What oil to use

[SidViscous]

I have a 97 mazda 626 with a 2.0 engine. The weather will be turning much colder soon and im about due for an oil change. I have lots of m1 0/30 but i currently use various brands 10/30 dino oil in my car now. Have to add a quart of oil every 3k or so. My luck with syn has been if it leaks oil now it will leak more with syn. Maybe a 50/50 mix of dino/syn and see what happens. Also going to change the gear lube in the manual transmission. Calls for gl4. Looking at Amsoil or Redline MT 90. What will perform best in cold weather

 

[maximus]

I think it would be frugal to use up what you have in your stash. I wouldn't bother with expensive synthetics on a '97. Valvoline Maxlife comes to mind here.

 

[d00df00d]

Amsoil for cold weather IMO.

As for the engine, is there actually a visible leak, or is your engine just consuming oil? If it's just consumption, I wouldn't worry about trying synthetic. It might actually slow the consumption down.

 

[FastSUV]

pennzoil HM...heck that car might be a perfect testor for Supertech HM

 

[HTSS_TR]

If you can find Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic 5W30 in your area, that may be the ticket for cold weather and reduce leak too.

 

[tomcat27]

yeah - I have gotten away from synth on leakers/burners and gone to HM oil.

 

[JT1]

If you want to use a synthetic go ahead. I'm more concerned about the inside of the engine than the outside/driveway. If it leaks, just top it up when necessary.