Quick Lube question / HM back to conventional

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Question regarding quick lube places. First, a little background. I’ve been changing my own oil for 10 years now, but with 3 kids, two jobs, etc.. My free times is limited. Not like it’s often that I’m changing oil, but even when that is due, it’s crunch-time just to try and fit that in. So I’ve been thinking about paying to have it done as it will only cost me 8 or 9 dollars more than if I do it myself. Also, both my vehicles are high mileage cars. One with 181k and another with 123k. I’ve been using Mobil Super High Mileage for several years now because both vehicles have minor seepage from the valve covers and one form the oil pan. I really like Mobil’s High Mileage oil; however, the quick lube has bulk Pennzoil but to pay them for high mileage is a complete rip-off. I have no problems with using conventional Pennzoil, but if I do this and discontinue using high mileage oil will there be any issues? Also, are their oil filters comparable to Purolator?
 
While I lived in a apartment and I could not always change my own oil, I would buy my filter and oil. Then take it to a mechanic I trusted and he would have one of his techs change my oil it took about a total of 10-15 minutes and cost 10 dollars.

I am just throwing that out there. It would cost almost the same as the quick lube place and you would be using the oil and filter of your choosing.
 
Mark,
Should be no issues whatsoever switching between Pennzoil Conventional and a High Mileage oil.
The filters they use I assume are still Pennzoil badged fram toughs. I could be off on this. Someone that knows the filters better should be along shortly. My opinion, Take a Puro P1 with you and have them install it.
 
Originally Posted By: dave1251
While I lived in a apartment and I could not always change my own oil, I would buy my filter and oil. Then take it to a mechanic I trusted and he would have one of his techs change my oil it took about a total of 10-15 minutes and cost 10 dollars.

I am just throwing that out there. It would cost almost the same as the quick lube place and you would be using the oil and filter of your choosing.


+1....Very good advice. You have to find a trustworthy mechanic to make sure that the oil and filter you bring into the shop is what goes into your engine. This is the reason that I do oil changes for family, friends and neighbors. In my hook it's hard to find an honest mechanic. They all like to use "unknown" bulk oil for oil changes....and if you bring your own oil...it most likely goes into a hiding spot. No more sludged up engines on vehicles that I change the oil on with a few runs of Dino Diesel and PCMO blends...the engines are now....as clean as a whistle.
 
I have no concern with the Pennzoil quick lube in my town. I actually know the guy, and his facility is cleaner than any mechanics garage I’ve been to. He runs his business well, so I have no concerns there. And most mechanics in my area are busy and I don’t feel like calling to schedule it, my own schedule changes daily; therefore, I’d like to be able to just drive up to get the oil changed whenever it works for me. My only concern is not using High Mileage oil anymore. Conditions in Illinois are very cold in the winter and I worry about my engine seals shrinking back down or leaking more if I go to conventional.
 
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Using High Mileage oil to lessen leaks is only temporary. When you discontinue the use of High Mileage oil, expect the leaks to return within a few thousand miles/one OC. The seal swellers will wear off and the seals shrink back to where you started. And because you swelled the seals, the leaks will likely be worse. There is only one way to find out. If it leaks bad, just go back to High Mileage or fix the leaks.
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Using High Mileage oil to lessen leaks is only temporary. When you discontinue the use of High Mileage oil, expect the leaks to return within a few thousand miles/one OC. The seal swellers will wear off and the seals shrink back to where you started. And because you swelled the seals, the leaks will likely be worse. There is only one way to find out. If it leaks bad, just go back to High Mileage or fix the leaks.


Not saying this is not true as I have no idea. but really? Makes it sound like High Mileage oil does have some merit if it's keeping oil off the street and inside my engine.
 
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Originally Posted By: Mark72
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Using High Mileage oil to lessen leaks is only temporary. When you discontinue the use of High Mileage oil, expect the leaks to return within a few thousand miles/one OC. The seal swellers will wear off and the seals shrink back to where you started. And because you swelled the seals, the leaks will likely be worse. There is only one way to find out. If it leaks bad, just go back to High Mileage or fix the leaks.


Not saying this is not true as I have no idea. but really? Makes it sound like High Mileage oil does have some merit if it's keeping oil off the street and inside my engine.

Your seals shrunk and you sprung a leak. So you tried a High Mileage oil. The High Mileage oil did something the regular oils you were using couldn't. Whats different? Its a combination of being a little thicker and a modified "conditioner" pack. All rubber seals shrink, crack, etc. eventually needing replacement. High Mileage oil buys you some time

The other replies saying its ok to switch are correct. I'm not disputing that at all. Regular oil is just fine. I'm referring to your specific problem, oil leaks. Why you selected High Mileage oil in the first place. The High Mileage oil doesn't "fix" your seals it conditions/swells them for the period you use the oil. Regular oil does not have the High Mileage conditioner pack, so it wont have the same effect on the seals.
 
With the introduction of GF5, were there suppose to be additional seal conditioners in all non-hm convential oils? I thought I heard that and even read it somewhere. And now, GF6 is on the way I recently read.
 
Yeah, will help extend the life of seals in vehicles that have been around since its inception. Also the word conditioner doesn't mean the same ingredients. They vary from manufacturer, High mileage oil, etc. Part of the proprietary ingredients they don't make public.
 
Its fine to switch to regualar oil but if you can get HM and bring it in for them to use that would probably be the best choice...if you know and trust the owner then thats what i would do.
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Using High Mileage oil to lessen leaks is only temporary. When you discontinue the use of High Mileage oil, expect the leaks to return within a few thousand miles/one OC. The seal swellers will wear off and the seals shrink back to where you started. And because you swelled the seals, the leaks will likely be worse. There is only one way to find out. If it leaks bad, just go back to High Mileage or fix the leaks.


Good points.

This is one reason why I would be VERY hesitant to use a High Mileage oil.

I'd rather have a stable slow leak then stop the leak for a time and then have it come back worse in short order.
 
At most quick lubes they will give you a discount for bringing in you own oil and or filter. The amount of the discount varies from place to place at the establishment I work at you get $14 off if you bring in your own oil and filter. And to the best of my knowledge the Pennzoil filters are made by Purolator.
 
OTOH, one of the things I like about DIY oil changes is the convenience factor.
It takes less time, IMHO, to plan the change and do it in your own driveway or garage than it does to take it somewhere and wait for them to do the oil change.
It only takes a half an hour or less from start to finish if you DIY.
 
I also bought some oil on sale awhile back,but don't really have the equipment or space to change it myself. Does anyone know any places that allow you to bring in your own oil? I talked with Dobbs and Firestone and they both said I couldn't bring in my own parts due to insurance liabilities. I also know of no private mechanics around my area. Thanks!
 
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