Help?

Ok since getting married and being on a budget and all. My wife wants me to start doing the manly stuff related to cars and trucks. I have never serviced my vehicles just my 4wheeler and lawn mowers. So here is my question, I am wanting to go to synthetic oil, what brand do ya'll suggest. Also I am gonna do brake pads. Any other suggestions on those would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....

 

Mobile 1 FTW!

 

oh god not another synthetic oil question....

Its all opinion really, personally I've used mobile 1 and the Pennzoil platinum. Compared to regular oil, they are both worth their weight in gold. Any synthetic is good really.

Don't cheap out on brake pads though. Get a good medium priced brand name kind if your looking to save some cash. but the super cheap ones eat through the pads and you lose money in the long run. Plus shitty stopping power.

 

Don't worry much about oil brands - just get any reasonable synthetic at a good price, and make sure the weight is correct. You can go deeper into the oil rabbit hole if you want - but I wouldn't recommend it, no good can come of it.

As to working on your truck, get a good manual - the Chilton's is all right. You can also download the factory service manual here, they have one for your exact truck: Read a lot, make sure you have good tools (cheaping out on the tools is the fastest way to become frustrated or mess up while working on a car), take pictures as you go, and don't be afraid to ask for help. I taught myself how to work on cars, coming from a family that didn't do much of that, and after a few years I'm now comfortable doing darn near anything to my vehicles!

-Sam

 

thanks guys. One quick question, when switching over to syn should I do a syn blend first. Im really not sure what pre-owner was using.

 

Advice is worth what you paid for it....

When you change the oil, remember to change the filter. You need a special wrench for that.

There's a gasket on the oil drain plug that's replacable. Some folks re-use it but if it's not in good condition or chipped or scratched, it'll leak there.

Be careful when re-threading the drain plug back into the pan. If you strip those thread, it'll leak and you'll hate your life and divorce your newlywed wife before the honeymoon is even over.

Find the "how to change your oil" sticky here on this site. It'll show you how to route a plastic tube so you don't spill oil all over yourself when changing the filter.

It's illegal to dump used motor oil, collect it in a plastic jug and return it to the auto supply that sold you the new oil.

EDIT: I don't know why you would do this, but sometimes people do funny things. At any rate: do NOT start the engine while there is no oil in it!

 

Don't laugh - no I have not done this, but there are several that have... when pulling the drain plug, make sure you are pulling the OIL drain and not the tranny drain plug.

 

x2...about starting another 'what's best oil thread'... but whatever you do select one that's widely available and you won't be frustrated when on the road and you can do your oil change on nice weekend afternoon at your convenience. There are lots of exotic boutique oils people just love and are, I'm sure, just fine but you won't find them easily.

Mobil 1 and Penzoil Platinum or especially Ultra are terrific synthetics that equal or exceed the exotic boutiques and are widely available at lots of chain auto stores and WalMarts.

Oh, and one other thing: synthetic oil offers you nothing if you aren't going to extend drain intervals. If you're sticking with 5K, then also stick with a quality petroleum oil.