i was debating about switching from valvoline synthetic to mobile 1 extended performance. according to the website the mobile 1 oil can be changed every 15,000 miles or 1 yr whichever comes first whereas valvoline has to be changed every 4,000-5,000 miles. my question is if it is better to put a cheaper oil and change it more often or if its ok to use the mobile 1 extended performance and change less often. i average 2,000 miles a month
mobile 1 extended performance or valvoline synthetic
- Thread starter marcus8o8
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
RickC
New member
I would not run mobile one for 15k miles, but if the miles are all highway, then maybe 10k. There are several posts where oil has been tested after removal from vehicles to find it's breakdown. I run mobile 1, but I change it every 5k. BUT, most of my driving is short city stop and go driving which is harder on the oil.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
You should be fine pushing 8-10k on any synthetic with a good filter. I use the regular SUV/truck M1 and I go 8-9k between changes which amounts to about 10 months of time which is perfect for me but with any oil I don't feel comfortable leaving it in over a year but miles don't bug me so much as the time factor.
I put in fresh oil every 4,000 miles, so for that reason I do not use synthetic oil. I just can't bring myself to the kind of extended oil drain interval that would be cost beneficial when using synthetic oil.
That said, I would never go 15,000 miles with the same oil, regardless of the type or brand. I only put about 7,000 miles per year on my 4Runner, so that would be more than two years between oil changes!
That said, I would never go 15,000 miles with the same oil, regardless of the type or brand. I only put about 7,000 miles per year on my 4Runner, so that would be more than two years between oil changes!
The more I read about people's oil change intervals, the more I think I'll never purchase a used vehicle in the future. I've always been willing to spend more money by purchasing new, but at least I know the entire history of my vehicle, which is important to me because I intend on keeping it for many years beyond the normal warranty period.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
It all really depends on the individual and their truck. I've been following 8k oil change intervals for the last 6 years and the previous owner put in M1 back at 10k miles and went with oil changes every 6000 miles and I just expanded that by a couple thousand.
I just had the valve covers off and no sludge buildup and looked great underneath for a truck with 155k miles on it.
Also had it at the dealer for a water pump/timing belt change and a compression check and the Toyota techie said everything was in exceptional shape mechanically for a 12 year old truck.
I would never go past a year with any oil but up to a year is no biggie.
I run synthetic in the engine,tranny and gear boxes and will never go back to dino products and I've seen first hand the diffs between synthetic and dino oil and synthetic is the way to go.
I only see about 9000 miles a year on my truck and running dino oil wouldn't be cost effective and doesn't offer the protection in extremes especially the pourablity when the temps go below zero and resists burning when it gets real hot. I ran synthetic in my very modded turbo Eclipse and would never have trusted dino oil with the abuse my turbo saw.
I wouldn't balk at buying a used car that at least had reasonably detailed maintenance records. I do think going much over 10k miles on any oil is a bit much for my comfort level.
I just had the valve covers off and no sludge buildup and looked great underneath for a truck with 155k miles on it.
Also had it at the dealer for a water pump/timing belt change and a compression check and the Toyota techie said everything was in exceptional shape mechanically for a 12 year old truck.
I would never go past a year with any oil but up to a year is no biggie.
I run synthetic in the engine,tranny and gear boxes and will never go back to dino products and I've seen first hand the diffs between synthetic and dino oil and synthetic is the way to go.
I only see about 9000 miles a year on my truck and running dino oil wouldn't be cost effective and doesn't offer the protection in extremes especially the pourablity when the temps go below zero and resists burning when it gets real hot. I ran synthetic in my very modded turbo Eclipse and would never have trusted dino oil with the abuse my turbo saw.
I wouldn't balk at buying a used car that at least had reasonably detailed maintenance records. I do think going much over 10k miles on any oil is a bit much for my comfort level.
Right, and that's the key right there...everyone has a comfort level. Maybe I'm old school, but up until I got my 4Runner in 2004, I always changed my oil & filter at 3,000 miles. I realize that is the OLD standard and that newer cars are fine with extended oil change intervals (mostly due to improvements in modern engine oil), but I just can't bring myself to go beyond 4,000 miles. But since I drive my 4Runner about 7,000 miles per year, that's really only two oil changes per year.
The whole synthetic versus dino oil debate is something else entirely. I'm quite sure that synthetic oil is superior to dino oil, but I think the big benefit for synethic is the extended use. And since I refuse to extend my oil change intervals beyond 4,000 miles, it just doesn't make sense for me to use synthetic.
Autbond
New member
10k miles is definitely pushing it. The most I have ever run between changes is 7k, but I would definitely run mobil 1 and use their filter too. The filter was about $13 but it allowed my v8 to handle 7 full quarts instead of 6.5 or 6.6, so just for the capacity growth it is worth it. The more oil the less that oil breaks down. If you do this you can safely run about 9k miles between oil changes, but I would never keep oil in the car more than 6 months, even if you have only put 500 miles on it in that period of time. Mobil 1 is the best though so def go with it over Valvoline. I actually used the extended life, that says it will PROTECT for 15k, that doesn't mean it is good for the whole time. I really don't like the fact that BMW and even GM now are saying that the car can go 12K miles between oil changes with regular oil in the GM, that is ridiculous.
If you are going to keep the M1 EP in for 10K + then go with that, otherwise its really a waste. It most certainly can go the whole 15K or more as shown in UOAs on BITOG. Hell one guy with a Sequoia (same V8) went 16K in city driving and the oil was fine. Between the technological advances in oil/filtration and engines even 5K on synthetic is a waste these days. Dont listen to fanboys or naysayers, do your own research and draw your own conclusions based on your parameters.
I assume due to your mileage that it will be mostly hwy miles, so 6 months would be about 12K which would be a snap for M1 EP. Just make sure you get a good filter that can go the distance like the M1 EP 209 filter or a Baldwin P169071. An initial UOA to form a baseline would be helpful if you care to monitor the condition of the oil. I myself am about to switch to M1 EP in a couple weeks and will keep it in for 1 yr which is about 12K miles for me.
For those who doubt 10K + oil change intervals, check out the above link and browse the UOA section.
Agreed...I aim to change oil every 3,000 miles, so if I'm busy I still don't go over 3,500 or at the most 4,000. Sure it costs a little more changing so fequently, but people we're talking about vehicle where you've got tens of thoulsands of dollars invested. Changing oil a lot is the cheapest "insurance" you'll ever buy!
Another good reason to change your oil frequently is if you tend to make a lot of short trips, especially during the winter months, where the engine doesn't get to full operating temperature. That type of driving doesn't really allow the oil to "burn off" condensation in the crankcase. Like you said though, it is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy. I'll let the other guys play around with extended oil change intervals...my 4Runner is a keeper, so I don't want to gamble with the engine!
simple
Senior Member
The manual says 7500, so I think I'm good with 5000. I actually just changed from mobil 1 synthetic to valvoline synthetic, because various readings on the internet say valvoline is better these days. I put 5w-20 in but I think I'm going to switch back to 5w-30 once the winter ends. Also I think I'm going to do away with synthetic because I do change every 4600-5000mi.
Thats an interesting statement. Is there a difference between dropping your oil at 3000 miles without regard for its condition and analyzing your used oil to determine the longest interval you can safely use it? As long as the oil has TBN retention, is free of contaminants, and stays in its viscosity grade you are not gaining anything, but rather you are wasting time, money, and resources. I used to flip out if I drove 3001 miles without an oil change once upon a time.
Whats interesting is that Europeans have been doing extended drains for some time now and there is no evidence of an increase in oil life related engine failures. Whats even more interesting is that many types of both mid level and extended drain synthetic oils meet the Euro ACEA specs for extended drains, yet only the extended drain oils are marketed as such in the US.
Even the cheapest Wal-Mart brand dino oil is good to at least 5000 miles, which is Toyotas recommended OCI.
A lot of people tend to focus on the mileage interval, while ignoring the time interval. If my 4Runner was my only vehicle, it would surely have a lot more miles on it than it does now, but I've had it for 5.5 years now and am just under 35,000 miles. The way I see it, time is more important than miles when it comes to draining & refilling the oil in my 4Runner.
I believe that cheaper & more often is the way to go, but must be balanced with the time and effort involved.
So I go with Mobil 1 synthetic changed every 5000 miles. I do a lot of highway miles so this is every 2-3 months.
For me, 5000 is just about right as it's appropriate for tire rotations, cabin and engine air filters, and for lubing the drive train.
So if/when I find time to work on the 4Runner, it's not to difficult to carve out an additional hour or two (while the oil is draining) to handle the other things the come up. Makes for a nice evening when everyone is watching TV.
So I go with Mobil 1 synthetic changed every 5000 miles. I do a lot of highway miles so this is every 2-3 months.
For me, 5000 is just about right as it's appropriate for tire rotations, cabin and engine air filters, and for lubing the drive train.
So if/when I find time to work on the 4Runner, it's not to difficult to carve out an additional hour or two (while the oil is draining) to handle the other things the come up. Makes for a nice evening when everyone is watching TV.
Border411
New member
I have changed from Mobil 1 Extended Performance to Castrol Edge. I dont know if it is just mental, but I feel as though the Castrol allows my engine to run better. I also noticed that with the Mobil 1, I would burn about 1/4 quart throughout my 10k miles I would put on between oil changes, but I dont burn any with the Castrol. As I already stated, I go with 10K mile change intervals, and use the V8 Toyota filter on both my truck and my wifes Highlander.
4RunnerStunner
New member
My rule of thumb is when it is time to change my oil filter, it is time to change the oil. Oil filter life max is about 7,500 miles. I only go this interval when running synthetic oil. Currently I am running Amsoil 5w-30 so I will continue to check my oil from now til 7,500 miles before I change it. No one, and I mean no one should go over 10,000 miles on an synthetic oil change! I don't care what company claims are an what oil analysis say. All engine wear is different. And do not go over 5,000 miles on conventional oil. To each his own, but always check your oil at least once a week!
Lexusbstrdchild
New member
I would do mobile 1 but thats just me. slightly off subject, but have you guys noticed getting a different oil reading by the way you put the dipstick in? On mine it has a slight bend towards the end, and if it is put in with the bend down, it reads like 2 qts over filled! then when i reverse it and put it in with the bent side up, it reads right at the top dot which is where it should be. hopefully that made sense. does anyone else's do that? oh yeah its a 08 v6 sr5.
I see where you're coming from GMZ, I unfortunately made my statement in a vacuum and think further explanation is necessary. Not only is the oil being changed, but every other change includes having the vehicle given a complete check out by a master mechanic. Including but not limited to the brakes and remaining life, any suspension issues, check for shock leaks, coolant, tire pressure and unusual wear, tire rotation,etc., etc., etc.
Again I have no quarrel with, nor question the wisdom of anyone who chooses differently. Yes, it's not cheap going this route. However I'm more comfortable with too often, as opposed to the possibility of too little, and look at this as a bargain for knowing my vehicles are in top shape.
Last edited:
