Quick question for the oil pro's

[danewilson77]

Hey how ya doing? I have a quick question for you guys. A friend of mine took her 2004 Honda Civic(60k miles) to get the oil changed at an indie today. She told them to use Mobil I (hearing me and her boyfriend talk about our BMW's and what we use in our cars). Believe owners manual says to use non-synthetic 5W-20, and what was used was the MI 5W-20. Her boyfriend said she can never go back to regular oil now. I am not so sure this is correct. She has driven about 200 miles on the current "synthetic" oil change.

Questions
1. Once you start using synthetic, can you go back to regular oil, if regular oil is what is recommended for your car?

2. Will it damage her car if she continues to use the synthetic?

3. Will it damage her car if she goes back to regular oil?

I guess all questions are kinda the same only worded differently.

Thanks for any help

D77

 

[Quattro Pete]

1. True
2. False
3. False

 

[Steve S]

You can switch back and forth. Though that Honda really does not need a syn oil. Bimmers use syn oil for longer oil change intervals and the potential harder use and on some models higher engine output.

 

[Johnny]

Switch back and forth all she wants and neither will hurt her engine. Most all Honda automobiles tend to do quite well on Mobil 1 products.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: danewilson77
Believe owners manual says to use non-synthetic 5W-20

I don't think they actually advise against synthetics. They just don't mention it. You can use anything that carries the right API/ILSAC approvals and is the correct viscosity (pay attention to the big number, not the W number).

For an '04 Civic, conventional oil vs. synthetic oil is like a $25 steak vs. a $75 steak.


Originally Posted By: danewilson77
1. Once you start using synthetic, can you go back to regular oil, if regular oil is what is recommended for your car?

Absolutely.


Originally Posted By: danewilson77
2. Will it damage her car if she continues to use the synthetic?

Not even slightly.


Originally Posted By: danewilson77
3. Will it damage her car if she goes back to regular oil?

Not even slightly.

 

[Audi Junkie]

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Moto...Collection.aspx

 

[HTSS_TR]

My '94 LS400 with more than 250k miles had conventional then syn then conventional ... without oil related engine problems. You can use dino and/or syn whenever you want.

The one thing difference between conventional and synthetic in my LS400 was I double the OCI with syn.

 

[boxcartommie22]

1.you can go back and forth if you want.
2.not whatsoever.
3.not at all

 

[danewilson77]

Thanks to all for all of your replies. I could have searched but didn't have time, as I was at work when she asked me the question. I told her I would find out for her.

You guys are awesome.

 

[The motor guy]

It was true that you couldn't switch back and forth from synthetic to regular back before like 1980 but now the seals are fully compatable on newer model vehicles and it does not cause a problem. So it's just an old wives tale.

 

[pompadour]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
It was true that you couldn't switch back and forth from synthetic to regular back before like 1980 but now the seals are fully compatable on newer model vehicles and it does not cause a problem. So it's just an old wives tale.


+1. every single jug and qt of oil in my stash says that that it is compatible with other oils.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Man I`ve switched back and fourth so many times I`ve lost count :^P It`s kind`ve funny,in my owner`s manual it has a statement on the oil chart page that says verbatum,"You can use either conventional oil or synthetic oil in your Nissan".

 

[mechtech2]

Switch back and forth, and even mix as much as you like.
The M1 in q

 

[mechtech2]

Switch back and forth, and even mix as much as you like.
The M1 in question is a fine oil.