I have searched and read this forum about oil change intervals, type and weight, particuarly for the initial change. I see many different ideas and opinions on this subject. Could I possibly get a final, comprehensive and knowledgeable guideline as to the type of oil to use. Dino vs. synthetic, the interval for the initial oil change (My 04 OBW now has 1300 miles) and the like? It would truly be appreciated. I'm thinking of using synthetic but have not decided fully.

 

Thanks all,

I think you answered your own question.

 

Q:

Could I possibly get a final, comprehensive and knowledgeable guideline as to the type of oil to use. Dino vs. synthetic, the interval for the initial oil change

A:

I have searched and read this forum about oil change intervals, type and weight, particuarly for the initial change. I see many different ideas and opinions on this subject.

When our outback was new I incremented the intervals up to 3k, i.e. 1k, 1.5k, 2k, 2.5k, 3k. So the oil changes were performed at 1k, 2.5k, 4.5k, 7k, 10k miles using Pennzoil 5w-30. I switched to Mobil 1 5w-30 at around 70k miles and was using 3-5k intervals. At 120k miles I switched to Amsoil 5w-30 winter and 10w-30 summer and have been using 7.5k intervals. I am going to switch to Amsoil 5w-40 soon and start using 10k intervals year round.

Could I possibly get a final, comprehensive and knowledgeable guideline as to the type of oil to use. Dino vs. synthetic, the interval for the initial oil change (My 04 OBW now has 1300 miles) and the like?

Not to sound glib, but "it" (comprehensive and knowledgeable guideline) will never happen. There are almost as many approaches as there will be responses. :-\

 

I agree with 99obw's approach. Change it frequently for the first 5 to 10k miles. If you want to use synthetic, that's up to you. I personally perfer synthetics and I think just about every 'fluid' in my car now is synthetic. Engines don't have the lengthy wear in period they once did, so you can switch to synthetic fairly quickly IMO.

 

Use a quality oil, and a quality filter, change according to your driving conditions. (Frequent oil changes are good, but they also consume resources, put a load on the environment, etc. A balance needs to be struck.)

 

In the end, 'you' have to be comfortable with your maintenance regime.

 

Commuter