So I decided to try and change my own oil on my 'new' (for me) 2003 Forester. This is will be my first attempt to do an oil change. After a lot of reading about oils, I decided on go for Pennzoil Platinum this time (got 5Q's in Wal-mart for $20) and may try AMSoil for the next change. Living in Colorado, I believe I will benefit from it especially in the upcoming winter months. So now, I have a few questions:
1. What is the recommended oil change interval for Pennzoil Platinum? Their label say to check out the owners manual but 03's manual does not have guides for synthetics other than stating to follow the same oil change guidelines. Obviously synthetic oil does not break down as dyno so I think I can go at least 10000 miles? Just want to get your thoughts. I know Mobil one does state on their label that their synthetic is 15,000 miles or 1 year.
2. Do synthetic oils need special oil filters or the regular ones should be fine? I got a NAPA ProSelct Filter (#21365) when I got a new crash washer there for the oil drain plug (20m). Are 'brand' filters any better/recommended?
3. Sometimes people say that you can keep using the synthetic oil for longer periods but change the filter every 3000 miles anyway. Is this true? If so, would changing the filer result in a leak while taking the old one off and putting a new one one?
1. What is the recommended oil change interval for Pennzoil Platinum? Their label say to check out the owners manual but 03's manual does not have guides for synthetics other than stating to follow the same oil change guidelines. Obviously synthetic oil does not break down as dyno so I think I can go at least 10000 miles? Just want to get your thoughts. I know Mobil one does state on their label that their synthetic is 15,000 miles or 1 year.
2. Do synthetic oils need special oil filters or the regular ones should be fine? I got a NAPA ProSelct Filter (#21365) when I got a new crash washer there for the oil drain plug (20m). Are 'brand' filters any better/recommended?
3. Sometimes people say that you can keep using the synthetic oil for longer periods but change the filter every 3000 miles anyway. Is this true? If so, would changing the filer result in a leak while taking the old one off and putting a new one one?