Short trips

[Mach5]

We recently bought my wife a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with the 3.8L V6 to replace her 2001 Grand Caravan. I inherited the 2001 GC.

My wife primarily runs very short trips around town. In the 2001 GC, I used Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 and changed it twice a year (5-6k miles), reasoning that I wanted an oil with a high TBN to help with the effects of short trips.

The 2010 GC is under warranty, meaning that I need to use a 5W20 oil meeting Chrysler MS-6395. I don't see where Mobil 1 is certified to this standard, or at least it doesn't say so on the bottle. I would like to use an oil well suited for short trips (high TBN?). Any suggestions? I am considering Pennzoil Ultra.

 

[JHZR2]

I'd run a syn and don't think that an especially high TBN is necessary. Don't go low SAPS or anything, but my findings from UOA from my wife's and particularly my mother's car (really short trips, pretty often), is that with a decent regular syn (we used M1), we could go non-severe OCI despite these trips.

I think your basis is sound and I'd just find the right syn that will meet your warranty requirements. Smart.

 

[bodeh6]

Castrol EDGE with Syntec Power Technology meets this requirement in 5W-20, 5w30, and 10w30.

PDF

 

[OVERKILL]

If you run it through the Mobil recommendation guide on their site:

Our products in the viscosity right for your vehicle

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Current Vehicle:
Year: 2010
Make: Dodge
Model: Grand Caravan
Engine Type: 6cyl. 3.8Liter Naturally Aspirated



Ultimate Protection

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 is our most advanced, full synthetic motor oil, proven to protect for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Guaranteed. Mobil 1 Extended Performance reduces engine wear and oil breakdown, even during longer service intervals, to help extend engine life.