Yet another "what oil" post

[mt4runner]

Just picked up a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited with the 2.4 GDI engine. It has 18,255 miles on it. We live in south central Montana, elevation is 3600 Ft. Often drive over the Beartooth Pass at 10,947 and cruise Yellowstone Nat. Park. The Owners' manual recommends a 5W-20, 5w30 (API SM / ILSAC GF4).Service manual recommends changing oil at 3750 mi. in severe usage, and 7500 mi. under normal use. My better half drives this vehicle about 40 miles a day, 5 days a week to work round trip, hops on the interstate here and off at work. 3 to 5 trips a month to the big town, round trip about 100 miles. We both drive somewhat consevatively We bought this car to maximize fuel economy, so I am wondering if a synthetic would be a good choice? It doesn't really matter to me, whether synthetic and conventional. Just what would be a good/great choice.
Regards, Rick

 

[Drew99GT]

Any name brand oil is going to get the job done. It gets mighty cold in that neck of the woods during winter so cold start performance would be at the top of my list. If you want absolute performance from a motor oil for those conditions, 0w-20 during winter would be the best choice. Synthetic of course. I'm old fashioned and would probably use a 5w30 or 10w30 during summer months. Any 5w-20/5w30 will get the job done though for winter, conventional or synthetic.

 

[Ayrton]

I'd use synthetic and your approved viscosity.

This first year after purchase I might do a couple of the 3750 oci to clean it out a bit, if unknown history, and extend that a bit later if you want.

Pick nice oil filter like Porolator Pure One, Bosch, etc.

I'm a Mobil guy but in those viscosities Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra would be awesome choices too.

Honestly, those are extremely nice cars! One of my favorite rentals.

 

[mt4runner]

Thanks for the replies. Will there be any MPG gains running synthetic vs. dino? Aryton, did lots(LOTS!) of research before purchasing this car. When I first saw the 2011 Sonata and the new body design , I was drawn to the car. It is what I believe the best bang for the buck today in a midsize, fuel efficent sedan. We have previously driven Parks Ave.s and Rivieras, and my wife is not missing them at all. Drove the 2.0T, and almost wished I'd have gotten one w/that engine. That baby moves. I believe that the GDI engine is the wave of the future for performance and milage. I hear other maufacturers are following suit with some impressive hp and mpg numbers as well. Way to go Hyundai.Anyway, we are extremely happy with it, and want to make an educated decision on oil for it

 

[donnyj08]

I dont think you'll see much increase in fuel mileage, if any going from a conventional to a synthetic. i do agree that in your cold climate a light 5w20 grade oil would work well. many on here like Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 because its a light 20wt. Mobil 1 0w20 is a good choice also. id go synthetic if it were me. but a good dino is sufficient as well.

 

[mt4runner]

Looks like I'll give the PP a try. What kind of an OCI would be appropriate?
Rick