Switching Oils in New Cars Affect Seals?

[SilverGGA]

I bought my 04 WRX wagon last Nov and followed the manual's recommendation to
do the first oil change when I had 2500 miles (manual says 3k mi / 3 months,
should have driven more =) ) The dealer used Mobil 10w30 Drive Clean oil.
However, I plan to follow the severe service interval (3750 miles / 3.75
months) until 10k miles and then switch to Mobil 1 SS 10w30 and change every
5k miles. I live in San Jose, CA.

I now have 4k on the car and will change again at about 6k. Should I stick
with the Mobil Drive Clean or should I switch to a better dino like Chevron or
Castrol? I am wondering whether switching the oil chemistry so early so often
will affect the engine seals. I am leaning toward just using the Drive Clean
since it will just be one last change and then Mobil 1 forever. Am I thinking too much?

 

[doctormdds]

You're thinking WAY too much. Relax and enjoy your nice ride.

 

[Amkeer]

If your using Drive Clean you might as well stick with it until the synth. I would just change to the synth at your next interval.

Daily Drives:
-2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner XtraCab, 2.7 Liter , Mobil1 Synthetic SS 5w30.
ODO 8600 Miles.
-1995 Toyota 4-Runner 3.0 V6, Mobil1 Synthetic SS 10w30.
ODO 84700 Miles.
http://community.webshots.com/user/amkeer

 

[TC]

This Quaker State site pretty much confirms what Blue99 said. You can switch between (but shouldn't mix) SL-rated oils of any type all you want, with no ramifications.

http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/carcare/whattoknow.asp#changeoil

 

[DavoNF]

If that article is true, there doesn't seem to be much point in using synthetic oil, if you have to change it out at the same mileage as dino.

They say that combustion by-product and wear metal accumulation, and additive depletion, all occur whether using syn. or dino, and not to exceed the manufacturers recommended OCI, regardless of oil used.

What's the point of using syn. if it's twice the price of dino?

Dave

[ May 01, 2004, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: DavoNF ]

 

[TC]

SilverGGA's original question was, "I am wondering whether switching the oil chemistry so early so often will affect the engine seals."

The answer, confirmed by Quaker State, is that no, the seals will not suffer when switching between types of oils with each change, should one choose to do so.

As for the separate question on whether syn is superior to conventional, yes, the VOAs, UOAs, and oil firm spec sheets confirm the obvious -- that syns typically perform better. Two different issues goin' on here.

Oil firms say to keep syn in a sump for the manufacturer's recommended interval, typically no longer than the recommendation for dino, because they can't do otherwise. To do so would be to quickly assume responsibility for any potentially oil-related failures of engines still under warranty, an unacceptable liability for any oil maker.

 

[Blue99]

With the amount of TLC that you no doubt will lavish on that WRX wagon, it will be running as well at 100k miles as it does now at 4k miles!

Switching brands of oils will have a neglible effect on seal performance. A seal will remain dimensionally stable in petroleum motor oil, regardless of the brand.

If this indeed was a factor, some members of this forum would leave a puddle of oil where ever their vehicle is parked as they can't resist trying every oil on the shelf!

 

[SilverGGA]

Thanks guys I will just one more change with Mobil Drive Clean 10w30 then =) I know, I am paranoid. This being my first "performance" car which I hope to keep as long as possible.

 

[mikep]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blue99:
(snip) Switching brands of oils will have a neglible effect on seal performance. A seal will remain dimensionally stable in petroleum motor oil, regardless of the brand.

If this indeed was a factor, some members of this forum would leave a puddle of oil where ever their vehicle is parked as they can't resist trying every oil on the shelf!

---

How true.

 

[jsharp]

quote:

---

Originally posted by DavoNF:
If that article is true, there doesn't seem to be much point in using synthetic oil, if you have to change it out at the same mileage as dino.

They say that combustion by-product and wear metal accumulation, and additive depletion, all occur whether using syn. or dino, and not to exceed the manufacturers recommended OCI, regardless of oil used.

What's the point of using syn. if it's twice the price of dino?

Dave

---

The answers to Myth #7 tell me the marketing people and the lawyers proofread this document before they put it up -

Quaker State® does not recommend extending oil drain intervals beyond the “severe service” maintenance interval of three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

We emphasize severe service since the majority of motor vehicles are operated in severe driving conditions such as short trips (under 10 miles), dusty or sandy conditions, cold weather, extended idling periods, trailer towing or other harsh conditions.

 

[Patman]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jsharp:


Quaker State® does not recommend extending oil drain intervals beyond the “severe service” maintenance interval of three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

We emphasize severe service since the majority of motor vehicles are operated in severe driving conditions such as short trips (under 10 miles), dusty or sandy conditions, cold weather, extended idling periods, trailer towing or other harsh conditions.

---

That is very odd that Quaker State would say that, considering they offer their 250,000 mile warranty along with the condition that you change your oil every 4000 miles or 4 months!

See here:

http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/programs/warranty.asp


Here is an excerpt from it:

quote:

---

Just get a Quaker State® oil change at a service center or change your oil with Quaker State® every 4,000 miles or 4 months, whichever comes first. This may not be the same as some vehicle manufacturers recommend, but neither is the length of our limited warranty. The oil filter and air cleaner elements must be replaced and the emission control system must be maintained in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. You have to take very good care of your engine if you want it to last for ten years. Or 250,000 miles. Our limited warranty is transferable. The Quaker State limited warranty offers something that could prove valuable if you sell your vehicle before it's gone 250,000 miles. The limited warranty can be transferred to the next owner.

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