This probably comes up a lot but I was just wondering (pending my first oil change) if there is any brand of oil that is particularly good or good for Honda engines. I've used Castrol GTX High Mileage 10w-30 in the past for previous cars...but have since been told that Castrol GTX "sucks." I was given no evidence of that, but I want to make sure I'm doing what's absolutely best for my car. I know I need 5w-30 or 10w-30 (during summer) for my Del Sol, aside from that however it's kinda up in the air as there are so many brands, and the owners manual doesn't give brand specific recommendations.

I'm considering switching to Amsoil Synthetic oil, but am kind of worried about possible oil leaks/burning seeing as my car is 14 years old, and fairly high mileage at 86k.

 

Really, any name brand oil is just fine. All go through rigorous testing and must meet minimum requirements. I would never use a house brand though.

I use High Mileage Penzoil with a TRT Fram filter. I just used a Bosch filter about a week ago to try it out.

If you want the ABSOLUTE best oil, get Amsoil. Royal Purple is second because it leaves a graphite buildup.

How many miles does you car have? If you are around 110,000 miles it is to late to switch to synthetic as your car will begin to leak oil. Your current is oil fine, just change it every 3,000 miles

Short trips creates moisture in the oil which breaks it down faster and is hard on it. Interstate driving is the easiest on the motor + oil.

 

there is no set mileage for switching to synthetic

if you want to lay down the cash, give it a shot. if it leaks out switch back to conventional, its not that big of a difference. and anyone who tells you you can't switch back from one or the other is an idiot, punch them in the mouth. the worst thing is you'll have a little conventional left and mix with synthetic and the synthetic won't last as long. otherwise its irrelevant.

 

I didn't specifically say there was a set mileage, however, most commonly when a vehicle is around 100k and + the seals will bulge and leak w/ synthetic. Not always, but usually.

 

I've never found that to be be true. Swelling seals was a problem when synthetics were new but they have long since fixed that and I have never seen an engine that would leak on synthetic but not on conventional oil.

 

Cool, as long as the risk of problems is reasonably low I'm going to give Amsoil a try, I do excessive amounts of driving and would like something with extended drain.