Originally Posted By: dkryan
I have to disagree with the advice given thus far, TomJones76.
Granted, the current SM rated oils will do fine for you for 5k mile oil changes. What did you use in your Sable and what OCIs?
Both posters above me react to additives as though their single purpose is to solve problems. I believe using a 3-ounce maintenance dose of Auto-Rx will result in a cleaner, smoother running engine over a greater period of time than waiting until 100k miles and then trying to "fix things."
Also, using FP-Plus on a regular basis can only help keep your fuel system clean and your car running the way you want it to, again, as opposed to waiting 50 or 100k miles, then trying to clean up the fuel system. While V-Power is good gasoline, if you want to trust the additive packages of fuel sitting at the local gas station (regardless of name brand) over the next 50-100k miles, be my guest.
And I certainly do not believe the auto makers are totally focused on what is best for me as a consumer. Yep, you should follow their specs as to weight and rating (SM) of the oil, as well as the coolant, brake fluid, etc. But their focus is on selling "low or no-maintenance cars" to a public who, in most cases, struggle to find the interior hood release on their car and have no clue as to how to check their fluids or operate a tire pressure gauge. Their maintenance schedule is designed to get you (and everyone else) past the warranty period with a minimal of maintenance.
Good luck with the Elantra.
dkryan,
Yes, with all due respect to their willingness to help me, I disregarded those first two posts.
I've been reading this forum for 5 years, and I know that FP60 isn't going to cause blowby and I've heard Mr. Dyson note that 6% MPG improvements can be had with gas engines with it, even when they're in good working order. I know enough to know that using a chemistry like Lube Control to minimize oil oxidization is a good idea, and has no real downside.
I also know enough to not ever let on to my dealer that I use any additives, and enough to make sure he never learns that I use them. "Don't ask, don't tell" is a good policy when it comes to auto warranties.
As far as my Sable, I did a bunch of oils, one of which was Mobil 1 EP + LC20 for 23,000 miles. Worked like a champ. [Long story, but basically I was planning on surrendering the car to the bank, so.....]
Also ran a bunch of 3-5K intervals on Pennzoil 5W20.
As far as oils, during the warranty period I'll be in there at the reccomended interval getting the dealer oil/filter. The price isn't bad, surprisingly, it's next to my job and most importantly I'm working two jobs and can save money by having them do it.
I don't intend on doing any work outside of the dealer during the warranty, except perhaps the supplemental oil/ATF changes in case I decide to use Auto-RX. [Which, of course, I'll keep quieter from the dealer than I would an extramarital affair from my wife...]
It doesn't appear any new and worthwhile additives have popped up in the couple of years since I quite following this board.
Finally, thanks for your well-wishing. May your automotive endeavors run smoothly as well.
Anyone else wishing to chime in on:
1. What's the earliest mileage to use Auto-RX at? [I like dkryan's idea of using it NOW, but I'd love to see more advice]
2. Should I do maintenance doses of AutoRX, or maintenance doses of Lube Control?
