Oil change interval after switch to synthetic?

46runner

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For those who switched to synthetic motor oil, did you extend your oil and filter change interval from every 5000 miles?
 
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No, I go 5k. The only way you can safely go longer (IMO) is to send in a sample for analysis. 7.5k is usually a comfortable extension but again, a UOA will let you know for sure. This truck is pretty easy on oil and Im sure some will chime in and say go for it but for me, I like to get it up on a lift anyways every 5k and oil is cheap.
 
Not all synthetic oils are created equal. If you log onto the Mobil 1 web site, you will see that, depending upon the additives, some will have different recommendations for change intervals. So, in this example, it is not that you are using Mobil 1, but rather which Mobil 1. Amsoil, recommends 1 year/15,000. I believe if you look at other manufacturers, you will find they offer oils with different change intervals, as well.
 
So, as one can see, the answer to the question of synthetic oil change intervals is specific to the product you are using, as well as the application. Manufacturers may offer more than one product line. Be careful when reading and viewing comparison tests if one manufacturer is comparing their top-of-the-line product with another's entry-level...apples and oranges, even though both are synthetic oils. From an EPA/environmental aspect, it may better (and less expensive) to use the better product and extend your change intervals to 15-25K.
 
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I change all my vehicles, i.e. Charger SRT8, Ford Explorer Sport-Trac Pre-Runner and my Yota at 5000. I use Mobile-1 High Mileage. One of the main reasons I use the High Mileage Mobile-1, it claims to perform better in high heat situations. Living in Las Vegas, high summer temps, fine desert silt, stop and go driving, fast desert driving ect., are a few of the reasons I use this product. If nothing else, its cheap insurance and peace of mind.
 
Holy shit! I didn't know this existed. I always use Mobil 1 Extended Life with and extended life filter and I usually change at 10k. Damn, I may have to switch.

it cost the same to me as Mobil1

$78 with filter, shipped for Amsoil Signature.
 
For those who switched to synthetic motor oil, did you extend your oil and filter change interval from every 5000 miles?

First off I use Mobil 1/Toyota Filter and change at 8000km/5000mi interval. Sometimes more often. I believe that oil change intervals have more to do the climate you live in, the seasons and the rate you accrue mileage.

I live in a warm summer/cold winter climate. :canada: I may only put 7000km (4350mi) a year *BUT* where I live it can change from 86F in summer to -45F in winter.

During the winter months I find lots of condensation (read: whitish yellow sludge) under the oil filler cap and only changing your oil will get rid of that. So for me fresh oil in the spring after our 1-2 months of extreme cold is a must.

If you put 25k miles on during the summer months in long highway stretches then longer intervals would easily be achieved.

Remember your oil has three main functions lubrication (which any good synthetic will do beyond 5000mi), cooling and cleaning/debris removal of combustion deposits on cylinder walls and engine passages.

All oils have a limit of how much condensation of fuel and water they can hold before it starts to drop out as sludge.

My .02 oil is cheap and engines are expensive.
 
Almost at 14 months on Amsoil as of today. Amsoil recommends 25k or 1 time per year, just have not had time to change it.
Looking at the dipstick and I have not had to add any and it not terribly dirty either.
Personally I had to work my way up to this as going to sythentic will really clean out your engine. I started at 3k, then 2x changes at 5k then 7k and so on. Really depends on how dirty your engine is...
 
I usually do 3k miles even with synthetic. Just a personal choice for me and I love working on the rig.
 

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