Synthetic Oil

M

Mannheim62

New member
Hello again,

I have a few questions regarding Synthetic Oil. I have an '04 4Runner SR5 V-8 with just over 160k miles on it. My questions are as follows:
1. Is it to my advantage to switch to synthetic oil with so many miles on the truck, and will it improve gas mileage?
2. When changing to synthetic oil, is there any special engine prep that should be done or should I take it to the dealer and let them handle it?
3. Are there any pros and cons I need to consider before switching to synthetic oil?
If there's anything else I'm overlooking, please feel free to mention it.
As always, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
 
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#1 - You can switch to synthetic oil and back at any time. Doesn't matter the mileage. And it will NOT increase gas mileage.

#2 - No special engine prep. Just use it at your next oil change.

#3 - Pros - Synthetic oil IS a better oil. But the question is do you need it. For extreme driving (towing or off-roading) or extreme cold temps (-20 or colder)...then synthetic is a good choice. If you don't tow or go off-roading..or don't expose the truck to severe cold...then stick with regular dyno oil.
Cons - Synthetic oil is more expensive. If you don't need it..then you're wasting your money.
 
When going to synthetic you need to do a little research on the different types and blends.
If I remember right, Mobil 1 changed formulas a while back and only their high end 'advanced?' is the 100% original synthetic.

Sorta like Budweiser being beechwood aged. They throw a small chip in the big tank of beer to be able to say that.
 
MikeInNH said:
#1 - You can switch to synthetic oil and back at any time. Doesn't matter the mileage. And it will NOT increase gas mileage.

#2 - No special engine prep. Just use it at your next oil change.

#3 - Pros - Synthetic oil IS a better oil. But the question is do you need it. For extreme driving (towing or off-roading) or extreme cold temps (-20 or colder)...then synthetic is a good choice. If you don't tow or go off-roading..or don't expose the truck to severe cold...then stick with regular dyno oil.
Cons - Synthetic oil is more expensive. If you don't need it..then you're wasting your money.
Click to expand...
Thanks for answering my questions. I didn't consider cold temps.
 
Atlanta_man said:
When going to synthetic you need to do a little research on the different types and blends.
If I remember right, Mobil 1 changed formulas a while back and only their high end 'advanced?' is the 100% original synthetic.

Sorta like Budweiser being beechwood aged. They throw a small chip in the big tank of beer to be able to say that.
Click to expand...

Thank you, Mobile 1 and Castro have been mentioned a being good synthetics. You're correct, if I decide to switch, more research is in order.
 
For the 4th gen 4runner - I wouldn't use a 0w-whatever oil. 5w-30 is a better oil unless you the temps get down below -20 for long periods of time.
 
eddiebx said:
I'm thinking he probably meant 0w30...dropping down to 0w20 on an engine designed for 30 weight is probably not the hottest idea, lol.

0W-30 Synthetic Oil | Mobil 1â„¢ 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy
Click to expand...
That's what I'm thinking he means.

MikeInNH said:
For the 4th gen 4runner - I wouldn't use a 0w-whatever oil. 5w-30 is a better oil unless you the temps get down below -20 for long periods of time.
Click to expand...
I agree with that for the most part, the reason the updated 1GR-FE uses 0W-20 oil is because it uses Dual VVTi, the '14 Tacomas still have the single VVTi and still use 5W-30. (not sure how sensitive Toyota's VVTi is to viscosity, but I know other brands can be pretty sensitive to it and set codes and drivability issues.
 
Everyone has their own research and opinions on oil.

I can't remember where I read it, probably Bob the Oil Guy website, but the most interesting (weird?) claim is that synthetic oil degrades on the shelf, especially in cold climates.
 
One last question. With just over 166k miles on the truck, if I switch to synthetic oil, do I have to worry about oil leaks? If I've ask this question in my original post please disregard this one. I still haven't had my first cup of coffee this morning. :toilet: Thank you to everyone for your replies. I see I have some reading to do before a decision is made. Mike
 
Mannheim62 said:
One last question. With just over 166k miles on the truck, if I switch to synthetic oil, do I have to worry about oil leaks? If I've ask this question in my original post please disregard this one. I still haven't had my first cup of coffee this morning. :toilet: Thank you to everyone for your replies. I see I have some reading to do before a decision is made. Mike
Click to expand...

Nope you don't have to worry. The V8 is a solid engine and easy on the oil. I have never seen any oil consumption in 120k+ miles.
 
MikeInNH said:
#1 - You can switch to synthetic oil and back at any time. Doesn't matter the mileage. And it will NOT increase gas mileage.

#2 - No special engine prep. Just use it at your next oil change.

#3 - Pros - Synthetic oil IS a better oil. But the question is do you need it. For extreme driving (towing or off-roading) or extreme cold temps (-20 or colder)...then synthetic is a good choice. If you don't tow or go off-roading..or don't expose the truck to severe cold...then stick with regular dyno oil.
Cons - Synthetic oil is more expensive. If you don't need it..then you're wasting your money.
Click to expand...


Has synthetic oil been found better for vehicles that are used for many short trips 1-5 miles in cold weather?
 
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