Kizashi maintenance

[Sarahlu03]

I am not a "car" person really, basically I know where the bug juice goes and thats about it... when it comes to under the hood stuff! haha
But after several problems with my Kizashi but hopefully they are all fixed (my transmission went out but now fixed, after a VERY VERY long and painful story) but I will soon be coming up on my first oil change, which the dealer gave to me free... but I was wondering, would it be better to switch to synthetic oil? I have never had a car with that in it but have heard of very good things, but also bad as well... can someone please help. Also I have read several things about the K&N air filter... would it be better to switch to one of these? instead of the stock filters? Ive heard about that they make oil filters, should I switch to that as well? Do you just order off line? Also is there anything else I need to be aware of with the maintenance?
Thanks for your help!

[Moto]

Based on everything you just said I would likely avoid K&N products. Their products are somewhat performance based in nature and probably don't do as good of a job filtering the air/oil going into your engine. Their products also cost about double with little benefit unless you push your car. In some cases you can slightly increase your mileage, but I don't know that you would offset the cost of the filters. I do have a stock replacement K&N air filter in my car, but I wouldn't necessarily push it on anyone.

Synthetic oil is good in cold climates. It doesn't get as thick when it gets really cold. (below 0 degrees F). It also doesn't break down/burn as much if you really push your car. I always run synthetic, but I also do all my own work. If you pay to get your oil changed they really nail you on Synthetic oil. $50+ per change in most cases. One other note on the oil is that you shouldn't switch brands or oil types very often. Pick something and stay with it. If your getting your oil changed at a shop they are always in a hurry and don't always let all the oil run out of your car. It wouldn't be great to have two different types of oil in your engine. Typically it won't cause a problem, but it is best to avoid if possible.

Good luck with your car from now on.

[Schuzuki]

K&N filters are designed to be cleaned and reused. They use a cotton type filter medium that is oil impregnated to trap the dirt particles. They don't filter the really fine particles, but flow better, allowing more air into the engine and more power out. If you carefully clean them once a year and reoil them properly, they will quickly offset their initial cost difference. The dangers come with improper re-oiling which can allow oil into the MAP sensor and cause failures and SES lights..

Synthetic oils are more expensive (still after 30 years) than "dino" oil. The advantages are uniform molecule size and structure (hence better starting in cold weather). The uniform structure also contributes to better lubrication. Our Kizashis came from the factory with conventional oil, and you probably won't notice much difference between the two, except in cold starting. Again, it's your preference. Even the manufacturers are recommending up to 6 months/7500 miles between changes under normal conditions, and that's with "dino oil".

[vwoom]

One other note on the oil is that you shouldn't switch brands or oil types very often.

Once you switch to synthetic from dino..it is preferable to stay synthetic using the right grade/weight as per Suzuki spec for the Kizashi...5w30 if I'm not mistaken.

Regarding brand switching though...even between HDEO and PCMO types in gas engines, totally harmless.

Just ask the vets over at BITOG. The current popular buzz for PCMO...Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra. HDEO otoh, Rotella T6...

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/cms/

Personally, I'd go for the all time BITOG fave (long time/current syn oil fill in my 1.8T), the vaunted "green" German Castrol Syntec 0W30 (available at Autozone).

For all other synthetic brands, for the best prices...Wally's World is your best friend.