Newbie
I dont want to sound like an a$$, but you havent got an oil change since you got the car?(maybe i am reading this wrong) Your first oil change is the most important. I really should be done within about 1500-2000 miles. By allowing the engine to run full cycles, it makse sure that it gets all of the stuff that isnt supposed to be in there out. The reasoning about this is because there very well could be shavings from the engine block and possibly other objects in the system. This of course is very capable of causing major problems both near and far. I myself have decided to switch to synthetic. I know its more money and what not but you can save money if you do it yourself or pay someone else to do if for you. If you pay someone else to do it for you and you bring them the oil as well as the filter, you can save some money. I do this and they charge me $20. But after buying Mobile 1 synthetic and a K&N oil filter, it comes to about 50 bucks where i live. But hey, synthetic last a little longer than the regular anyways. I also noticed a slight difference in how hot my engine runs. I like it because it runs a little bit cooler. Maybe I am reading your post wrong but if not, an oil change is prob. the next thing your car needs.
Evolved Member
^ agreed
General consensus is if you drive alot every 3000 miles. 4500 if you stay around town. I change mine every 3000 regardless.
WADAD
General consensus is if you drive alot every 3000 miles. 4500 if you stay around town. I change mine every 3000 regardless.
WADAD
Evolving Member
For real , you should change your oil at the max around 3000 miles, it helps preserve the engine life !
oh crap i need to get an oil change asap, thanx guys and im gonna switch to synthetic too
Evolving Member
That's one heck of a break in... usually, (don't quote me on this) you do your first oil change at 500 mi and again at 1000 mi and then do your nomal interval. whether you do 3k or 3750 mi, it's your call. With most synthetics, 5k would be optimum (sp) but i've seen people go as far as 6k between oil changes on full synthetic...
just my .02
just my .02
Evolved Member
What are the actual advantages to going synthetic on our cars? Does it make any kind of difference?
it penetrates better, and it has better life, doesn't break down as quick as natural oil
Evolving Member
petrolium based oil is better at start up and stick better to metal surfaces. and like twardOZrally said, synthetic doesn't break down as quick and do penetrate better in the long haul hence the ability to go 5K - 6K safely between oil changes...

Bomb Squad Unit #02
Quote:
Pros: doesn't break down as fast, so it protects longer (hence the 5000 interval instead of 3000 for regular) and they have made some synthetics with better protection.Originally Posted by ambystom01
What are the actual advantages to going synthetic on our cars? Does it make any kind of difference?
Con: Longer service intervals allows deposits and metal particles to stay in the engine longer. And the price is a tad higher than regular (mostly offset by the longer interval)
Evolved Member
i use mobil 1 synthetic every 3k miles. i got the oil changed at 2500 miles first time and went w/mobil 1 right away, and i could honedtly feel a difference as i drove home from the dealer.

Bomb Squad Unit #02
I use Valvoline 10/30 (regular oil). 5/30 if it was colder. One important thing, I recommend whatever oil you use is SAE approved.
Newbie
Like Automatic51 was saying, you really can tell a difference when you drive it. I like Mobil 1 5w/30. Its kinda expensive but I think its worth it(I change mine every 3,000 miles too though with a K&N filter so it kinda adds up over time and ). But i have a question now. Has anyone tired the Red Line Performace oil? I know its about 8 bucks a qt. here in Virginia but I have only heard good things about it. So is it worth the extra money and what is the major advantge that it holds over other synthetic oils?



