On Sat, 11 Oct 2003 17:04:16 GMT, "Nino Nospam" <Nino.Nospam@ihaw.com>
wrote:

>I bought a new 2003 Honda CRV, and now it's time for an oil change.
>(8,000kms are on the odometer)

Isn't it a bit early... unless you've done lots of short trips?

>Is synthetic oil a good idea? What are the advantages and disadvantages of
>synthetic oil, and is it worth the extra expense?

There's no single answer here - the controversy continues:-)... and it does
depend on your driving habits whether it's worthwhile. If you do lots of
short trips you need to change the oil more often anyway, which a mineral
oil will handle fine. No point in wasting $$.

>If I do install synthetic oil, do I have to flush the engine first?
>What's a good brand name of 5-20w synthetic oil to use?

No need to flush and I wouldn't worry about the 5W/20 recommendation too
much. Choose the oil based on performance and if it's only available in
5W/30 use that. There's no doubt IMO that Mobil1 is the best freely
available off-the-shelf synthetic oil. Valvoline and Castrol synthetics
are not real synthetics anymore. See the Castrol "confession":
http://www.castrolusa.com/syntecresponse.html.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??