Motor Oil And Your Car
08-11-2017, 05:33 PM
#11
Never heard of sensors knowing if you are using synthetic or mineral based motor oil.
Weights are important. And the use of OEM oil filters. At least, for how long the engine lasts. Not sure about engine sensors knowing if you use non-OEM filters or oil weights.
Weights are important. And the use of OEM oil filters. At least, for how long the engine lasts. Not sure about engine sensors knowing if you use non-OEM filters or oil weights.
08-11-2017, 06:14 PM
#12
My guess is that the mechanic meant the oil change minder. They work off mileage and start and stop cycles. They don't actually "sense" the oil, but the mileage calculations are based on the recommended oil. If the oil minder is set up based on synthetic and you use conventional, you will exceed the service interval before the minder goes off.
08-11-2017, 07:57 PM
#13
Thread Starter
My guess is that the mechanic meant the oil change minder. They work off mileage and start and stop cycles. They don't actually "sense" the oil, but the mileage calculations are based on the recommended oil. If the oil minder is set up based on synthetic and you use conventional, you will exceed the service interval before the minder goes off.
I asked my son Adam the same question and he answered exactly the same way. He too thinks it has to do with the oil change reminder whose oil change interval is based upon the type of oil recommended by the car's manufacturer.
08-11-2017, 09:06 PM
#14
However, if his idea was based on the oil change minder, and he knew this, then this is what he would have said. Cause it's got nothing to do with sensors. But he didn't. So, I still conclude he had no idea what he was saying. Just spewing words. So, based on that, I still would find another mechanic because he didn't even question himself!
Last edited by davidc1; 08-11-2017 at 09:09 PM.
08-12-2017, 06:59 AM
#15
The bottom line is this - - it would have to be in the owner's manual if it were true.
08-13-2017, 12:08 PM
#16
And like that, Dave cuts through the clutter to the heart of the matter (as usual).
08-13-2017, 01:15 PM
#18
I have always gone with the thought that the person that created the product probably knows what they are doing. If they say to go with a certain product, I do. I don't try to think I am smarter than them. Mechanics seem to think they are smarter though, especially backyard ones.
08-13-2017, 03:42 PM
#19
The "mechanic" is an idiot. And is probably peddling high priced "super" oil of some sort. Recommendations are far different from requirements. Heck, Honda doesn't even require 91 octane gasoline. They recommend it. And they warn of damage using anything less than 87.
Anyone think you gotta use Honda motor oil? Anyone actually use it?
Motor oil is motor oil. If it meets API standards it's fine. You're not going to void any warranty in the USA by using conventional or synthetic oil. And the warranties on our cars ran out years ago.
-- Chuck
Anyone think you gotta use Honda motor oil? Anyone actually use it?
Always use [a requirement] a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended [recommendation] that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
as long as you own it.
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended [recommendation] that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle for
as long as you own it.
-- Chuck
08-14-2017, 05:50 PM
#20
Engineer "son" here. There is no sensor in an engine that can determine synthetic or convention oil. In fact, there is only a pressure sensor. Theoretically, if, say, milk could build pressure under the conditions, not break down (or boil for that matter) it'd be fine to run.
Nothing in the engine is sensitive to synth vs conventional, but, more surprisingly, nothing is really that sensitive to viscosity (weight). Which means, yes, you could run 0W-20 in an engine (of modern machining and design, of course) without a problem just as you could run 5W-20 or 10W-30.
Nothing in the engine is sensitive to synth vs conventional, but, more surprisingly, nothing is really that sensitive to viscosity (weight). Which means, yes, you could run 0W-20 in an engine (of modern machining and design, of course) without a problem just as you could run 5W-20 or 10W-30.