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I was going to do an oil change myself, and I was wondering if I should spend the extra money on a Mobil filter for about $10, when I can get some cheap, generic one for around $2-$3? Does it make much of a difference? Also, does synthetic oil help much over regular 10W-40? Thanks. >>
First advice on oil brand, stay away from Penziol. Penzoil is like
Microsoft, may not be the best product but they have the best marketing
team

I normally use Castrol synthetic blend.
In all honesty it isn't going to make that much difference what oil
filter you go with.(except Fram diesel filters- stay away from them
if you have a diesel)
Synthetic oils make engine wear almost non-existant. Most owners
manuals tell you not to use synthetic oils until after the break
in period. This is because the engine may not break in if you use
synthetic right away. Also synthetics come in different weights than
regular oils, probably want to just stay with a 10w-30 or 5w-30.
DD