My vehicle: 1997 Grand Am, 2.4L 4 cyl. 169,000 miles. The car burns about 1 qt every 3000 miles or so (using either 0w or 5w30), so not too bad. For the past 30,000 miles, the car has seen all synthetic (except for a pyb-arx clean/rinse phase). But even when i run the synthetic, i find myself changing the oil more often than i need to. Usually this is because oil change deals offered at stores usually include 5 qts, and my sump is 4 qts. after all make up oil is added, the level is nearing the low mark on the dipstick around 5000 miles. So, i change it.
Im thinking its kind of a waste of money to run synthetic for that short of an OCI. as far as my engine being high mileage and being sludged up, im pretty sure its not... after a 5k clean/rinse phase with arx, my oil was no darker than usual. i've used oils like PP that claim to clean out sludge. oil is still gold after 3500 miles, always.
Every single trip i make is at least 10 minutes long, and my driving includes at least 50% highway/back roads. I do encounter a decent amount of stop and go, but less than the average person (i think?...). so what do you guys think? a good conventional oil with a quality filter (i like purolator classic or P1, or napa gold) and a 5000 mile OCI?
Im thinking its kind of a waste of money to run synthetic for that short of an OCI. as far as my engine being high mileage and being sludged up, im pretty sure its not... after a 5k clean/rinse phase with arx, my oil was no darker than usual. i've used oils like PP that claim to clean out sludge. oil is still gold after 3500 miles, always.
Every single trip i make is at least 10 minutes long, and my driving includes at least 50% highway/back roads. I do encounter a decent amount of stop and go, but less than the average person (i think?...). so what do you guys think? a good conventional oil with a quality filter (i like purolator classic or P1, or napa gold) and a 5000 mile OCI?
Last edited: