Oil Additives

[Righteous Brother]

Hi there.

Does anyone have any experience using oil additives such as STP in their Elantras? In my previous vehicle (GM V-6), I used STP as an additive to the oil since day one. The engine ran quiet and relatively cool. Also, living in NW Wisconsin, we endure some pretty cold temps during winter. My thinking with STP is that it keeps a very thin coating of lubricant on the metal surfaces which is real handy when starting your engine in -20F temps.

Or is synthetic really the way to go?

Trying to avoid the cost of synthetic as I change oil & filter every 3.5 - 4K miles (severe conditions per the manual).

Your thoughts?

RB

[someguy]

If you are using a high quality oil then it already has an additive pack and additional additives are not needed. I only use synthetic oil in my car because I feel it offers better protection.

[Michael_V]

Tolerances in today's engines are tighter than before thanks to advancements in technology. STP helped stop the clacking in my old Detroit heavy metal vehicles. Used 20w 50 graphite oil in my '82 318 Dodge van. It took a while for me to switch my way of thinking, but I now put 5w 40 in my cah without any second thoughts. STP, not required.

[austex04]

I would never use oil additives unless I was having problems. Most motor oils have good additive pkgs in them. Extended life synthetics usually have the most additives in them, in addition to cleaning additives. I have been using the 5qt jugs of mobil 1 ep that I buy at Walmart for $28. Once my warranty is up, I'm doing oil changes every 12-14k miles, since I already use this type of oil.

[Not_My_Elantra]

if that thing really coats inside of engine, i'll make 2000hp elantra out of 1.8liter running pump gas

[Righteous Brother]

OK OK, I'll admit that was old school thinking on the STP. I think I'll just stay with the standard oil.

My dealer has a program where if you have all your maintenance done at the dealership, they will give you free tires for life. These Hankook's are expensive so I thought I would just have them do the maintenance and then save on tires later.

That's why I didn't want to go to synthetic, because they charge over $70 for an oil change with Mobil 1.

Thanks for the feedback.

RB

[markjenn]

Certain additives may be helpful in unusual circumstances, but in general, they're mostly snake oil.

STP is basically a viscosity improver - it raises the viscosity of the oil you pour it into. Which defeats the purpose of using the correct oil viscosity to begin with.

- Mark

[regor]

I've been using tufoil for at least 25 years in my vehicles with no issues. Apparently does as stated-runs quieter and improves mpg.

[OkieRich]

When you get bored to tears or can't sleep: - Bob is the Oil Guy
More than you'll ever need or want to know regarding oil/change intervals/viscosity/brands.

For about $35 you can buy synthetic and a Hyundai oil filter. Do it yourself if you're so inclined. Change every 5,000 miles with no worries. Take the extra $$ it would have cost at the dealer for synthetic and put it away for future tire purchases. Doesn't take long to add up!

[Propflux01]

Okie, I must be boring because I'm on BITOG all the time!


But on the intervals and oil, we think alike. Any preferred brand of oil and 5K intervals.