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[Lonnie]

I would rather see the word synthetic dropped. I would like to see oil classified by it major component base oil category. It probably would not work but I would like that information on the bottle when I'm looking for an oil. I think that many people would catch on and become more educated consumers. Many drivers would make better choices and be more aware of what it takes to maintain a car. A lot of this information is not only hard to find, it's harder to know who to listen to and what to read. This lack of interest in a shady subject I think was a major contributer to many of the sludge problems lately. I would like to see on a label something like "API-SM-GIII-EC 5w-20" on a bottle. That label could appear in your owner's manual and you can then purchase that oil for your next service or see that on your work order from the shop. You have a clear path toward compliance with the warranty and know that your car is being properly maintained.

I came up with this idea because a neighbor asked me to come over and be sure he was changing his oil correctly on his new 07 Civic. He had the ramps and all the stuff but he also had a big surprise for me. Someone at work told him a little secret about engine oil. This expert told him that diesel oil was the ticket, better stuff for those hard working big truck engines. He was about to pour Delo 15w40 into this almost new engine with 3k miles on it. The first change at 3k is fine, but the 15w40, yikes. We went back to the store and found Motorcraft 5w-20 on sale and got a case of it. I don't know if the 15w40 would have damaged anything but it was the wrong choice. People need another reference besides the resident self appointed expert.

 

[Merkava_4]

Quote:

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He was about to pour Delo 15w40 into this almost new engine with 3k miles on it.

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Ouch!

 

[bar1]

15W-40 is a part of the recommendation for the Civic outside US/Canada but not the HDEO type. Also not recommended for low ambient temperature but I guess that is not a concern in LA..

 

[Panzerman]

When I was involved with my parents in the trucking industry in Pennsylvania, Late 90s, we used Pennzoil Long life 15w40 in everything Series 60 detroits, Cummins N14s, Dodge Cravans, Cadillac Devilles, Dodge pickups, motorcycles, lawnmowers, bobcats etc... We bought it bulk so we used it in everytihg without ever a problem of knocking(cold winters) in PA. I think if any oil could be labeled a All purpose oil it would be a 15w40. I even thought about using it in my cars/trucks still after I moved to Florida but gave in to warranty recommendations, but my point is , it wouldnt have hurt anything especially in CA, I would even bet my engine on that, and I wouldnt be afraid to use it and I still might switch over to it.

 

[vronline]

There would be a lot less confusion if people bothered to read their owner's manuals...

 

[Panzerman]

Real men dont read owners manuals!!!

 

[Z_ombie]

Too bad we don't eat oil haha. If we ate it they'd have to label every single thing in it, and more information would be made readily available from the manufacturer. Haha, but anyway, oil will never have to be labeled by basestocks just like we'll never eat oil. Oil companies would have the biggest fit ever if consumers became educated on basestocks and the like. They like that they can keep oil's contents under wraps. About that Civic, if he did put in the HDEO I bet you would have heard the cold starts from a block away with that car. Educate that gentleman, show him the "light" at the end of oil pipeline.