What oil do you like...

[flylow]

Okay I'm changing my oil and I want to go synthetic ? So what weight and brand do you like.
I live in Los Angeles so it's on the warm side no leaks 103k.

Thanx

[JDS60R]

You may not get an answer as oil threads sometimes get heated.
If you want a synthetic I will tell you what I tell my customers.
If you want to do it today use Castrol Edge in 5W-30

If you want me to do it you will get Amsoil SSO 0W-30

They will take the heat of your area easily.

Flame suit is on

[otis44]

I use Valvoline Synpower, 5/30 in the winter and 10/30 in the summer (I'm in KY). It's priced about like Mobil 1, Castrol, etc. that are available at the box stores. I ran Amsoil European 5/40 in the wife's TDI. It was a fine product and a cheaper alternative than the European Castrol available at the dealer, but with my Volvo's I have not been able to justify the added expense. I'd say whatever you use suit the weight to your climate, use an OEM or other quality filter, change it regularly and you should be fine.

[precopster]

There is a local respected oil company in Oz called Penrite. It has been around since Adam was a boy.

They make a very comprehensive range of oils: http://www.penriteoil.com.au

I have not had a problem with their oils. I have no valve noise in any of my cars and no sludge in my engines that I can see.

Even after a head gasket rebuild the lifters always quieten down after warm-up, even if all the oil has drained from them and they are "squishy".

I use the Repco branded Semi-Synth 10W-40 version of their oil. After 30,000kms on this oil my B6304 head is clean as a whistle, even if the valves are all bent, but that's another story......

[endothrow]

I use Valvoline Synpower, 5/30 in the winter and 10/30 in the summer (I'm in KY).

I do about the same thing for the seasons, but if I lived in an area that didn't really see freezing temps, I would run my Royal Purple 10w-30 12 months a year. Right now I change the oil twice a year (every 5,000 miles) and it coincides with the seasons perfectly.
The main item is full synthetic which is a must. It will last longer and keep your engine cooler, especially if you do the typical LA traffic!

[velorider]

I too won't suggest an oil but here is a great article from BodIsTheOil.com: Motor Oil 101 It's long but well worth the read. I too live in LA and spend most miles commuting in traffic going 0->40->5->20->0->55->10. After reading the article you can draw you own conclusion. I walked away switching to 0w-30 for the type of driving conditions I find myself doing here in LA.

Keep an eye out at your local autozone, they generally have syn oil specials. My favorite is 5 quartz Mobil 1 Oil plus Mobil 1 Filter for $27. I keep the filter for another car.

[Volvos rock3]

Valvoline Syn power 09 S80, or high mileage 02 V70 XC and chevy truck....swith weights with seasons, change it often

[priapism]

Castrol Syn 5-30 or Mobil 1. Mobil 1 is overrated but it's consistent, decent stuff that is available. I put Amsoil in the motorcycles. The most important thing is to go syn since it's a turbo.

[endothrow]

I too won't suggest an oil but here is a great article from BodIsTheOil.com: Motor Oil 101 It's long but well worth the read. I too live in LA and spend most miles commuting in traffic going 0->40->5->20->0->55->10. After reading the article you can draw you own conclusion. I walked away switching to 0w-30 for the type of driving conditions I find myself doing here in LA.

Keep an eye out at your local autozone, they generally have syn oil specials. My favorite is 5 quartz Mobil 1 Oil plus Mobil 1 Filter for $27. I keep the filter for another car.

Great website with very useful information. I will probably adjust my synthetic oil to a lower weight moving forward. Thanks!