Changing my oil...

Discussion in 'Car Repair' started by 92civicproblems, Nov 2, 2008.

  1. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Okay, I'm about to change the oil in my civic and I was wondering what the best type of oil is for it. Keep in mind it's winter. I tried to research it but I found nothing. My mom says she just used 10W-40, she doesn't believe in synthetic because she thinks it breaks down to easy. I never really new anything about oil I just did what she said. My dad hates cars so he doesn't have a clue. So if anyone could lead me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks!
     
  2. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    You definitly need 5/30 for the cold as it will get to moving parts quicker.

    Where do you live again and how cold does it get there? I always have used synthetic oil in all of my cars. You will notice a difference in the performance when using synthetic oil.. trust me.
     
  3. Ranger SVO

    Ranger SVO Full Member

    I agree. A good 5W 30 is recommended for nearly all modern engines. It flows well when cold and provides excellent protection when its hot.

    Synthetic Oils are awesome but expensive. Modern Synthetics are compatible with conventional oils. I've owned my Ranger for 13 years, it gets an oil change around 3500 to 4000 miles. I use 1 quart of 5W 30 synthetic and 4 quarts of 5W 30 conventional.

    Oil is the life blood of the motor, regular changes is important. My recommendation, pick a brand and a weight and stay with it. If you car is older (I assume it is) and it had a conventional oil in it all its life, then stay with a conventional oil.
     
  4. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    x2 on what ranger said. your car is older and i bet it just used conventional oil before so just stick to the conventional oil.
     
  5. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    i run synthetic and regular oil with no probs at all.i also use moble 5000. its like 2 bucks or so.

    if the inside is dirty you can use a 1/3 can of seafoam to clean it. let it run for a day or 2 then go ahead with the change. mine ran smoother afterwards.

    they now have 0-w20 out thats suppose to help extend gas milage.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2008
  6. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    i too use synthetic 5w-30 in the winter. 10W-40 in the vette in the summer though and 10w-30 for eveything else in the summer its always been the valvoline extended mileage synthetic blend or QPower full synthetic. depends of the vehicle. i always use either WIX or Fram filters. NEVER USE PENZOIL PRODUCTS! actually thats just my opinion, i have heard it is all recycled oil and i think it has a low breakdown point and basically, to me it looks like recycled ish so sorry if i offend someone.
     
  7. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    it MOTUL for me...
     
  8. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Okay, so you guys are saying I should just stick with the 10W-40 in the summer and 10W-30 in the winter?
     
  9. Ranger SVO

    Ranger SVO Full Member

    Stay with the 10W 30 year round. there is no reason to switch between summer and winter.
     
  10. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    the only reason i run 5W-30 in the winter is because here it can get like -10 or so and the cars sometimes sit for a long time cause only 2 or 3 people drive our 5 cars.
     
  11. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Dang lol lucky. the manufacturer recommends 5W-30 for my civic
     
  12. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    my truck recommends 5w 30 too but i run 10-40 all the time.
     
  13. DMP

    DMP Full Member

    All oil breaks down. Some faster than others. The safest way is to use what the manufacturer recommends.
     
  14. aznboi3644

    aznboi3644 Full Member

    I just put a bottle of RESTORE into my oil this oil change I had friday...I've heard it works pretty well from a friend of mine that has been using it for a while now. Hope it helps my gas mileage
     
  15. tyrant1014

    tyrant1014 Full Member

    it never hurts to give a synthetic a shot to see what kind of gains you get from it. Yeah it's expensive, but because it's man made the molecules are even on it, and then you get a lot more even wear because the molecules are like little ball bearings.

    But as long as you stick with the specs i.e. 5w-30 then you should be just fine, synthetic or conventional, it don't matter, however if you do use restore or seafoam, make sure you change your oil VERY QUICKLY after doing it. I.E. 500 miles or less, as there is potential for crap that it knocked loose into your oil pan to get sucked back up. = Grenade!!!!!!. Seen it happen before, it works well just remember to change your oil after doing it.
     
  16. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    ok for the seafoam i can see changing the oil soon after,but restore is suppose to replace a quart or so of oil.
     
  17. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Looks like I'm gonna need more than an oil change to fix my baby :(