Oil and filter suggestions
 

Hi all,

I have a 1997 Avenger with a 2.5 engine with over 140,000 easy miles on it. I do most of the maintenance on the car myself. I am interested in finding out what grade and brand of oil along with filter most of you use. I have been using 5/30 Valvoline high mileage oil with a Purolator filter but would like to know what everyone else is using as I am trying to keep my car running well as this is the only car I have at this time.

Thanks

if you live in a cold climate, go full synthetic. do not extend the oil change interval.

I would not start using synthetic if it's been running fine with conventional for 140,000 miles. The oil and filter you are using is just fine. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just keep doing regular interval oil/filter changes and it will be fine.

switching to syn and oil leaks/consumption...I've heard the stories but imo, it's a myth. I've done it for all my used vehicles.

cold start protection is the only worthwhile syn oil benefit imo, so if you live in a warm climate don't spend the extra $

I live in South Carolina so it does get cold in the winter time. In fact, it is supposed to get down to 25 this evening but the car is in the garage. Also, what brand of oil and filter would you suggest? I was thinking about Valvoline 5x30 synthetic blend with a Wix filter which O'Reilly's has on sale now.

That is a good combination. As long as the oil meets the manufacturers requirements stated in the owners manual. Oh and SC is not a cold climate area. We're talking like Canada and in the negatives where block heaters are a requirement. I live in NC and even though it may get in the teens a few times in the winter, that does not change the oil requirements.