What type of oil is everyone using?

[genesiskevlar]

Last 2 cars Ive had have been sports cars, so Ive always used synthetic. When I went to the dealer and requested it, they were like, we dont use that, but we can get it for you. Is my dealership just dumb or does everyone just use regular. And for whichever you use, how often are you changing the oil at?

 

[DRS]

Mobil One Extended 5-20. Or Pennzoil Ultimate (secret dwindling stash) 5-20.

 

[Mark_888]

Dealer is not going to use synthetic because it costs more. Most Hyundai owners (not including Genesis/Equus) are not synthetic kind of people. However some Hyundai dealers do use synthetic blend on all their oil changes from what some members have said.

Mobil 1 is probably the best choice, because you can get it at a great price in 5-quart jugs at Walmart. There are some other good brands available also. Check your owners manual for oil change intervals required to keep your warranty. Since I only drive about 5K miles per year now, I change my oil once per year with Mobil 1 Extended Protection 5W-30.

 

[homeofstone]

I use Valvoline Synpower 5w30 in Genesis and my Denali. Mercedes E63 gets Mobil 1 0w40 euro formula.

 

[jarred52]

I use nothing but Mobil 1. The Genny 3.8 calls for 5w30. My dealer does not provide synthetic but charges me $20 for labor if I furnish my own oil and buy his Hyundai filter. That's a deal that I'm happy with. I had an early oil change at 1,500 miles to get the factory non-synthetic out and will have my next change 5,000 miles later. After that, I will go to a regular 7,500 mile change.

 

[Top Gear]

I use what the dealer puts in, which I think has been Valvoline, or could be the newer Quaker State now, based on their partnership. I follow the recommended schedule, too. This helps with any warranty claims I might have.

Besides, synthetics are unnecessary these days, and only invite people to rarely change their oil because they think the oil lasts forever, or maybe they think they're saving a few bucks. Just because the synthetic oil can go a longer time, it doesn't mean the engine likes to be running that long without fresh oil. Many oils are blends, anyway.

 

[NSXNEXT]

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w-20

 

[Mark_888]

I use what the dealer puts in, which I think has been Valvoline, or could be the newer Quaker State now, based on their partnership. I follow the recommended schedule, too. This helps with any warranty claims I might have.

Besides, synthetics are unnecessary these days, and only invite people to rarely change their oil because they think the oil lasts forever, or maybe they think they're saving a few bucks. Just because the synthetic oil can go a longer time, it doesn't mean the engine likes to be running that long without fresh oil. Many oils are blends, anyway.

The so-called "recommendation" to use Quaker State in the Genesis owners-manual (and elsewhere) is nothing but a paid advertisement. Dealers are not required to use Quaker State. This "recommendation" is not new and has been in all Genesis owner's manuals since 2009, and probably in other Hyundai's also.

Quaker State is a brand owned by Shell Oil Products US (SOPUS), which also owns Pennzoil. Outside of the US, Shell sells motor oil under its own brand.

Full synthetic oils are not blends of synthetic and non-synthetic oil. A blend of synthetic oil (Group III and above) and non-synthetic oil (Group II) is called a synthetic blend, and you can make your own blend by just mixing synthetic and conventional oil. Synthetic blends are not a 50-50 blend, closer to 75-25 (25% synthetic).

You may be thinking of synthetic oil sold in the US that is a blend of Group III synthetics (severely hydrocracked mineral oil) and Group IV/V Polymers and Esters. In the USA (unlike parts of Europe), Group III is legally considered to be a synthetic, and almost all synthetics sold in the US are 100% Group III, or contain a large Group III synthetic component.

By looking at MSDS statements filed in Japan (where they are required to list such things), Mobil I has among the highest percentage of Group IV/V Polymers/Esters of any API certified synthetic oil sold in the US (the high-end Amsoil product is not API certified). Most other synthetic oils sold in the US are 100% Group III, such as Pennzoil, Quaker State, Castrol, and Valvoline synthetics (not counting the percent of additives). But even for Mobil 1, the percent of Group IV/V synthetics is about 35%, but varies by viscosity and other factors, and is not the same for all Mobil 1 motor oils.

For people who do their own oil changes, the price difference between synthetic and conventional oil is so small at places like Walmart (maybe $10 difference per 5-quart jug), that it seem crazy to not use synthetic, unless one is on a short term lease and does not plan to keep the car. Dealers and other oil change places overcharge for synthetic, because they can.

 

[FastDEW1]

I am surprised these dealers do not offer Synthetic to their customers as an option. I know the dealer I use here in SoCal will gladly put Synthetic in at a premium. It is even listed on their standard price list. Pay more and get it. Seems many dealers are foolishly missing out on a business opportunity.

 

[RSPEC429]

I've ran regular M1 synthetic and Pennzoil Platinum in my R-Spec and the engine did fine on both. Any synthetic will suffice so go with whatever makes you feel good or with whatever is cheapest and readily available.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Midnightsun]

The V8 holds over 8 litres or about 8 quarts which is twice if not more than most cars out there. That being said, dino oil will be more than sufficient. My last oil change I went to a local garage and they used Castrol edge 5W 20 synthetic so this is likely what will go into her for the rest of her life. I got a great deal since he is a long time friend of mine. Oil change for $81 and I know he is going to put back ALL the retainers/bolts which hold the protection panels in place. Heck I cant even buy that much the oil on sale for that price up here in Canada as the 5L jugs go for close to $50 each.

 

[Mark_888]

The V8 holds over 8 litres or about 8 quarts which is twice if not more than most cars out there. That being said, dino oil will be more than sufficient. My last oil change I went to a local garage and they used Castrol edge 5W 20 synthetic so this is likely what will go into her for the rest of her life. I got a great deal since he is a long time friend of mine. Oil change for $81 and I know he is going to put back ALL the retainers/bolts which hold the protection panels in place. Heck I cant even buy that much the oil on sale for that price up here in Canada as the 5L jugs go for close to $50 each.

At Walmart in the US, Mobil 1 5W-20 is $23.88 USD for a 5-quart jug. That is 4.7 liters.

Castrol Edge synthetic is $24.97 for 5-quart jug. Mobil 1 Extended Performance is $26.68. Castrol Edge Synthetic Extended Performance is $28.68.

Conventional oil, Castrol GTX 5W-20, is $16.97 for a 5-quart jug at Walmart, which is less than $7 cheaper than Mobil 1 synthetic.

 

[jarred52]

Considering the price of the Genny (any version) and the fact that the engine in each is direct injected, I feel comfortable spending an extra $20 per oil change twice a year to get the best engine protection from carbon buildup that I can get.

 

[SKM348]

I'll be using M1 when the time comes around and change at recommended interval, and I'll buy the filter from them to get a record in their system. Like others, I don't mind spending the extra money for premium oil.

 

[Top Gear]

The so-called "recommendation" to use Quaker State in the Genesis owners-manual (and elsewhere) is nothing but a paid advertisement. Dealers are not required to use Quaker State. This "recommendation" is not new and has been in all Genesis owner's manuals since 2009, and probably in other Hyundai's also.

Quaker State is a brand owned by Shell Oil Products US (SOPUS), which also owns Pennzoil. Outside of the US, Shell sells motor oil under its own brand.

Full synthetic oils are not blends of synthetic and non-synthetic oil. A blend of synthetic oil (Group III and above) and non-synthetic oil (Group II) is called a synthetic blend, and you can make your own blend by just mixing synthetic and conventional oil. Synthetic blends are not a 50-50 blend, closer to 75-25 (25% synthetic).

You may be thinking of synthetic oil sold in the US that is a blend of Group III synthetics (severely hydrocracked mineral oil) and Group IV/V Polymers and Esters. In the USA (unlike parts of Europe), Group III is legally considered to be a synthetic, and almost all synthetics sold in the US are 100% Group III, or contain a large Group III synthetic component.

By looking at MSDS statements filed in Japan (where they are required to list such things), Mobil I has among the highest percentage of Group IV/V Polymers/Esters of any API certified synthetic oil sold in the US (the high-end Amsoil product is not API certified). Most other synthetic oils sold in the US are 100% Group III, such as Pennzoil, Quaker State, Castrol, and Valvoline synthetics (not counting the percent of additives). But even for Mobil 1, the percent of Group IV/V synthetics is about 35%, but varies by viscosity and other factors, and is not the same for all Mobil 1 motor oils.

For people who do their own oil changes, the price difference between synthetic and conventional oil is so small at places like Walmart (maybe $10 difference per 5-quart jug), that it seem crazy to not use synthetic, unless one is on a short term lease and does not plan to keep the car. Dealers and other oil change places overcharge for synthetic, because they can.

Awesome response!

I think even the Walmart guy changing his own oil is a questionable case for a full synthetic. Again, all the arguments pro-synthetic encourage this guy to go 10k+ miles, perhaps much more, on his changes, which is not good for the engine, even if the oil can take it. It may void his warranty, and we can only hope the guy will recycle responsibly instead of being lazy. If it's an older car past warranty, then switching to synthetic is a decidedly dumb false benefit.

Unless the engine is broken in on synthetic and has very tight tolerances, such as a racing application, switching to synthetic even in our proud Genesis is, pardon the pun, snake oil. You can get a better mileage increase by simply using premium gas and keeping fresh oil in the engine using the regular intervals - I wonder how many people bragging about their synthetic oil turn around and pump cheapo gas (and claim gas doesn't matter), never change their filters, run low tires, and so on. The whole synthetic deal is an easy way to excuse bad habits in consumers for something that is unnecessary and questionable. I once ran Mobil synthetic in a sport motorcycle and all it did was get me burned out valves, eventually.

All branded oils today are so good, they can all go 10k miles, so it's just not the issue it was long ago, but the marketing claims still push the same fear-mongering. All you have to do is change your oil with virtually any major brand within 3-4k miles and the engine will be happy. Doing it through the dealer, as long as they're not overcharging, is also very wise for long-term care. Otherwise, Grease Monkey and other quick services are a great way to go (just don't fall for the add-on costs) since they do all the recycling and check a few other things while you're there.

 

[4104]

Our local Hyundai dealer charges $47 for a genesis oil change including tire rotation and a good check over.

 

[Monolith2001]

I am surprised these dealers do not offer Synthetic to their customers as an option. I know the dealer I use here in SoCal will gladly put Synthetic in at a premium. It is even listed on their standard price list. Pay more and get it. Seems many dealers are foolishly missing out on a business opportunity.

My dealer does offer it for additional cost. I decided to go with their default blend as the cost is significantly less. I stopped changing my own oil when I could afford to buy nice things. I get my oil changed often enough that the best properties of Synthetic (reduced breakdown) are kind of wasted. If I was stretching oil changes or running my car hard to generate a lot of heat, I'd go synthetic. This is one of those Premium vs Regular Unleaded type things where people will ultimately decide based on how they feel and use their vehicles than on some significant difference.

 

[dareckibmw]

Mobil 1 full synthetic on my 4th car now, since 2001.

 

[Mark_888]

Awesome response!

I think even the Walmart guy changing his own oil is a questionable case for a full synthetic. Again, all the arguments pro-synthetic encourage this guy to go 10k+ miles, perhaps much more, on his changes, which is not good for the engine, even if the oil can take it. It may void his warranty, and we can only hope the guy will recycle responsibly instead of being lazy. If it's an older car past warranty, then switching to synthetic is a decidedly dumb false benefit.

Unless the engine is broken in on synthetic and has very tight tolerances, such as a racing application, switching to synthetic even in our proud Genesis is, pardon the pun, snake oil. You can get a better mileage increase by simply using premium gas and keeping fresh oil in the engine using the regular intervals - I wonder how many people bragging about their synthetic oil turn around and pump cheapo gas (and claim gas doesn't matter), never change their filters, run low tires, and so on. The whole synthetic deal is an easy way to excuse bad habits in consumers for something that is unnecessary and questionable. I once ran Mobil synthetic in a sport motorcycle and all it did was get me burned out valves, eventually.

All branded oils today are so good, they can all go 10k miles, so it's just not the issue it was long ago, but the marketing claims still push the same fear-mongering. All you have to do is change your oil with virtually any major brand within 3-4k miles and the engine will be happy. Doing it through the dealer, as long as they're not overcharging, is also very wise for long-term care. Otherwise, Grease Monkey and other quick services are a great way to go (just don't fall for the add-on costs) since they do all the recycling and check a few other things while you're there.

Even though a synthetic can last longer than a conventional oil, it has lots of advantages beyond longevity. So even if one adheres to the recommended oil change interval of 7500 miles (3750 for extreme service), I personally still think synthetic is the way to go. I usually change my oil every 5000 miles, which is about 12 months for me.

But I do understand that a lot of places rip people off if synthetic oil is specified, even though the actual cost of synthetic is not that much more than conventional oil, as I documented in a post above. Personally, I change my own oil, so it costs me about $8 more for synthetic oil purchased at Walmart (my 2009 Genesis V6 uses only 5.5 quarts). BTW, I would not let the Walmart auto department touch my Genesis, I am just talking about buying bulk oil at retail.

 

[Aquineas]

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30, though I change at about 5K miles.