Synthetic or Conventional Oil?

I am debating on switching my oil from conventional to synthetic. I have about 97,000 miles on a 4.0 V6. What are the pros/cons? And is this a good idea to switch, or should I just stay content with the conventional?

 

Synthetic is nice if you have a short commute, live in a cold region, or if you really feel like stretching your oil change intervals. Keep in mind, synthetic oil "lasting longer" doesn't mean your oil filter plugs up any slower. I made the switch to synthetic at about half as many miles as your truck has, and no regrets. I feel it fires up smoother when it's cold, but that might just be the plecibo effect.

 

Either one will work to be completely honest. Synthetic is arguably "better" for your engine and helps protect against wear over time. Not to mention, you have longer oil change intervals. This is why many people use synthetic considering humans are lazy. It's a win-win with synthetic. Now, conventional is alternatively cheaper and does the job. As long as conventional oil is changed every 5-6k, it'll perform its job. Just change your filters out with every change and you'll be just fine.

 

Thanks for the info, I do not have a long commute and I live in Louisiana so our winters are not too intense. I mostly run 2 hrs south every weekend in the summer when it is scorching hot. I am due for an oil change and figured now might be a good time to switch to synthetic.

 

Mobile 1 synthetic or Valvoline High Mileage synthetic blend. Two very good options. The Valvoline is around $18 for 5 quarts at Walmart right now.

 

I use Mobil 1 synthetic and have been changing it every 6 months (~5,000miles). Everytime I do a change, the oil looks brand new ( still clear ). Been this way for the past 3 years. Never fails that the oil I drain out looks identical to the oil I put in when I put them side by side. I'll probably start doing oil changes once a year moving forward.

 

Amsoil here. Filter changes every 5K miles, with oil changes every 10K.

 

I recommend Mobile1 or Valvoline full synthetic. Highly suggest getting genuine Toyota oil filters. I drive a lot since I change the oil every 3 months @ 5k miles. My 4.0 runs strong.

 

I have used Amsoil 100% synthetic in every vehicle for the last 10+ years. It has a 25K mile service life and the Amsoil filters are 15K. I've had oil tested at 22K miles and it was still acceptable. I've also cut filters apart to inspect. To make life easier, I only do preventative maintenance on the family vehicles between Christmas and New Years. So, one oil change per year. Between 3 vehicles we average 15-20K miles each. No issues using Amsoil.

 

I use Mobil 1 synthetic on both of my trucks and my motorcycle and do oil changes at 5k miles or there about.

 

My 2010 Tacoma V-6, was recently converted to synthetic (at 88,000 miles), thank you @speedfreek. I used Castrol Edge. Jason checked it after 5,000 miles, and it looks new, but it was a half qt. low, so I added to it. No drips, either.

I think I am happy with it. I had done changes at the dealership at 4,000 miles approx. for all the truck's life before the synthetic change over. No engine problems ever.

 

Amsoil user here as well. I've been using amsoil since 2000 on my rides and never had an issue changing at longer intervals. if you switch to synthetic just try to get an oil test after your first oil change and see what your results are.

 

Still do your oil changes every six months, one problem is moisture build up in the oil, and also when you do your oil change, it will show if a problem is developing.

 

I use a OEM filter and a high quality synthetic, usually either M1 High Mileage or Pennzoil High Mileage. I still change the oil and filter at about the 5k Mark, oil and filter together cost about $32 so it's not a massive expense. I suggest that you send a sample to Blackstone of your next oil change and that may help you make your decision.

 

You only change your oil once a year, your asking for problems.

 

Depends on the conditions. If you live in Ontario, that may be true. Not so much in San Diego with relatively low humidity. It all goes back to the data. And like I said, I've had oil analyzed at 22k miles and it was still considered acceptable. Why would Amsoil market their product for 25K miles?

 

Oh boy, this again. LOL

To answer your question, I guess it depends if you are able to leave the oil in the engine long enough to reap the benefits of synthetic oil. Many people just can't leave it in that long. Can you?

The thing about synthetics is... you can extend your oil change intervals because synthetics resist thermal breakdown, resist shear, and typically clean better than conventional oils. In other words, synthetics do not lubricate better, they lubricate longer. Tons of tests have been done to measure the wear protection of motor oils, and... many conventional oils provided a far stronger oil film than some of the popular synthetic oils. So the conventional vs synthetic discussion does not involve "better lubrication." It's about the longevity of the oil. Running longer drain intervals places added demand on the oil filter, something to keep in mind.

Synthetics also flow better at very low temperatures, so people living in very cold climates will get quicker startup lubrication vs conventional oils.

For me, synthetics are worth the added cost because I can run longer OCIs, saving back the extra money and spending less time under the truck.

About once per year, Mobil offers $10 rebates on 5 quarts of Mobil 1 (usually 2 deals per household). I bought from Wal-Mart and got two 5-quart jugs for **$13 each** after rebate. That's crazy. Way less than conventional oil from a parts store. Kind of a no-brainer.

.

My Corvette owner's manual says to do a synthetic oil change at 7,500 miles or once per year, whichever comes first. I drive that car about 5,000 per year. What is the problem?

 

I've been using Mobil 1 since the 1st oil change. I change the filter every 5K and the oil every 10K. I'm at 176,000 trouble free miles. I'm not convinced synthetic is better, but it does last longer. I wouldn't go 10K between oil changes with conventional oil.

And up until May I was logging 20,000 miles a year on the truck. It is now driven less and I may start changing every 6 months regardless of miles. I probably won't put 10K a year on it at this point.

Synthetic does cost more, but if you double the miles driven before changing it actually comes out cheaper to use synthetic in the long run.

 

Mobile 1 Full Synthetic here. Using it since 10k mark on new truck. I'm at 25k now. Changing at 5k intervals and it always comes out dark.

Cold climate. Highway driving.