switching to synthetic

[fabulous010]

this weekend im changing my oil to synthetic. i was thinking about using HONDA synthetic oil. but i am still looking for any suggestions on what oil to use. what does elite use?

[wtcii]

I use Mobil 1 5W-20. As far as I can tell it does fine. When I change it, it is pretty light so I guess that means it does a pretty good job.

[Anonymous]

synthetic oil thread:  viewtopic.php?f=16&t=359

[fabulous010]

ya i seen that b4. just wanted to start a pole but didnt have many oils that i was considering. so wanted to see what people were running just to get an idea. my initial choice is mobil 1 5w20.
im just not clear on one thing. what is the difference between 5w20 and 0w20? and why do people use 5w30 as opposed to 5w20?

[cna]

i use castro syntec 5w20 i have used mobile one before but didt like it as much as castro

[Skippy]

I use Mobil 1 5W-30 since it doesn't get too cold down here I can stand having a thicker oil.

I'll give a little lesson on oil.  The W in the oil rating means that it is satisfactory for winter usage.  The first number in the oil rating is the viscosity at low temperature.  The second number is the oil's viscosity at high temperature.  Oils come in two main varieties, single viscosity and multi-viscosity.  Single weight oils are mainly used in older automobiles and lawnmowers.  Multi-weight oils are used in late model vehicles because they offer protection and lubrication at very cold temperatures as well as very hot ones.

[Icebox]

i use mobil 1 5w30

[fabulous010]

so is it safe to say that 5w 30 is better for summer driving and 5w 20 for winter? would switching back and forth between seasons be harmful at all?
if 5w30 has better viscosity at hot temperatures. i think ill go with 5w 30 for now

[timot_one]

I have used Mobil1 5W20, but recently switched to Mobil 1 5W30 for the warm months.  I may see how it does n the winter, but will probably switch back to 5W20 in the colder months.

[Skippy]

I can't say that switching between oil viscosities will be a problem..but it's like mixing thin maple syrup with thicker syrup...you may develop issues with oil pressure...but I don't know..I'd stick with 5w-20 if I were you....

[fabulous010]

i made the switch to synthetic yesterday. i used mobil 1 and stuck with 5w-20. car runs about the same but it does seem smoother. or maybe it my head playing tricks on me.