I recently had a conversation with a New Mexico member of one of the Ford Focus forums. He has a 2005 base model Ford Focus with just under 340,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission. Looks like it has been through war, but still runs very strong. The engine and everything else are original. If I had to guess, I would say 98% of Focus on the road today have fewer miles than this.
When I asked what were his motor oil and oil change intervals, I was floored by his responses. He said: "I use ONLY regular Mobil 1 10W30. (The 5W30 only in winter). Oil change intervals were typically 20,000 miles. The shortest were 15,000 miles. He is currently working on a 30,000 mile interval. This car, and my Trailblazer, does not seem to care about a 20,000 mile interval with this oil."
When I mentioned to him, that AutoZone recently had Mobil 1 0W20 Extended Performance at a clearance price ($15 for a 5qt jug - I bought 3), he replied: " The Extended Performance version is identical as the regular version - you are just paying extra for the guarantee - so save your money. Also, both 0W20 and 5W20 are offered for government emissions, and fractional fuel economy gains purposes. For engine longevity, buy the proven, Mobil 1 10W30. The same Focus engines outside the USA all run on 30 wt oil, not 20 wt. If you do use, Mobil 1 0W20 or 5W20, keep a close eye on oil consumption. I have minimal consumption with Mobil 1 10W30."
Also, to top all that, when I asked what automatic transmission change intervals he used to reach 340,000 miles? He response: "I am still on my original automatic transmission fluid. I just never thought about it. However at this point, I am a bit afraid of what would happen if I do so, at this point." The owners manual calls for 30,000 mile change intervals.
I know many of you are going to say, " I use Mobil 1 0W20 at 10,000 mile intervals & I have 100,00+ miles." To that, I say, that if good for you, but that is nothing to "write home about" today. What impresses me, is a guy who has over 340,000 miles on 20,000 mile intervals, on a vehicle that typically doesn't make it that far. That says more to me, than a UOA or even an engine teardown. Almost makes me rethink my 0W20 oil purchase. I have a 2004 Focus with 2.3L Duratec engine with 90,000 miles. Also have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 115,000 miles.
So, do we have any takers? Who will be the first to go 20,000 miles on a Mobil 1 product. I some do it in Europe, but who will go that far on US roads?
When I asked what were his motor oil and oil change intervals, I was floored by his responses. He said: "I use ONLY regular Mobil 1 10W30. (The 5W30 only in winter). Oil change intervals were typically 20,000 miles. The shortest were 15,000 miles. He is currently working on a 30,000 mile interval. This car, and my Trailblazer, does not seem to care about a 20,000 mile interval with this oil."
When I mentioned to him, that AutoZone recently had Mobil 1 0W20 Extended Performance at a clearance price ($15 for a 5qt jug - I bought 3), he replied: " The Extended Performance version is identical as the regular version - you are just paying extra for the guarantee - so save your money. Also, both 0W20 and 5W20 are offered for government emissions, and fractional fuel economy gains purposes. For engine longevity, buy the proven, Mobil 1 10W30. The same Focus engines outside the USA all run on 30 wt oil, not 20 wt. If you do use, Mobil 1 0W20 or 5W20, keep a close eye on oil consumption. I have minimal consumption with Mobil 1 10W30."
Also, to top all that, when I asked what automatic transmission change intervals he used to reach 340,000 miles? He response: "I am still on my original automatic transmission fluid. I just never thought about it. However at this point, I am a bit afraid of what would happen if I do so, at this point." The owners manual calls for 30,000 mile change intervals.
I know many of you are going to say, " I use Mobil 1 0W20 at 10,000 mile intervals & I have 100,00+ miles." To that, I say, that if good for you, but that is nothing to "write home about" today. What impresses me, is a guy who has over 340,000 miles on 20,000 mile intervals, on a vehicle that typically doesn't make it that far. That says more to me, than a UOA or even an engine teardown. Almost makes me rethink my 0W20 oil purchase. I have a 2004 Focus with 2.3L Duratec engine with 90,000 miles. Also have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 115,000 miles.
So, do we have any takers? Who will be the first to go 20,000 miles on a Mobil 1 product. I some do it in Europe, but who will go that far on US roads?