The miricle of modern engines and synthetic oil

[dcbullet]

I love old cars like everone here, and have owned a few.

But I also appreciate the technology that new cars have. I bought a new car about a year ago and I just find it amazing that I can go 10,000 - 15,000 miles before the first oil change. I even called up the dealer and talked to the service guys and they patiently told me "no sir, you don't need to change the oil at 3,000 miles."

Just a thought.

[heep70]

Ya, but have they invented a filter that will hold up for that many miles? I heard they were still behind on that bit of modern technology.

[dcbullet]

Well why would they not have you come in for service if the oil filter can't last that long?

[heep70]

I don't know . That is just what I heard about the filters. I question it also.

[michaelbrainard]

BE CAREFUL! i would change it anyway...at least every 5000. The Dodge Seabring is a fine example of why you should always service your car and KEEP DOCUMENTS!

[cobraF100]

Our Concord is the same way,But I change the Oil Filter Every 3000 mile's and Top the Oil off (about 1qrt)

[adak57]

OK , here's my question on this... My wife's '93 Mercury Villager has 136K pampered miles. Bought it from my Dad so I know it's history.
It was serviced every 3000 miles with a fresh filter.

Would it benefit me at this point to go to synthetic oil ? Would it really improve the longevity of the engine at this stage? Or how about maybe an additive like Slick 50 to cut down start-up friction?

[cobraF100]

You mite want to check the internet for any Studies that may have been done to give you some incite

[NM5K]

But I also appreciate the technology that new cars have. I bought a new car about a year ago and I just find it amazing that I can go 10,000 - 15,000 miles before the first oil change. I even called up the dealer and talked to the service guys and they patiently told me "no sir, you don't need to change the oil at 3,000 miles." ...


I sorta disagree with that myself though. Sure, the
synth oil qualities are generally ok after that period of
time, but, you have 10-15k worth of dirt in the filter,
or if the filter clogs, in the oil, being the bypass valve
should kick in. I just can't see it myself. The main
purpose of changing the oil is the get rid of all the dirt, and impurities, not renew the oil qualities, although
that is a slight issue also, being that many of the "cleaners", etc do wear out after some time.
Myself, If I bought a new car that used that oil, and
had that long normal sked for oil changing, I would
ignore it, and change every 5k or so. but that is
just me...I prefer a clear filter, and fairly clean oil,
vs the semi clogged filter, and hopefully fairly clean
oil...With the 5k sked, I know it would never get too
bad. With the old trucks, I change usually about 3k,
but never longer than 5k. Sometimes I think they
like these long skeds so they can get more motor
work to do at the dealers... To me, a new car
costs too much, to chinch out on oil changes. I don't
care what miracle claims they quote. If I did go the
normal long sked, at the very least, I would change
the filter every 5k. But to me, if I'm gonna change the
filter, might as do the oil too. It's just gonna be that
much cleaner, and is not going to break the bank. MK

[NM5K]

Would it benefit me at this point to go to synthetic oil ?
Not really, if the dino oil is changed at 3k. Maybe a
little , but nothing earthshaking...

Would it really improve the longevity of the engine at this stage?

Not much really.

Hmmm Or how about maybe an additive like Slick 50 to cut down start-up friction?....

I'd avoid the snake oils...Stick with what has been used. Same brand too if possible. It's better to use
the same brand, than switch all the time.
You don't need anything for startup. Just a clean
filter, with a good anti leakback valve...Also,
don't romp the throttle when first started. Let the
oil get flowing, before getting on the throttle.
Some people start an engine, and revvvvvvv it
up thinking they need to clear something or
whatever???? Worst thing you can do. It's
bad to high rev an engine even warmed up, if
it's not dealing with a load. MK