oil recommendation

[willyp]

I read the motor oil article on the main page, excellent by the way.
I was curious as to what type of oil I should use. I currently use manufacturer recommended 5w30 with 20% Lucas oil stabilizer in each oil change since the car was new (except 1 change) 7 so far. I do go by the information given to me by the car on oil changes, not the mileage. the car tells me by % how much oil life is left.

I guess I should say my question is 2 parts. 1. What kind of oil should I use? 2. is the information the car provides me accurate?
1. What kind of vehicle you have: 2007 Saturn Aura. 3.5L V6 2v per cylinder OHV.
2. What your owner's manual says -- not just viscosity, but certifications (look for acronyms like API SM, ILSAC GF-4, etc.) and change intervals as well: 5w30. I use Peak or Valvoline, which ever is on sale when I change the oil. always use WIX oil filters.
3. Where you live: I live in rural northern IL. the car was driven for 2 yrs 80 mile round trip to work, 95% highway miles. now is driven 25 miles round trip to work with 50-50 in town highway.
4. How you drive: I drive the car easy/slow for the most part. occasionally getting on it, it is a fun car to drive.
5. What your daily drive is like: now mostly short trips. combo of in town and highway.
6. Whether your car has any known problems: no known issues. 67k miles.

any information would be great and appreciated.

thanks!

 

[addyguy]

Drop the Lucas Stabilizer. Pure junk.

If you're comfortable with it, just keep using Peak or Valvoline oil, and change when the oil monitor says to. Those monitors are very accurate, and will give the most 'life' out of the oil based on your driving.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Any API Al/SM/SN rated oil and follow the OLM (oil life monitor) if you have one. If not, 5k or 6 month OCIs.

5w30 with the weight. Pennzoil conventional is a excellent product. So is Mobil 5000. Pretty well anything on the shelf!

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Drop the Lucas Stabilizer. Pure junk.


Agree!

Take care, Bill

PS:

 

[willyp]

what about winter? it gets down to -10 to -5F regularly.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: willyp
what about winter? it gets down to -10 to -5F regularly.


No problem. Been there doing that with yesterdays conventional oils for decades. So have your neighbors.

Today's oils are MUCH better. Esp in the cold.

Just make sure you use the 5w30. Not 10w30.

Take care, Bill

 

[StevieC]

Bill runs Dino in the winter and achieves many many miles on his vehicles just fine without any additives.

I prefer to run a synthetic in the Winter being in Canada and having cold winters.

It's your call... Cars are designed to run Conventional oils and the Conventional oils of today are excellent.

Maybe consider a semi-synthetic like Motor-Craft if you are concerned.

Do not use Lucas, it's junk and can cause engine damage in some engines by creating foaming.