I need an oil change before getting a CA smog test. I failed by 4 points HC on the low speed (15mph) test. It passed everything else with flying colors. So I need to minimize the HC. A simple servicing should nudge it into compliance.
I changed the plugs and air filter. The old plugs looked fine. It was running great before and still is, no difference.
Oil is at about 7k -- mostly long highway trips -- so it's due. Started with Kendall 5w30, but makeup has been MaxLife 10w30. It stopped a small leak, and there's no more blue smoke at startup so it probably helped the valve seals. Uses a little less too. So I'll stick with MaxLife, or another HM if they're all just as good.
What viscosity though? Is it worth seeking out 10w30? Will higher vis, HM, or both help my HC for the smog test? Or will any fresh oil do that just as well?
If I can find a MaxLife change I'll go for it. Otherwise I'll get whatever's cheap and put HM in for makeup oil.
I'm going through 1qt/7-800mi, typical for an old Saturn S (188k). Otherwise the car runs great.
I changed the plugs and air filter. The old plugs looked fine. It was running great before and still is, no difference.
Oil is at about 7k -- mostly long highway trips -- so it's due. Started with Kendall 5w30, but makeup has been MaxLife 10w30. It stopped a small leak, and there's no more blue smoke at startup so it probably helped the valve seals. Uses a little less too. So I'll stick with MaxLife, or another HM if they're all just as good.
What viscosity though? Is it worth seeking out 10w30? Will higher vis, HM, or both help my HC for the smog test? Or will any fresh oil do that just as well?
If I can find a MaxLife change I'll go for it. Otherwise I'll get whatever's cheap and put HM in for makeup oil.
I'm going through 1qt/7-800mi, typical for an old Saturn S (188k). Otherwise the car runs great.