So I have been reading some threads on engine oil and was just wondering what the best type (regular or synthetic) of oil I should use for my 2.4L. I have always used regular, non-synthetic motor oil in my vehicles. My personal favorite is the mobile clean 5000. Due to the raise in prices of oil I have decided to grab whatever is on sale . I know the manual recommends 5w-20and that is what I plan on using. I am just wondering if it would be more beneficial to spend the extra money and go synthetic?
As for the filter, I usually use fram tough guards. Is that a good or bad idea? Personally, I have never had an issue with them. I change my oil religiously every 3,000 miles. I have heard mixed reviews on them though. I have used mobile 1 filters before and also had no issues (except for the price being 2x as much ). My brother likes the K&N for his challenger, but again I don't see the point in spending the extra money for my rallye.
Another question I have is can I expect to feel a difference (in power, acceleration, idle, MPG, etc) by switching oil brands or switching to synthetic? My main reason to switch would be for a smoother running engine and or better MPG.
Lastly, if I swiched to synthetic, would I have to worry about oil leaks more since synthetic can be so slippery and I've only ever run non-synthetic? And if I did switch to synthetic and then wanted to switch back would I have any issues?
I do what's easy for me. I have a strong attachment to NAPA in general because I worked for them on and off for 10 years and generally like their stuff. There is a store in my little town that gives me good guy break on prices. NAPA oil is Valvoline and I get the synthetic in what ever is available in either 5-20 or 5-30. I use NAPA Gold filers which are WIX. The also have sales that I watch for. There are other good oils and filters out there but I will never use Fram (blew out a seal on one) or Pennzoil (I've seen it turn back to it's paraffin base several times). All oils that have a 5-xx are at least a partial synthetic. Mine and my wife's oil gets changed every 5k miles, just average driving. All oil breaks down but synthetics do it slower and it's up to the filter to keep it clean. I used Amsoil for a while and was completely happy with it too. When Amsoil doesn't make a super fine filter for an application the also recommend NAPA Gold.
I didn't really notice any performance change because of oils, as long as they are a good oil. My mpg changes more with outside temps, wind, etc so that's hard to judge most of the time.
Synthetic oil doesn't cause oil leaks, that's an old wives tail. In the early days when seals were made out of different material that were not compatible with synthetics they did leak. Those days are long gone unless you have a pre-1970 or so car.
What I like about synthetic oil and a good filter is peace of mind and running it for 5K miles between changes.
Besides the oils that I have personally used I also feel that Mobile 1, Castrol, Delo and several others are fine products. Maybe some people will pop in with some recommendation. The bottom line is if it's not easy to get in your area it won't do you much good.
I also like MOOG suspension parts that NAPA doesn't have so I'm not a blind follower of NAPA.
Thanks a lot Gramps. That is some good information. I usually hit up WalMart to get their 5QT containers. I'll see what they have next time I go in. Thanks again!
A few years ago, I think Consumer report did a study on oil/oil changes...I don't remeber exactly what was tested, but many different type of oil and driving conditions...
The bottom line from their study that most commercial oils were similar and most held their properties pretty well for up to 10,000 miles.
Exception...dusty/dirt roads, the oil got dirty faster..
I change my oil every 5000 miles, but according to consumer report, you will be fine if you don't change it until 10,000.
On a side note, the Compass definately is the easiest oil change of the vehicles that I have owned!
New to this Forum, but not autos - I use Amsoil, oils and fluids, for 3 Jeeps and 2 Harleys. Take a look at their website and the independent research data they have - it made a beleiver out of me and have not had issues. :thumbsup:
I use the Amsoil full synthetic in my Compass as well, along with their high efficiency oil filter. While they say with my driving habits, I should be able to go one year or 20K mile between changes, I change it now at the start of summer and again in December for winter. The cost per quart is comparable to the high end synthetics you can get in your local auto parts place and the engine runs nice and smooth with no noises at all after 80K miles. I do agree that the oil change on this vehicle is really easy to get to everything you need.
Gramps, have you heard of Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy? I am wondering if that would help or make a difference?
I always change every 3-4k miles. I also always follow the manual (which would be 5W20). Do you think switching to this would be safe for the engine and allow for better fuel economy? Thanks! Also, I live in NE PA. I saw on another thread your post about the oil information website and you running 0W30. Thanks!
I ran Amsoil 0W-20 a couple of times, certainly no problems. It was during one of our cold winters and it started very easily and ran fine. Hard to tell if mpg went up because it always drops in cold weather. All oils in the 0W-20 weights are full synthetic and will do a fine job. I also don't waste my money by changing oil at 3K. The later owners manuals call for 5K and some people will take it to 7.5K before changing it. The lighter the oil, the more freely the engine turns, especially in cold weather. Less friction improves mpg as long as there is enough lubrication as it warms up and 20 is fine with the tighter tolerances of the modern engines.
Bottom line Mobil 1, 0W-20 is a fine oil and should serve you well. I've run full synthetic oils from 0W-20, 5W-20 and 5W-30, no problems with any of them.
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