What engine oil do you guys use for the 2011 Hyundai sonata? The manual does not recommend synthetic oil. The service guy at my dealer insisted that synthetic oil is the best idea. My dealer gives me free regular oil change but charges $42 for synthetic oil and $28 for synthetic additives. I wanted to know if there is a potential benefit. I read the dated consumer report on the difference between regular and synthetic oil and they came out saying that the difference is insignificant. Let me know what your thoughts are. Will appreciate any response. Thanks.

 

If you change the oil every 3,750 miles according to the severe maintenance schedule, I think using full synthetic is a waste of money.

 

For a daily driver that is kept on a 'severe' maintenance schedule, regular dyno oil is fine. I prefer Valvoline, as it is one of the few oils that still has zinc as an additive.

If you had a lead foot, turbo, hauled heavy loads, did short-haul delivery.... synthetic is worth looking into.

Save your bucks, and purchase a better oil filter....

 

Thanks guys, that answers my question.

 

As a follow-up, I'm curious as to what grade you all are using. 5W20, 5W30, or 10W30? If you've tried more than 1 of those grades, have you recorded an mpg difference?

 

I'm utilizing the factory-recommended 5W20 in my '09, 4 cyl.

 

Thanks, Jim in Indy. I take it you're pleased with the results? I used Valvoline in the Mazda we traded for the Sonata, and was extremely pleased with the results using it.

 

Valvoline is one of the few oils that still has a small quantity of zinc in it, (Shell Rotella is another), and yes, it's been good for me. I'm the guy that puts 300,000 on a car over 15 years....

I have one vehicle that runs a synthetic... a 1970 Mustang Mach 1, 428CJ. I've had it longer than the wife....