Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcape
Geez, I know this may be herecy based on the comments on this thread, but I've used nothing but Castrol GTX 5-20 in my Accord for 5 years, and I've used nothing but Fram filters. Primarily because they were recommended by Consumer Reports a couple of years ago. (Castrol oil was also strongly recommended.) My '03 Accord has 63,000 miles on it, and never uses a drop of oil between changes (every 3-4,000 miles). I'm just wondering.....is motor oil like auto wax/polish...we all have out own favorites, and swear they're the best money can buy?? Seems to me that if you change your oil regularly (or certainly MORE OFTEN than the MM recommends), everything works great. I've always felt that if you use ANY polish/wax on your auto, it will protect the paint. And if you ask 20 people, they'll all say the wax/polish they use is "the best out there." Is it the same with motor oil?? Just use SOMETHING PRETTY GOOD, and your engine will purr along just fine.
OK....I'm open to flaming. Fire away.
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I'm wondering if you've got Consumer Reports confused with some other magazine? The CR oil test came up with the following conclusion: "The bottom line. In our tests, brand didn't matter much as long as the oil carried the industry's starburst symbol (see "It's not just oil," article 3 of 4). Beware of oils without the starburst; they may lack the full complement of additives needed to keep modern engines running reliably."
They didn't recommend any brand, but they did add: "One distinction: According to the laboratory tests, Mobil 1 and Pennzoil Performax synthetics flow exceptionally easily at low temperatures - a condition our taxi tests didn't simulate effectively. They also had the highest viscosity under high-temperature, high-stress conditions, when a thick oil protects the engine. Thus, these oils may be a good choice for hard driving in extreme temperatures."
As for oil filters I'm not aware that Consumer Reports has ever tested oil filters. I have a subscription and just searched their site and find nothing.
The truth is that you could use any modern API Certified oil and get good results under normal operating conditions. I personally prefer the extra protection true synthetic oil offers in the event of extreme operating conditions.
My position on oil filters is well known. Fram oil filters are junk. Take one apart and you will agree... guaranteed. There are much better filters at or near the same price as a Fram.
It's also my belief that the oil filter you use is just as important as the oil you choose. A good oil cannot overcome the shortcomings of a bad filter.
The reality is that you could probably use the cheapest oil and filter on the market and get good results with a modern engine... but I believe that if you expect excellent results you need to use excellent products.