra bucks on an oil change.

[esjones]

quote:Also, according the manual... it only takes 3.7L of oil... is that all I need ? You need whatever it takes to show full on the dipstick! 3.7L sounds about right, from my experience.

[huy397]

Hmmm, I should've asked for my empty bottle back but I forgot... Hopefully it's really Mobil 1 that's running in there.Costed me about C$48 in total, about US$40I know it's not exactly cheap but this is my first brand new car and I am not driving an old beater-mobile anymore... so nothing is too good for my baby 1. Mobil 1 5W30 4L oil : $302. filter $53 labour $13Total $48.

[ragingfish]

I used Mobil 1. Bought 1G of it from Wal-Mart for about $18...and then the Toyota filter was about 6...so I didn't save much money, but for the same cost, I got better oil, better filter, and the confidence and satisfaction that it was done RIGHT...

[wildvibe]

yep gotta watch some places they screw the filter on way to tight! all you need is the 3/4 turn after its sealed. Remember the filter heats up and expands

[ChinaThong]

philndz, whenever I bring my own oil like that, I always try to watch them doing it. And, asking for the bottles back is another good way.Youa re right. You don't want to have them trick you. I'll admit, at most dealers, you can't see the work area. But, if you go to a small shop with your bottles and filter, you can usually look through the window and watch them do it.

[DavidPIL]

hi huy, (heheh, that was fun to say)I understand your issues about using your own oil. I did what someone else mentioned, I bought the Mobil 1 oil from Wal-Mart (I used to do this many years ago when I changed my own oil in my truck). I would swear by the Mobil 1. Anywho... I brought the 5 quart bottle to my dealer, told them I have my own oil. There was no issue about it at all. Gave me the bottle back with half quart or so left in it. All is well. I used to change my oil in my truck every 4-5k. I think that's a good interval for Synth though I hear you can go further. I will probably stay closer to 3k for now since I should be rotating the tires every 6-7k or so (Recommended by 3 different tire shops). Rotation=Filter=Labor=Dave

[MadBill]

I went to a local quick change once with my own oil and they charged me MORE than if they'd put their oil in! I got pretty hot. Told them next time they could just dump their *@#$% oil on the ground, push my car out the door, and I'd pour the synthetic in myself! They just shrugged and said "that's our policy."

[pmh013]

Seeing as I'm in your neck of the woods, I thought I'd add my 2 cents.I use Esso Ultra 5W30. My local non-Pontiac mechanic recommended it. Something to do with high-rating, warranty non-voiding, blah, blah, blah.I'm incredibly unmotivated to change my own oil, so I just drop it off on my way to work, and pick it up at lunch. I spend about $40 on an oil change. He's expensive for the area, but when you're the only game in town...

[esjones]

quote:I went to a local quick change once with my own oil and they charged me MORE than if they'd put their oil in! Was it really "local" or part of a lube chain? Go ahead... you can name names here!

[vibe626]

According to the owner's manual, I should use only oil meeting the GM6094M standard. I have a case of Citgo Superguard 5W-30 (use for the other car), that meets API SL and ILSAC GF3. Neither the label nor the Citgo website say anything about Superguard meeting the GM standard. I would expect any 5W-30 APL SL oil on the market to meet GM's standard. Anybody knows where I can find details about the GM standard GM6094M?