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From what I have been told that seems to make sence is to leave the original oil in the full period that the manufacturer recommends and than switch to synthetic if you want.
My dealer was very comfortable switching to synthetic at 5M and said that they do that for many of the 1.8t Passats. The dealership uses Castrol synthetic but I supplied my own Mobil 1. They were going to charge me $30 bucks for the synthetic, it was cheaper to provide my own.
JOHn
I don't know if one brand is better than the other. The only reason I use Mobil 1 is that it is a true synthetic. I has been addressed before. Castrol and some of the others use a base stock that is actually a petroleum product, but then it is chemically altered so much that they can legally claim it is synthetic. Mobil 1 uses a true synthetic base stock. Does this make a difference? Probably not! But since they basically cost the same, I go with the Mobil 1.
I am still not convinced that synthetic is needed by everyone when compared to a good regular oil. I only switched because of towing with our minivan and also having the turbocharged engine in my Passat.
Jim
but then again ...i'm scared to have oil sitting in there for that long.
amsoil also has an XL series synthetic oil thats supposed to last 10k/6months ...that seems more reasonable ... but then the top line synthetic is available for only 30cents more per quart, when i saw prices last (their price went up on oct 1)
i use mobil 1 (since its easy to get) and change my oil &filter every 5000miles/5months ...thats what my mfg recommends (1999 mazda protege)
Thanks
maybe that should be the standard
Jim
For the both cars it is advisable to switch to higher viscosity 10W-30 for hot weather, to lower 5W-30 for cold winter, and to either 0W-30 or synthetic 5W-30 for very cold season (not relevant in Connecticut, but, probably, very important in MN, ND or Canada).
My understanding is, that the first number (10, 5 or 0) show the oil viscosity at some standard temperature when the engine is cold, while the second number (30) when it became hot. The lower the temperature, the less liquid the oil became, and the low viscosity grade compensates for this.
But does it mean the too good viscosity hurts when starting engine? Why does not GM recommend, for example, 0W-30 for all cases? Even more, than both Amsoil and Mobil wrote on their WWW sites, that the 0W-30 oil can be used when the manufacturer recommends 5W-30 or 10W-30.
It would be more convenient to buy just one oil, be it 5W-30 or 0W-30, for the both cars and all seasons. Even more than the price is the same.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?&f=0&c=Sedans&t=3949&q=613-615
I live in Hamden, CT. There is a huge Pep Boys auto parts shop near our home and supermarkets. Naturally, I am buying everything here.
The Pep Boys are not selling the Mobil filter. They are selling, though, AC Delco, Purolator, Fram and their own brand.
There are three sub-brands of Delco filters. The base, the better one (more expensive), and ultra. The ultra one costs about $10. I guess that the OEM Delco filter, as from factory or used by GM dealers, is the cheapest one.
The Purolator filters also have different grades / prices / quality. The best one are branded Pure One. Less expensive than the best Delco, about $6 as well as I remember.
The both filter's packages are claiming to be the very best in filtration of smaller particles. Delco with the standard tests, Pure One with the repetitive, multipass tests.
I believe the both filters are much better than the standard ones. Important with the longer change intervals, e.g with the synthetic oil. Probably, the difference between the brands of quality filters is less important.
All three grades of the Mobil 1 oil for cars - 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 - are available at the Pep Boys. Several other brands of syntetic are available too. The three grades, and the Valvoline brand, are all going for the same higher price: $4.49 a quart, plus tax.
JOhn
To give you a comparison....I'm at about 4200 miles on my new VW (Passat V6) and had to add about 1/4 quart the other day. I don't know where it started by the dealer for sure because I did not check the oil until about 3500 miles. If they started it at the correct level, then it used 1/4 quart in 3500 miles. I would consider that normal for new engine, but if it continues to drink oil at that rate after break-in, I will have a problem with that.
JOhn
1 qt per 1000 miles !!!???!!!!
Normal!!!!????!!!!!!
Uh uh. No way. When you say VW is sticking to that, I assume you mean VW the dealer? Not VW the company? The Jetta only holds 4.8 qts! Since most people aren't going to bother to get a change before 3k (and some not even that soon) Jettas all over would soon be running dry.
Your dealer just doesn't want to fix your problem. Contact VW corporate and let them know you've been told 1 qt/1k miles is "normal" and that before you contact Consumer Reports with this useful bit of information you wanted to inquire if its actually true.
Jim
Cheers
I don't know what kind of recourse you would have is this is what the manufacturer states. I know that I sure would be pi$$ed if it was me though. I feel sorry for you.
All engines use oil, it just depends on luck sometimes, how much. An improper break-in can sometimes increase oil consumption. Often it is caused by microscopic scratches in the piston rings or cylinder walls, or a bad match of rings in a cylinder.
If I do go to synthetic....what grade would be a substitute for 5w-20?
Thanks for any help or advice you can send my way!
Do you think it is possible that your owner's manual has a misprint? Almost every new car uses 5W-30 these days.
If you can't find the 5W20, or it's really expensive, I think 5W30 would be just as good. The same basic engine in your Tribute is used in the Ford Contour and Mazda MPV. I don't know this for sure, but I'd bet they recommend 5W-30.
If you want to spend a bit less on oil filters, you don't have to use the factory ones. There is an entire topic dedicated to oil filters. The consensus there seems to be that there are several aftermarket manufacturers that make good filters, and one to stay away from.
Dave
It's my feeling too that 5w30 would be alright to use. I have my sales guy checking on it and he's suppose to get back to me when he gets the info.
Anybody else have any insights,knowledge or experience to share? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
If the manual says only 5W20, then that is what I would use, though.
$17 for 2 OEM filters is not too bad. I just paid $8.50 for a Honda motorcycle filter, and it is not even the spin on type!!! I get Honda filters for my cars 3 for $15. But they are $7.50 each if bought singly.
And yes, that is correct 5W-20. We've discussed it a bit on www.contour.org
I can get my Motorcraft filters for both our MPV and Contour for about $4-$5/each at Advanced Auto Parts. They seem to be the same as the Purolator PureOne, for a bit less money.
Cheers,
TB
Our Mazda MPV came from the factory with a Motorcraft filter.
I suggested to many an MPV owner to wager free oil changes with the service manager at the Mazda dealership over the filter. Bet the service manager that there is no special Mazda filter for the MPV or Tribute. If there is, you'll buy an oil change from them. If they use a Motorcraft filter, he gives you a free oil change.
This is especially effective after the service manager has already told you there is a special filter. Just asking them to put their money where their mouth is, is sometimes fun.
Of course, if the service manager lied to you then, I'm not sure I'd want them working on my vehicle.
Cheers,
TB
Methinks Ford is "jumping ahead" by a few months, as oil industry appoval of the new oil standard was delayed by a mix of technical and business considerations from what automakers wanted. I dunno, might have wanted this viscosity grade even if rest of oil is GF-2 stuff.
Speculation on my part, tho', but I do work for the Lubricants group of a major oil Co.
I'd just use 5W30 and not worry at all...TB is right, I'd wager the filter is an FL820S (Mopar), which we think is a Purolator with "PureONE" filter media innards (in other words a very good filter...). My mpv was not listed in the books, so I just crawled under it and there was the Cleveland FoMoCo engine with a USA filter on it, sent back by way of Hiroshima mazada plant! (but Tributes are U.S. made. but mostly Mazda Japan Engineered I hear...
Merritt
I'm guessing that it takes more additivevs to get the viscosity range of 5w-30, so it's possible 5w20 may be a better lubricant. But, aren't the manufacturers specifying it for fuel economy reasons?
So, Merrit, which is "better", 5w20 or 5w30?
Dave
They understand things like bearing design, stress loads, and oil passage flows under operation. I do not think, given litigation in our fine society as well as consumer oversight and competitive pressures, they would release a less durable engine and risk brand reputation...That's my opinion only...
Yes, an SAE 30 makes a heavier film than a 20 weight, but so does a 40 or 50 ...only the OEM can say what optimal upper vis limit is based on ENGINEERING and TESTS. Film strength is only an issue if it fails, so I'd bet 20 weight did fine in tests...failed films show quickly in used oil tests and teardown inspections...
A 5-20 has less VI (vis index improver) so some would say that is a "good" thing...it will shear less than a 5W-30, so not all is bad with the change.
Sorry, I can't fully accept that. I'm by no means a lubrication expert, but it seems to me the only place a lower viscosity will improve MPG is from oil pump losses (its much easier for the oil pump to move low viscosity fluid through all the passages - and I can't believe the head loss is all that big). Decreased wear and improved fuel economy ought to go hand in hand, since both are inversely proportional to friction.
Whatever operating temperature the engine is designed for ought to drive the lubricant selection. If 5w20 gives better mileage it seems illogical to be at the expense of increased friction.
Kevin
Thanks
pleats etc. Quaker State filters, Pennzoil and store brands have been rated similar. AC Delco good, Motorcraft too but off the shelf you cannot beat a Mobil 1 or a Pure One (made by Purolator but different higher quality filter)