Synthetic or non-synthetic?

[alberto.garrido]

I'm just bought a leftover 2004 Accord EX for 19K. (great deal!)

My qyestionis, the manual says change oil every 10K for normal dirving. I was thinking of using synthetic every 5k. Anythoughts on whether to go 5K or 10K? and whether to go synthtic or not?

Interestingly enough, the manual says not to change the FIRST oil change too soon because there is a "special blend" from the factory.

Help! :-)

[jeffcoslacker]

Use the break in oil, go to syn. Change it at least every 7500, (10,000 is excessive unless all highway) and the motor will last forever. Semi-syn blends are a good cost effective alternative if you can't justify full syn priices.

Don't everybody jump all over me. Dino oil is fine too, if changed regularly. Syn just gives you a nice cushion of extra breakdown protection, less acids and varnishes, and better flow on real cold starts.

I've run motors over 300,000 miles on syn, and I'm gonna stick to it.

[jeffcoslacker]

P.S. If you look at the fine print, most manuals define normal driving as not subject to extreme conditions. Then they define extreme conditions as being operated in dusty environments, very cold or hot conditions, extended idling periods or low speed operation with A/C running, long periods of stop and go driving, basically every condition that all cars are subjected to regularly. Then they will state the extreme condition change interval that is usually around 75% of the "normal" interval.

I used to service a fleet of Ford Escorts that were used as bank courier cars. They operated primarily on the highway, ran routes of about 300 miles daily, driven by semi retired older guys. These were about the only cars I've ever run across that would fit into the manufacturer's definition of "normal" service.

They ran their oil change interval to 10,000 miles, otherwise they'd be changing the oil every other week. Every one of those cars made it to 200,000 miles still running like new.

[ProMan]

I have a 92 Accord. The manual says change oil every 7500 mile, but I change the oil at 3000 interval and never used syn oil. The car has over 180000 mile now and the engine never gave me any problem and is still sharp.

I would suggest you to change the oil at 5000 interval and don't need to use syn oil.

[thequietkid]

I agree with the guys for the synthetics. If you are going to change the oil every 7500, a good synthetic is almost a must. You also basically save money or spend about the same using the syn, instead of changing oil with the normal stuff every 3000. I've run synthetics for two years and my car runs fine with no leaks or anything and I have over 100k on it. Also, the guy with the Escorts is right. Most cars don't fall into the normal duty operation. There are just too many stoplights, traffic, and heat in most places.

Originally Posted by ProMan

I have a 92 Accord. The manual says change oil every 7500 mile, but I change the oil at 3000 interval and never used syn oil. The car has over 180000 mile now and the engine never gave me any problem and is still sharp.

I would suggest you to change the oil at 5000 interval and don't need to use syn oil.

[jbiss]

I run amsoil in my cars. I change it out every 7500 miles.