[joe vt]

I am considering using Synthetic oil. I am looking for opinions and recommendations.

I heard it may increase MPG.
I heard I should let the engine break in with ~12K miles before switching.

thanks, joe vt

 

[shortspark]

I believe you can switch to synthetic oil whenever you want to although I too have heard it is best to go one or two oil changes before using synthetic. I really do not think it makes any difference in today's modern engines.

I will change my factory fill per the OLM and use Havoline 5w20 dino oil which, according to used oil analysis reports, is one of the very best. I am also using LC20 (LubeControl) which is a highly regarded oil additive that enhances the lubrication qualities of any oil. It also allows for extended drains of up to 10,000 miles if that is what you want to do.

Today's modern oils are very robust and using a good, name brand dino and chaning oil by the OLM (which assumes dino, not synthetic oil) will serve you very well. If you drive in mostly "severe" conditions or really want to try for extended drains then synthetics may be the way to go but that aside, regular oil is all that is required in our Ridgeline.

 

[Tex's Ridge]

I am considering using Synthetic oil. I am looking for opinions and recommendations.

I heard it may increase MPG.
I heard I should let the engine break in with ~12K miles before switching.

thanks, joe vt

Hi Joe, there's quite a lot of info here in this forum on this subject. Try to search for them using the search button above.

 

[jeffiam]

I believe you can switch to synthetic oil whenever you want to although I too have heard it is best to go one or two oil changes before using synthetic. I really do not think it makes any difference in today's modern engines.

I will change my factory fill per the OLM and use Havoline 5w20 dino oil which, according to used oil analysis reports, is one of the very best. I am also using LC20 (LubeControl) which is a highly regarded oil additive that enhances the lubrication qualities of any oil. It also allows for extended drains of up to 10,000 miles if that is what you want to do.

Today's modern oils are very robust and using a good, name brand dino and chaning oil by the OLM (which assumes dino, not synthetic oil) will serve you very well. If you drive in mostly "severe" conditions or really want to try for extended drains then synthetics may be the way to go but that aside, regular oil is all that is required in our Ridgeline.

shortspark, do you have any info on the havoline..........at walmart that oil is less than 1.60 qt. is this a blend or traditional dino?

 

[basils]

You want opinions? OK, I'll give mine then........go for Mobil 1 5w-20 synthetic. One of the best oils out there. It is totally unecessary to allow 12k miles before using it. Many cars come from the factory with this high-grade oil already in the crankcase. I would just wait to change your original oil until the OLM tells you to. After that, put the Mobil 1 in and all will be well. Synthetics may, very slightly, increase your mpg....but this is not a big benefit. The real bonus about synthetics is less sludge buildup over years of ownership (cleaner engine), better protection during extreme conditions (towing, heat, idling, short trips), excellent cold-start viscosity, longer drain intervals with usually less degradation than dino oil, and the satisfaction and confidence that comes with knowing you've used a top of the line product for a $30k vehicle. Just be sure and use a quality filter as well like a Purolator, Mobil 1, or Amsoil oil filter.

 

[joe vt]

Thanks for the opinions!

I did a search on the word "synthetic" on this site and my head is spinning from all the information.

 

[zero]

I am going to close this one down. This topic has been beaten to death.

I sympathize with the OP's frustration with the search function. It can return several pages of threads. They are also not ranked according to relevance but by date (most recent to most remote).

Here are some links that may prove helpful.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1302&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1301&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1350&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1291&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1972&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1541&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2467&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1328&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3045&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3130&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2662&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2127&highlight=synthetic

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1979&highlight=synthetic

I hope these help to answer some of your questions.