Oil Change Question

[The Game]

I changed the oil of my car yesterday and used Valvoline VR1 20-50. The dealer changed the oil the first few times (only because they gave me a free oil change coupon:D ), they used 10-30, but on the oil cap it says 5-30. I am now confused, which oil gives my car the best protection? Also whats your opinion on synthetic and is it worth it? Thanks

[vvtlikick]

5W-30 is the best choice for the Celica, I don't know why dealers like putting 10W-30 in (it isn't cheaper, is it?). And I think the oil you're using is too thick, especially heading into the colder temperatures of winter.

I think synthetic is better than convential oil, but I'm not neurotic about it. I'd be alot more worried about checking the oil level often and changing the oil regularly.

[The Game]

Thanks I will try 5-30 next time.;)

[KSilver2000]

Yea definitely use the 5w-30, also the manual says this is the recommended. And I always use Synthetic. I know it costs more but I think that it would just be better for your car. Don't get the Castrol Synthetic cuz I heard that they aren't that good, or not really synthetic.

[Diesel949X]

Definitely stick with the 5W-30. I think there was a post a while back recommending synthetics after the third oil change.

[Takeoff]

You can still use 10w-30. It is totally safe to use that weight. We live w/ the same type of weather & it isn't that harsh. I use 10w-30 mobil synthetic & so do a lot of people on the boards. You can switch to 5w-30 but it won't make a difference.

[dee5330]

Originally posted by Takeoff
You can still use 10w-30. It is totally safe to use that weight. We live w/ the same type of weather & it isn't that harsh. I use 10w-30 mobil synthetic & so do a lot of people on the boards. You can switch to 5w-30 but it won't make a difference.

Actually, it does make a difference. The lower the viscosity, the more it'll flow easier through your engine. Super Street did an article about a couple of years ago about the difference on viscosity. They actually decreased hp when they switched to 10w. Not a lot, about a couple. But that extra 2 hp across the powerband makes every amount of difference. I suggest using 5w in the winter, and 10w throughout the summer.

[mickey513]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Game
I changed the oil of my car yesterday and used Valvoline VR1 20-50. The dealer changed the oil the first few times (only because they gave me a free oil change coupon:D ), they used 10-30, but on the oil cap it says 5-30. I am now confused, which oil gives my car the best protection? Also whats your opinion on synthetic and is it worth it? Thanks [/QUOTE


20w-50? Wow, the manual doesn't even recommend 10w-40 and you went all the way up to heaviest weight, 20w-50. I highly suggest you drain it out and use either 5w-30 or if you want something a little bit thicker, use 10w-30.

[pitcrew]

10W 30 is the universal weight, and the dealers and oil change places buy it by the barrel, and use it for all the oil changes. The grades recommended in the manual is for average commuting (NOT most of the drivers here I'd be willing to bet) in average temps. When choosing an oil grade, you must factor in ambient temperature during the period before the next change, as well as the usage. I use 15W 50 Mobil1 in both our cars, since we live in the hot south and my wife and I are avid autocrossers, racing almost every weekend year round. Synthetics never thicken like dino juice when cold, so it's not a problem at lower temps or during warmups. If you live where it's very cold in the winter, a 5W oil will allow easier starting and quicker warmups.

[speedycelica]

Pit crew, I don't know where you come in with a weight 15w-50 for the Celica. If you want the protection of Synthetic then you stick to the same weight, but switch to synthetic, not switch to a weight car manufacteurs never use. I had yet seen a car maker who has recommend or said it was even ok to use 15w-50, regardless of wheter or not you say it is ok because you go autox. 15w50? I wouldn't use that on any car even if I had a 10 year beater with 200k miles.

If you are going to use Mobil 1 Synthetic, stick to 5w-30 or 10w-30, not some wieght you put in a lawnmower or something.....heck I wouldn't even put that in a lawnmower.

[pitcrew]

each to their own...:)

[t2000gts]

15w50 is synthetic (i think) and is racing oil. best for extreme (hot) temperatures. i think if you're redlining your car all day on a 100 F day and throwing the car around cones like crazy, it'd be ok. :)