Oil change with PP 5w-20

[tangojetta]

I bought this car used 06 Freestyle, so I had no clue what kind oil that was in it. The Ford dealer think they put MC 5w-20, but I doubt it, because it took a while to warm up. First I thing notice the car got operating much quicker with PP 5w-20 and seems to rev a quicker( I used a OBD II program to monitor the temp). If were to guess what dealer put in the car, it would be some cheap 10w30 oil. Moral of the story is don’t trust anybody to change your oil.

 

[glenncof]

tan,

I have 05 Freestyle, now at 24K (purchased 2/06). I ran the MC at 3K OCI until about 18K. This was the first 5W20 and I was concerned about sheer down with light weight. So I decided to do 5K OCI with inexpensive group III.

PP went 5K w/zero oil consumed ($2/qt). I understand this is Shells HXVI basestock which I like due to another application. QS Q-Torque ($0/QT) in now (Conaco base or Shell?) and Valvoline Synpower ($1/qt) is next. Mobil 1 also is hanging in garage ($$$). This order is my current preference; best to least so far. I'm monitoring long-term MPG on each but don't expect any difference so far.

MC blend (Conaco base) is great at $2 Walmart. And I would use TropArtic (Conaco?)blend if available in 5W20 at $1.68/qt.

Based on my study the blends would probably do fine for the warranty required 5K OCI but if I can get Grp III for less, why not ? My average vehicle gets used up to 150K so I look long term. Also I don't like oil consumption.

I now feel more comfortable with 5W20 at 5K than I did at first (same thing happen on a 1997 GM using 10W30 now at 140K). Of course avoid 5 or 10W30 in this application.

BTW the MC FL-820S filter ($3.28) is excellent choice as seen in filter studies on this site.

 

[tangojetta]

I did use the MC FL-820s filter, My PP 5-20 stash is down to 66 quarts.

 

[tangojetta]

I'm averaging 24.3 mpg with PP that's 60/50 high/city driving at 18k. Before PP I was only getting 23.6mpg It's also getting warmer here in MN.

 

[zonestar]

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T that I bought the last week of December. I dump the factory fill at 1500 miles and replaced it with Castrol GTX. I changed it at 5500 miles with Castrol Syntec. I will be crossing over the 10,000 miles mark this weekend and I will be changing it to PP. I am going to take a sample of the Castrol Syntec for a oa. This will be compared to the PP after I get about 5000 miles on it.

 

[LouDawg]

I don't know if it's the change in gasoline to summer blends. But my gas mileage has increased 1 to 2 mpg since switching to PP. I fill up usually twice a week, so I keep a close eye on things.

 

[Bebop]

The ambient temperature has to do more with better milage than blend. It just take the engine quicker to reach optimum operating condition when it's warm.

I always get 3-4 more mpg during the summer.

 

[truav8r]

Also... a lot of folks neglect to bleed some air from their tires when entering a warmer season. 35psi in winter can quickly become 40+ in the spring/summer without touching a thing. Leads to better mileage, but can also lead to uneven tire wear.