2007 Honda Accord has 130K on it and have used Quaker State 5-20 conventional oil and Fram filters in it since I bought it with 36K on it. Changed oil every 5K with no issues. I would like to start using a high mileage synthetic oil at my next oil change and was considering Valvoline Max Life. Is there any recommendations or tips I need to know about? Should I use a different type of filter with synthetic oil? Can I do the oil change at a different interval? There will be some residual conventional oil in the engine when I switch to synthetic at the oil change......is that OK (compatible)? Sorry for the rookie questions but I have only used conventional oil in all my vehicles and have never used synthetic. I've got a Toyota with 160K and my Chevy truck with 113K as well that I'm using conventional oil in. May need to consider switching to synthetic in them as well? Thanks
Conventional to Synthetic
- Thread starter wolfehunter
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Nothing to worry about
The only thing you would have to worry about is the Synthetic might clean out crud that's plugging leaks on bad seals or gaskets. That might start a leak. But Honda makes good engines, I can't see that happening too easily.
Personally, I'd run the first OCI a bit short (maybe 4K miles) because the synthetic will likely do a good bit of cleaning in the first OCI.
People seem to think very highly of maxlife synthetic.
The only thing you would have to worry about is the Synthetic might clean out crud that's plugging leaks on bad seals or gaskets. That might start a leak. But Honda makes good engines, I can't see that happening too easily.
Personally, I'd run the first OCI a bit short (maybe 4K miles) because the synthetic will likely do a good bit of cleaning in the first OCI.
People seem to think very highly of maxlife synthetic.
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MaxLife has two versions, a full syn and a semi-syn. I'd go with the semi-syn version and change out every 5k-6k. If you want to go longer start doing some UOA's and post on here.
You are perfectly fine to do the switch, and can even keep up with the same filters.
Synthetic oils can obviously go for a longer oil change interval. I would encourage you to try 6K or 7.5K with your first synthetic oil change, and maybe consider extending to 8K or 10K down the road.
Don't worry about have residual conventional from the previous oil change, that is perfect fine and will not be an issue. Remember, manufacturers sell synthetic blends which are a combination of conventional and synthetic oil.
Synthetic oils can obviously go for a longer oil change interval. I would encourage you to try 6K or 7.5K with your first synthetic oil change, and maybe consider extending to 8K or 10K down the road.
Don't worry about have residual conventional from the previous oil change, that is perfect fine and will not be an issue. Remember, manufacturers sell synthetic blends which are a combination of conventional and synthetic oil.
Originally Posted By: wolfehunter
2007 Honda Accord has 130K on it and have used Quaker State 5-20 conventional oil and Fram filters in it since I bought it with 36K on it. Changed oil every 5K with no issues. I would like to start using a high mileage synthetic oil at my next oil change and was considering Valvoline Max Life. Is there any recommendations or tips I need to know about? Should I use a different type of filter with synthetic oil? Can I do the oil change at a different interval? There will be some residual conventional oil in the engine when I switch to synthetic at the oil change......is that OK (compatible)? Sorry for the rookie questions but I have only used conventional oil in all my vehicles and have never used synthetic. I've got a Toyota with 160K and my Chevy truck with 113K as well that I'm using conventional oil in. May need to consider switching to synthetic in them as well? Thanks
If all your cars are running fine, why change anything?
2007 Honda Accord has 130K on it and have used Quaker State 5-20 conventional oil and Fram filters in it since I bought it with 36K on it. Changed oil every 5K with no issues. I would like to start using a high mileage synthetic oil at my next oil change and was considering Valvoline Max Life. Is there any recommendations or tips I need to know about? Should I use a different type of filter with synthetic oil? Can I do the oil change at a different interval? There will be some residual conventional oil in the engine when I switch to synthetic at the oil change......is that OK (compatible)? Sorry for the rookie questions but I have only used conventional oil in all my vehicles and have never used synthetic. I've got a Toyota with 160K and my Chevy truck with 113K as well that I'm using conventional oil in. May need to consider switching to synthetic in them as well? Thanks
If all your cars are running fine, why change anything?
Well, there is no need for High Mileage oils unless there is some leaking/buning of oil. Otherwise, stay with regular oils.
As-far-as using synthetic well, that's a personal choice but again, not needed unless you want to do longer oil change intervals(OCI's).
Synthetic oils have some advantages but, you need to weigh the differences such as longivity, extreme heat/cold(not in PA) and some negligable cleanliness.
I only buy synthetic(at times) because I often get it cheaper than regular/conventional(DINO) oils.
As-far-as using synthetic well, that's a personal choice but again, not needed unless you want to do longer oil change intervals(OCI's).
Synthetic oils have some advantages but, you need to weigh the differences such as longivity, extreme heat/cold(not in PA) and some negligable cleanliness.
I only buy synthetic(at times) because I often get it cheaper than regular/conventional(DINO) oils.
Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Well, there is no need for High Mileage oils unless there is some leaking/buning of oil. Otherwise, stay with regular oils.
As-far-as using synthetic well, that's a personal choice but again, not needed unless you want to do longer oil change intervals(OCI's).
Synthetic oils have some advantages but, you need to weigh the differences such as longivity, extreme heat/cold(not in PA) and some negligable cleanliness.
I only buy synthetic(at times) because I often get it cheaper than regular/conventional(DINO) oils.
This. Also to find out if synthetics offer any advatage in your engine and with your driving habits it will require testing, time, and money.
Well, there is no need for High Mileage oils unless there is some leaking/buning of oil. Otherwise, stay with regular oils.
As-far-as using synthetic well, that's a personal choice but again, not needed unless you want to do longer oil change intervals(OCI's).
Synthetic oils have some advantages but, you need to weigh the differences such as longivity, extreme heat/cold(not in PA) and some negligable cleanliness.
I only buy synthetic(at times) because I often get it cheaper than regular/conventional(DINO) oils.
This. Also to find out if synthetics offer any advatage in your engine and with your driving habits it will require testing, time, and money.
Isn't your Accord equipped with an OLM? My daughter-in-law has an '04 Honda CRV, the manual states 10,000 mi. OCI, which I had a heck of a time convincing her to do as I have been changing her oil.
So from my observation you are changing your oil MUCH to soon, theres no need for a high-mileage oil or to switch to some exotic oil filter as Honda states to change it every other OC.
The high-mileage oil won't hurt anything, but what you're using will work fine for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles.
So from my observation you are changing your oil MUCH to soon, theres no need for a high-mileage oil or to switch to some exotic oil filter as Honda states to change it every other OC.
The high-mileage oil won't hurt anything, but what you're using will work fine for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles.
Originally Posted By: satinsilver
MaxLife has two versions, a full syn and a semi-syn. I'd go with the semi-syn version and change out every 5k-6k. If you want to go longer start doing some UOA's and post on here.
My thoughts also.
Forget the high mileage part of the equation regular Maxlife is smashingly good oil regardless, suitable for new cars even try it you'll like it.
MaxLife has two versions, a full syn and a semi-syn. I'd go with the semi-syn version and change out every 5k-6k. If you want to go longer start doing some UOA's and post on here.
My thoughts also.
Forget the high mileage part of the equation regular Maxlife is smashingly good oil regardless, suitable for new cars even try it you'll like it.
OK, I get the if it isn't broke why fix it analogy. Makes sense. So if I can buy synthetic cheaper as Char Baby stated, is it ok to switch back and forth between DINO and Synthetic simply based on cost and availability? Or would the inconsistency somehow be "bad" for the engine parts?
Won't harm a thing.
Originally Posted By: FZ1
Just use the Maxlife blend or the Mobil Super High Mileage blend. No full synthetic.
Just use the Maxlife blend or the Mobil Super High Mileage blend. No full synthetic.
Maxlife syn blend is good oil in either the lime or the red bottle.
The lime botle may still contain moly, a bonus.
You can switch back and forth without worries.
We've had eight Hondas so far and none have been leakers or used noticeable amounts of oil, so I'd say a switch to whatever would be fine.
Use whatever oil you want to try.
The engine won't care or know the difference.
The lime botle may still contain moly, a bonus.
You can switch back and forth without worries.
We've had eight Hondas so far and none have been leakers or used noticeable amounts of oil, so I'd say a switch to whatever would be fine.
Use whatever oil you want to try.
The engine won't care or know the difference.
I run Mobil 1 HM 10w-40 in my s10 with 176k on it and after making the switch to 10w-40 from 5w30 It seems as if it runs smoother. Although I'm sure people have great results from all different types of oil my family has used Mobil1. It has always served us well. My grandfather drives a 1989 Chevy z71 with 410k and on it. The only work that truck has ever had is starter/water pump/batteries/plugs and tranny at 300k. It only uses 1 qt every 5k with that many miles. It made me a believer in mobil 1 synthetic oil. Now if you want to save some money and still get great oil for a good price I suggest motorcraft synthetic blend. Friend of mine has run it in his mustang for over 150k miles. Turning his car into a track car so he changed heads cams etc. Sent me a few pics of the inside when he started working on it and it looked new. Super clean! Folks on this site seem to love all pennzoil products, Mobil, and Valvoline. Don't think you could go wrong with any of them.
Originally Posted By: wolfehunter
OK, I get the if it isn't broke why fix it analogy. Makes sense. So if I can buy synthetic cheaper as Char Baby stated, is it ok to switch back and forth between DINO and Synthetic simply based on cost and availability? Or would the inconsistency somehow be "bad" for the engine parts?
Yes, you can switch back & fourth as often as you'd like!
When I buy synthetic, it's because I have an instore coupon and there is a rebate to boot! And sometime I find syn on closeout/discontinued on the cheap. Not meaning that the oil is being discontinued from the MFG, just that store isn't going to carry it any longer and they're clearing their shelves.
When I buy syn oils, I mix them with my other conventional oils(Dino) and make my own blend...2qts syn/3qts dino. Seldomly do I use straight synthetic in my engines. It's just the way my oil stash works out(large stash of oils - syn & dino)
OK, I get the if it isn't broke why fix it analogy. Makes sense. So if I can buy synthetic cheaper as Char Baby stated, is it ok to switch back and forth between DINO and Synthetic simply based on cost and availability? Or would the inconsistency somehow be "bad" for the engine parts?
Yes, you can switch back & fourth as often as you'd like!
When I buy synthetic, it's because I have an instore coupon and there is a rebate to boot! And sometime I find syn on closeout/discontinued on the cheap. Not meaning that the oil is being discontinued from the MFG, just that store isn't going to carry it any longer and they're clearing their shelves.
When I buy syn oils, I mix them with my other conventional oils(Dino) and make my own blend...2qts syn/3qts dino. Seldomly do I use straight synthetic in my engines. It's just the way my oil stash works out(large stash of oils - syn & dino)
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