GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Fuel Economy > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Change of Engine oil	Post a Reply Back to Topics

lyanMI Veteran Author Detroit Posts:260 Points:209,245 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2012 3:55:42 PM Ignore lyanMI Report Abuse I recently went to Chevy dealership for regular oil change, they changed my engine oil. I always used Non synthetic Mobil 1 oil. Will that effect my engine?

lyanMI

Veteran Author
Detroit

Posts:260
Points:209,245
Joined:May 2012

Message Posted: Sep 25, 2012 3:55:42 PM

Ignore lyanMI Report Abuse

I recently went to Chevy dealership for regular oil change, they changed my engine oil. I always used Non synthetic Mobil 1 oil.

Will that effect my engine?

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,375 Points:1,118,900 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 7, 2013 6:39:26 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse It matters
traffic cop Champion Author Boston Posts:1,239 Points:533,830 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2013 12:12:17 PM Ignore traffic cop Report Abuse WTM, thanks for the input. I'd appreciate other people's confirmation on this. I have on-hand regular dinojuice for my next change, so I'll use that. After these next 5K miles, I'll probably take Houckster's recommendation and go Amsoil all the way, oil and filter. The precinct mechanic is happy to do it, if I provide the products. A convenience and a savings right there!
cv Champion Author Raleigh Posts:15,191 Points:3,263,655 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: Feb 4, 2013 6:44:47 AM Ignore cv Report Abuse Most probably it won't matter at all.
GrumpyCat Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,594 Points:786,900 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Feb 3, 2013 11:10:03 PM Ignore GrumpyCat Report Abuse Mobil-1 is synthetic, contrary to the thread's originator's claim. Synthetic means almost nothing. Synthetic is not a performance specification for motor oil, it is only a manufacturing technique which could be used to produce a superior product but is no assurance that a superior product was actually created.
WTM Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:5,505 Points:958,750 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Feb 3, 2013 10:09:04 PM Ignore WTM Report Abuse traffic cop wrote: "I heard that once you go synthetic, you should never go back to conventional oils." Not true. Synthetic & conventional motor oils(especially within a specific brand) are completely compatible with one another. And modern engines do not "know" or have a "memory" of what kind of motor oils that are used in them. No worries...you may switch back-n-forth between Syn. & conv. oils without adverse effects.
73amx Champion Author Allentown Posts:1,153 Points:455,765 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Feb 3, 2013 3:50:18 PM Ignore 73amx Report Abuse no
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:811 Points:164,050 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2013 1:50:24 PM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse no
traffic cop Champion Author Boston Posts:1,239 Points:533,830 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2013 1:00:30 PM Ignore traffic cop Report Abuse I heard that once you go synthetic, you should never go back to conventional oils. Any truth to that? And if so, what is the downside to returning to cheaper conventionals? Has anybody recorded their data and done the arithmetic on their vehicles to validate the claims for increased mileage? Improved engine wear aside, does the improved mileage (with less frequent changes factored in)validate the higher cost of synthetic? DontyouknowOH is quite the mathematician, and I'm especially interested in Houckster's take on this. At 65K miles, have I missed the important years of going synthetic? (09 Sienna XLE ltd AWD V-6)
fatso Sophomore Author Indianapolis Posts:246 Points:181,365 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 10:45:46 PM Ignore fatso Report Abuse No! But synthetic oil will give you better gas milage.
1007 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:562 Points:994,440 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 5:29:27 PM Ignore 1007 Report Abuse NO
1007 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:562 Points:994,440 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 5:29:26 PM Ignore 1007 Report Abuse NO
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,032 Points:2,445,440 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 8:17:44 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse I wouldn't worry about it as long as it's the proper weight.
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:782 Points:203,875 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 3:26:12 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse no
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,230 Points:122,180 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 10:52:49 AM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse You are totaly wrong about that skidsteer.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,338 Points:693,295 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 9:58:12 AM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse GRUMPYCAT writes: Synthetic is not a technical term. Synthetic is not a performance specification. Synthetic is a marketing word. Synthetic is a manufacturing process which says almost nothing about the final product. ME: I generally agree. The term "synthetic" means very little BUT it does mean something in terms of what people expect and there's the rub. Makers of the "pretender" synthetics are not eager to explain that they're selling dino juice instead of a Group IV or V lubricant. In fact they don't want you to know at all. Find me one marketer, Mobil or anyone else who'll tell you that the synthetic they're selling is mostly Group III dino. ______ GRUMPYCAT writes: It matters far less whether an oil is synthetic or refined than the care and knowledge of its maker. An idiot can not make a good synthetic motor oil. Matters even less whether an oil is Group III, IV or V. ME: This is fundamentally wrong. It does make a difference and that is why the API has different oil groups. True synthetic motor oils, if properly blended do have advantages over even the best dino oils though in some cases, the difference can be small in normal usage. What must be remembered is that dino juice is a reactive substance that requires a large amount of additives to protect it from the heat, combustion byproducts, and moisture that are part of the crankcase environment. A quart of the current SN oils have as much as 25-30% of the volume dedicated to additives while true synthetics are far less prone to deterioration because they were designed to be less reactive to their environment. That's why a true synthetic lubricant will last longer than a dino juice lube under the same circumstances. It should also be remembered that all those additives that are in the oil to protect if may actually have no lubricating properties so only about 70-75% of the oil is actually lubricating the engine. _______ GRUMPYCAT writes: The most important thing is to change your oil at reasonable intervals. 5,000 miles is a very good interval. If your vehicle specifies 10,000 then follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the specified oil. ME: I must disagree again. Mileage intervals are, first and foremost, are a very poor indicator of when to change a motor oil. The only advantage that mileage intervals have is that they're simple and inexpensive. At the end of an OEM interval, the oil may be perfectly good but OEM intervals are and must be very conservative so that they don't get stuck with warranty claims. Maybe 5K miles is a good interval for normal motor oil, say a "synthetic" blend of which only 10-15% is actually "synthetic" and that "synthetic" may actually be Group III dino juice. In contrast, a 5K interval for a true synthetic is a waste. There's a fundamental difference between dino oils and true synthetics. Crude can come from any part of the world and can therefore have fundamentally different viscosity and other characteristics. Thus when an oil marketer receives a supply of oil from a refiner (API-SA or SB), the marketer must send the oil in to be analyzed and a custom additive package is developed for that batch of oil. Consequently, if you buy a brand of dino juice one month and then six months later buy the same oil, they may be very different. While each meets the API standards in effect at the time of manufacture, the additive package to reach that standard could be very different. That's why the type of people who are interested in oil and want to standardize on a particular brand of dino juice will often buy a case of the oil so they know that the oil will be the same from change to change. They will get the first oil used analyzed and then base the change interval on subsequent changes on the test results they got. In contrast, a quart of synthetic lubricant will be the same every time you buy it unless the marketer has decided to change the specs for some reason. The point of my posts is that when people pay for a synthetic lubricant, they ought to get a real one and they don't when they buy products from Mobil, Pennzoil, Royal Purple, and Castrol. This is not to say that the "synthetic" oils these companies sell are not good, they most certainly are but they are not true synthetics like those from Synlube, Redline and Amsoil Signature. [Edited by: Houckster at 12/8/2012 10:00:52 AM EST]
GrumpyCat Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,594 Points:786,900 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 1:05:33 AM Ignore GrumpyCat Report Abuse There is no such thing as non-synthetic Mobil-1 oil. If it is Mobil-1 it is synthetic. However, Mobil Oil Company makes refined motor oil sold under the Mobil name.
skidsteer85xt Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,595 Points:184,100 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 10:49:08 PM Ignore skidsteer85xt Report Abuse once u use it u cant switch back.
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,226 Points:326,985 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 2:20:38 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse had changed oil some one else
Dennis783 Champion Author Des Moines Posts:13,579 Points:2,700,960 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 7:48:33 AM Ignore Dennis783 Report Abuse yea its about time for my oil change too
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,016 Points:1,852,940 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 6:13:45 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse cat, one of the benefits of using synthetic over regular oil is longer change intervals... other than that, i agree with your other points
GrumpyCat Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,594 Points:786,900 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 4:39:39 PM Ignore GrumpyCat Report Abuse Synthetic is not a technical term. Synthetic is not a performance specification. Synthetic is a marketing word. Synthetic is a manufacturing process which says almost nothing about the final product. It matters far less whether an oil is synthetic or refined than the care and knowledge of its maker. An idiot can not make a good synthetic motor oil. Matters even less whether an oil is Group III, IV or V. The most important thing is to change your oil at reasonable intervals. 5,000 miles is a very good interval. If your vehicle specifies 10,000 then follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the specified oil.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,338 Points:693,295 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 12:48:43 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse DREAMER4ONE5 writes:Mobile 1 is synthetic, Our dealership uses regular Mobile oil, but after the 2nd oil change we asked if we could switch our 2011 Sorento to Mobile 1 and they were more than happy to switch us over (with a price increase of course) my goodness. . I would NEVER go back to dino juice!!!! We have on 05 Silverado that has been a Mobile 1 user her whole life. The engine runs smoother, starts up and gets to temp faster. _____ Some Mobil 1 European formulas are synthetic but generally Mobil 1 is dino juice composed primarily of Group III petroleum. It's a good oil but it's not synthetic like Redline, SynLube or Amsoil Signature.
Dreamer4one5 Sophomore Author Amarillo Posts:158 Points:101,530 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 7:09:08 AM Ignore Dreamer4one5 Report Abuse Mobile 1 is synthetic, Our dealership uses regular Mobile oil, but after the 2nd oil change we asked if we could switch our 2011 Sorento to Mobile 1 and they were more than happy to switch us over (with a price increase of course) my goodness. . I would NEVER go back to dino juice!!!! We have on 05 Silverado that has been a Mobile 1 user her whole life. The engine runs smoother, starts up and gets to temp faster.
outlaw329 Champion Author Austin Posts:7,606 Points:1,372,230 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 1:09:58 AM Ignore outlaw329 Report Abuse No
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,903 Points:2,053,080 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 7:46:11 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Consistency of changes is key.
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,037 Points:796,295 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 5:51:27 AM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse As long as it is clean your engine will perform well.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,375 Points:1,118,900 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 8:45:05 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Nope
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,375 Points:1,118,900 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 8:44:56 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,097 Points:36,545 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 8:41:05 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Every 5000 or less Summer,every 3000 for Winter always changed after engine has run highway hot normal.Premium non synthetic, no problems ever.
RAV4CityGuy Rookie Author Calgary Posts:48 Points:379,695 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 1:31:23 AM Ignore RAV4CityGuy Report Abuse I strictly use synthetic oil from day one. Engine performs better and lasts longer.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,338 Points:693,295 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 9:17:27 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse JRFERRARI writes: Mobile 1 is synthetic. _____ Some Mobil 1 European formulas are synthetic lubricants because in Europe, the term "synthetic" means something. In the US, it has no technical standards associated with it. Therefore just about anything can be termed "synthetic". Estimates I've see indicate that Mobil 1 is usually more than 50% Group III petroleum. True synthetics are made by Amsoil (Signature line), Redline and Synlube. Neither Castrol nor Pennzoil makes a true synthetic lube either.
DanFMA Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,096 Points:1,069,560 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 5:43:41 AM Ignore DanFMA Report Abuse Change every 3000 miles.
jrferrari All-Star Author Orlando Posts:652 Points:172,590 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2012 1:42:28 PM Ignore jrferrari Report Abuse Mobile 1 is synthetic. I used to change my oil ever 3K miles with dino juice (non-synthetic oil) but then I switched to synthetic (Mobile 1 or other brands) and would change it every 10K. That was with a preious car. The oil requirements for my new car almost require it to be synthetic and it recommends changing every 7500 miles. Which I think is good.
frugalshopper Sophomore Author Syracuse Posts:203 Points:27,860 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2012 10:38:20 AM Ignore frugalshopper Report Abuse We usually change our oil every 3000 miles.
lissyking Veteran Author Miami Posts:400 Points:124,890 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2012 12:39:26 AM Ignore lissyking Report Abuse not sure
jenksjr All-Star Author Washington Posts:502 Points:36,275 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2012 12:01:31 AM Ignore jenksjr Report Abuse Synthetic will ensure you have good lubrication when you start you engine on cold mornings. That's when the engine is vulnerable to damage due to poor engine lubrication.
playtimeCLE Champion Author Cleveland Posts:8,541 Points:1,541,270 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2012 9:48:04 PM Ignore playtimeCLE Report Abuse I don't know of a better oil the mobil 1.
73amx Champion Author Allentown Posts:1,153 Points:455,765 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2012 10:59:36 AM Ignore 73amx Report Abuse you shouldn't have a problem
13Octane Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,147 Points:332,165 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 5, 2012 5:27:05 PM Ignore 13Octane Report Abuse who really knows.
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,773 Points:2,892,685 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 10:20:42 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse It will make it run better now that you have changed it. My car has synthetic oil in it that is supposed to stay in 10,000 miles.
WEPSMAN Champion Author South Dakota Posts:10,508 Points:2,022,200 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 9:54:43 AM Ignore WEPSMAN Report Abuse Should not be any problem.
lyanMI Veteran Author Detroit Posts:260 Points:209,245 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Oct 22, 2012 10:27:21 AM Ignore lyanMI Report Abuse Thank you all for the inputs.
DucatiRider Rookie Author Maryland Posts:70 Points:1,200 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Oct 3, 2012 9:49:37 AM Ignore DucatiRider Report Abuse Synthetic is always better, and you can switch between and mix oils all you want, it does not matter.
cheapmonkee Champion Author Portland Posts:30,294 Points:3,167,735 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 11:55:54 PM Ignore cheapmonkee Report Abuse Mobil has a rebate promotion going on right now for the DIY. My local Bi-Mart has it on special for $25 for a 5 quart jug. $13 after MIR PROMOTION
number4 Sophomore Author Tallahassee Posts:189 Points:40,425 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 11:07:18 AM Ignore number4 Report Abuse that's ok
Maintroll Champion Author Lexington Posts:8,619 Points:1,700,210 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 9:07:38 AM Ignore Maintroll Report Abuse Your engine oil is fine, and I change mine at 5000 miles as that is what Toyota recommends.
BLWong Veteran Author Las Vegas Posts:436 Points:183,940 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 7:57:57 AM Ignore BLWong Report Abuse IMHO I think you are ok
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,226 Points:326,985 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2012 3:05:32 AM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse 6th months on 1car
jes Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:16,150 Points:3,349,550 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2012 5:01:48 AM Ignore jes Report Abuse You're fine, don't worry.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,338 Points:693,295 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Sep 27, 2012 3:43:24 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse OCEANARCHER writes: Houckster -- You refer to a "high quality oil filter" in your comment. By that, do you mean an OEM product, or some specialized filter or filtration system purchased from the after-market venue? _____ There are a number of excellent filters on the market. If I were going back to using a disposable filter, I'd probably settle on Fleetguard. This is an industrial brand that's made to protect with no funny business. They are not that much more expensive than what you'd buy at the auto parts store but they have the good stuff including synthetic filter media and high quality parts. You won't find cardboard end caps with these filters. Other high quality brands are produced by Baldwin, Mobil 1 and Amsoil but I'd use Fleetguard if it wasn't for CM filters I installed mine in January, 2004 and I've been using it ever since. Every 3-4 years I check it and replace the filter media though I've never seen one that clogged because of the permanent oil I use. See this interesting link for Fleetguard: Fleetguard User-Friendly Filter [Edited by: Houckster at 9/27/2012 3:44:43 PM EST]