So I switched my Hondas over to Mobil 1 10/30 full synthetic a while back and go 10k miles between changes on stock filters. Thoughts? The cars are a 96 Accord LX with 85k and an 02 Civic EX with 115K. My mechanic hates to hear this so i sent a sample to Blackstone and they said try 11K....discuss......

 

That's a LONG time to go before another oil change! Im all for syntetic oils as well, as they are on a molecular level "cleaner" than petroleum based oils. -But, you gotta remember oil itself lasts forever. The little oil molecules act like little ball bearings and will last for an eternity, but its the additives in the oil that are the next most important (and expendible) part. They keep the oil from foaming up, they have detergents to help clean/de-varnish ect. These additives are what will deteriorate after a while, and is why regular oil changes are so important.

I would stick to a strick 3 months / 3,000 miles oil change rythem if it was my car. With synthetic oil this would be great, but it can get pricey. If syn. oil changes done that often are too expensive on your budget, you'd probably be better of changing your oil with standard oil twice as often to refresh all the additives and keep the oil clear of contaminents. So, bottom line if your using synthetic oils great!- but stick to the 3,000 mile rule. I know the commercials make it sound like synthetic oils will last much longer, and they might to an extent, but I wouldnt go 10,000 miles between oil changes. Oil is the "blood" in an engine, it needs to be clean and fresh ALL the time to have a long lasting reliable engine.

By the way, I work in a dealership and work on cars all day that bring in their cars for oil changes at 6,000, 8,000, and 10,000 miles and the oil is jet-black and burnt! Its just not worth ruining a nice newer engine over 30 bucks worth of oil over a few months. I just cant stand seeing nice new cars being abused. Of course my whole post is my personal opinion, but my years of experience with both oils and seeing the results, means my opinion stays.

Use synthetic when possible, but always change your oil in the Factory intervals! -And dont forget the filter- every oil change replace it- and use a quality filter preferably honda brand or equivelant.

Hope all this info helps! -Good luck with your Hondas!

 

Well if you are sending it off to Blackstone for UOA, then you have definitely done some homework, and aren't just guessing at it. Have you paid extra for the additional service (TBN test) that tells you how much of the additive package is left? Honestly, 10k kinda scares me, but if the numbers support that drain interval, then I'd say it's OK. I'd guess the additive package is probably pretty well used up at 10k but I'm just speculating, the TBN test would show for sure.

Blackstone has no interest in you ruining you motor due to long drain intervals. Actually, it's better for them if you drain more frequently, since you would presumably send them more samples. I generally trust their analysis to be unbiased.

 

1997 Accord Owner's Manual says change oil every 7500 and filter every 15K

 

sounds logical.....but it matters in which driving conditions did you accumulate those 7500 miles were they stop and go driving ,were they on the highway , or were they short trips..all of this comes in to factor when changing oil ..ideal or normal driving conditions consist of trips over 10 miles,
light loads, and short trips on the highway...bad driving conidtions are frequent trips shorter than 10 miles ,city driving, cold temperatures, heavy vehicle weight (many passsengers), and prolonged idling.if you fit under those bad driving conditions you might want to have your oil changed more often!!

 

10K should be fine under normal conditions. 3K is a waste for Mobile 1 if you dont drive it hard.

 

10,000 is no problem at all. I use Amsoil and go about 16,000 miles I do this on all 3 of our vehicles and I have been doing this on my accord since the 35,000 mile mark and now have over 140,000. I have used synthetics for 10 years now and totally believe in it . Oil companys are the ones who are pushing the 3000 mile thing because they want yo buy more!! My 2 cents

 

I second that 3000 mile mark. If you drive more aggresively than most and don't use any type of synthetic, I'd go for it. However, if you use a good synthetic oil and have those driving habits, you can go 5000 at least I'd say. I can see 10000 being realistic if you drive normally and use good synthetic oil. I personally wouldn't do it just to be on the safe side though. I have high miles and drive a little harder than average, so I use synthetic and change at every 5000.

 

I will scan the Blackstone results and post them tonight.

 

I say depends on how hard you drive. If your car is modded and what not. I say 9k if you baby it. 4k if you drive it rough and beat it daily. IF its all stock, but everycar is diffrent i have to change my oil, oil filter, and sparkplugs ever 1kmiles. Personaly I would listen to Blackstone.

 

Personal prefernece really. I understand the detergants break down, but if you drive in clean and dry condtitions (not dusty/dirty air), and you don't beat on your engine, intervals could be longer than Honda reccommends with synthetic oil and a good filter. Some people just like to treat their cars to an oil change because keeping the oil clean and fresh truly is better for your vehicle, that's a given. It just doesn't NEED to be done every 3k or 3 months.
I personally do change both the oil and filter every three months. That's about 2,000 miles of short trips, mixed city and highway driving for my car. The previous owners stuck to the factory reccommended intervals and had it done at the dealership (the dealer logged it in the vehicle's manual), and both times I've changed my oil (since I've owned the car 7 months) it still looks pretty dirty. I'll stick to the three month intervals until it clears up, then I might step up to 4500, maybe.

 

Here are the Blackstone results and I forgot to mention this was from the 02 Civic EX.

 

wow that is one healthy motor.

I'd recommend you edit out your email, phone, and address from the attachment. People on the internet are freaks