Switching oils with alarming frequency - opinions

[z917990]

Hello All:

With the recent economic downturn, I have been far more careful with my money. Consequently, I have been purchasing oils as they come on sale. However, this means that I am using a different brand with almost every oil change. After reading many posts on the subject, I just need to confirm with all of you experts what I believe already. Frequent switching of brands will not cause any problems, yes? FYI, I never exceed Honda's recommended severe service OCI of 5 months or 5000 miles. I use synthetic in my '07 Accord and '03 Accord and dino in the CR-V. All of my cars are driven mostly around town (i.e. stop and go, but no traffic jams and no overly stressful urban type driving)with occasional runs on two lane, rural roads Thank you in advance.

 

[jim302]

There is no problem with switching brands as often as you want. As long as you are using quality oil that meets your car's needs at a reasonable interval, your car will be just fine.

 

[Herz]

Originally Posted By: jim302
There is no problem with switching brands as often as you want. As long as you are using quality oil that meets your car's needs at a reasonable interval, your car will be just fine.



+1

 

[greenbalot]

+1

 

[chubbs1]

Change away! I do basically the same thing get stuff when it is on sale. If it is something that I really like such as Edge 0w20 or M1EP I will get it and sit on it, otherwise I just purchase what is on sale that particular month of my OC.

 

[UncleS2]

One more vote here for A-OK! I bought the Dakota late last May. It had Castrol synthetic in it(left in too long on short-hop driving, from the look of it), within 2 weeks I changed the oil & used Formula Shell 10w30. In Nov, I changed it to Havoline 5w30. In another month or two, I'll change it again, will use 10w30 in honor of summertime- maybe use Formula Shell 10w30, or maybe Havoline 10w30- but I'm thinking I'll probably use PennZoil Plat 10w30.

I'm not worried one bit.

You shouldn't be either.

 

[mongo161]

+5...Change to your hearts.....wallets content.

 

[bsigg]

Changing oil too often causes more wear.

Changing brands won't hurt.

When I'm in the city I goto a quick-lube place and they use one brand, then I'm back at home I goto the dealer, again different brand.

Then when I feel like it, I change it myself and use some brand.

Nothing bad happened.

 

[oilboy123]

I would say changing it when it's breaking down is more important than changing brands.

 

[gathermewool]

experts? pfft

If you want to save money, send out samples and extend accordingly. You might be surprised who much a $30 analysis might save you in the long run.

 

[hounddog]

I couldn't imagine changing brands all the time.Didn't when I was a teenager and don't now. I'm 56. I stick with one brand in the same vehicle usually for as long as I own that vehicle. Includes my lawnmower LOL.

 

[Artem]

The only negative thing that i see when switching oils is that you're always changing the oil chemistry with each different oil added into the mix since a good half a quart or so of oil remains in the engine during an oil change.

That remaining oil gets mixed with the new oil added which has different additive packages designed to work together in a certain way. With a small mix of another type of oil, containing different properties, i would think it might have a small effect on the new oil's performance.

I'm sure its not enough to cause harm per se but it can't be too healthy.

With a regular beater, i'm sure i'd be doing the same thing but even with my 98 Camry V6 with 200k i've been using Mobil 1 all these years.

Consistency with maintenance is important, IMO

 

[sciphi]

It doesn't matter. I've done that before without harm.

I do have a small stash of oils purchased when on sale, especially 0w-20 for the Fit.

 

[ARB1977]

I wait till Mobil goes on sale. Since my local Autozone doesn't carry 5W30 HM ill buy 10W30 for the Jetta and filter for my truck since I already have filters for the Jetta anyway.

 

[SteveSRT8]

There was a time when we purchased Amsoil exclusively.

After joining BITOG, I now watch for the sales and simply buy whatever synthetic brand is on sale.

Entire fleet is running smooth and happy!