Synthetic or conventional oil?
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usernameinuse
New member
Hardly any reason not to imo
MANY! opinions on this one. I'd say it depends. If you change oil every 3,000 miles and you're not burning oil, then it's probably not worth changing to a synthetic. I use a full synthetic and change my oil & filter @ 5,000 miles, but an oil analysis suggested I'm wasting money and could likely go at least 7,500 miles between changes. I use a high-mileage formula, even with only 85,000 mi on the car. I do this because it's a 2008 (i.e., old), I plan to keep it forever, and I'm hoping the oil really will condition the seals.
If you're having to top up between changes, a synthetic might help since synthetics are less volatile than mineral oils (i.e., depends on why it's using oil). There are many important factors, so I don't think there's a simple answer, other than if it makes you feel good, do it.
Oil analyses are informative and inexpensive. A WIX oil analysis kit (also good for transmission fluid) is currently $9.50 from RockAuto (you also pay postage on the sample; WIX 24077). An analysis is really the only way to make an informed decision and I think an incredible bargain at that price.
Synthetics are undeniably better oils it terms of shear, longevity, etc., but they might not be either necessary or an improvement for your specific situation.
See BobisTheOilGuy.com for another thousand or so opinions on this one.
If you're having to top up between changes, a synthetic might help since synthetics are less volatile than mineral oils (i.e., depends on why it's using oil). There are many important factors, so I don't think there's a simple answer, other than if it makes you feel good, do it.
Oil analyses are informative and inexpensive. A WIX oil analysis kit (also good for transmission fluid) is currently $9.50 from RockAuto (you also pay postage on the sample; WIX 24077). An analysis is really the only way to make an informed decision and I think an incredible bargain at that price.
Synthetics are undeniably better oils it terms of shear, longevity, etc., but they might not be either necessary or an improvement for your specific situation.
See BobisTheOilGuy.com for another thousand or so opinions on this one.
Absolutely not true.
Whiskey & Wrenches
Member
Synthetic is the way to go. My last car went for 472K miles, I would have hit 500 but some douchebag rear ended me. My goal is for my 4Runner to hit at least 300K.
earthrealm
Senior Member
I have a slightly different opinion, when i switched to synthetics from dino oil, the synthetic cleaned the engine, and swept out lots of dirt. so if there is a chance our engine isnt clean, on switching to synthetics for the first time, you may want to perform an oil change early enough say 1k miles/3weeks
Bumbo
New member
I did so much reading on this subject that I literally got tired of the subject.
At the end of the day I learned that yes, there is absolutely a difference in the quality and technology of the oil, but I still continue to use conventional and change it regularly before it starts to break down and offer less protection. Personally I am just good with that program.
Our 5th Gen uses synthetic from the dealer, but the 4th was born with and has never seen anything other than conventional over the past 200k+ miles.
I think my reluctance to change came more from the fear of having issues (if any) after switching to syn. Seals, cleaning, moving around debris… I don’t know. I figure I just leave good enough alone. Its got 200k on it, and it just keeps working. No need to complicate it and start adding new variables. My concerns could be 100% unfounded but that’s what I am sticking to.
At the end of the day I learned that yes, there is absolutely a difference in the quality and technology of the oil, but I still continue to use conventional and change it regularly before it starts to break down and offer less protection. Personally I am just good with that program.
Our 5th Gen uses synthetic from the dealer, but the 4th was born with and has never seen anything other than conventional over the past 200k+ miles.
I think my reluctance to change came more from the fear of having issues (if any) after switching to syn. Seals, cleaning, moving around debris… I don’t know. I figure I just leave good enough alone. Its got 200k on it, and it just keeps working. No need to complicate it and start adding new variables. My concerns could be 100% unfounded but that’s what I am sticking to.
WI_4Runner
New member
I take my V8 4th gen to a smaller independent shop for all my services. The gentleman who runs the shop used to head up a Toyota service department. He's adamant that Toyota's run clean and burn little to no oil so conventional is plenty fine, and it can even go 5,000 miles between changes.
I've been following his word without a single hiccup. Nearing 150k miles, conventional changed @ 5,000 intervals, works for me.
I've been following his word without a single hiccup. Nearing 150k miles, conventional changed @ 5,000 intervals, works for me.
The Yin
Member
synthetic
I'm been running synthetic since I got the runner (at ~70K) and have been doing my own oil changes (now almost 130K).
I don't have any issues with it and change at about 5000 miles or every 6 months. So for me spending the 50 bucks a year on oil isn't going to brake the bank. And if it extends the life of the motor and improves performance, that's cool to.
I'm been running synthetic since I got the runner (at ~70K) and have been doing my own oil changes (now almost 130K).
I don't have any issues with it and change at about 5000 miles or every 6 months. So for me spending the 50 bucks a year on oil isn't going to brake the bank. And if it extends the life of the motor and improves performance, that's cool to.
Bumbo
New member
If Syn makes sense then do it...
Now that I don’t daily drive this thing… I change once a year.
Last oil change was 02/2017 to 10/2018 and all I did was 703 miles and I went over a year.
Even with synthetic they say to change based on time… I would end up dumping out very expensive oil with low mileage on it. Another reason I just stick to conventional.
waypoint
Member
Quite a bit. PQIA conducts independent testing of motor oils and reports their findings here:
http://pqiamerica.com/PCMO_Sample_Summary_12_15_2016.html
Don't let the URL page name throw you off, it includes all 2018 test data. You'll see quite a few store brands that failed to meet API specifications, and you'll see wide variation in characteristics that reflect quality such as Total Base Number and additive concentrations.
waypoint
Member
Great data points, and you're in Ontario where weather gets chilly. What oil(s) do you run in your 4Runners?
ZebRuaj
New member
Gotta think the other way too. Conventional oil qualities have improved over the years also. Bobistheoilguy.com is a great way to spend numerous hours educating yourself. As with any forum, take everything with a grain of salt.
To me FWIW, synthetic and its qualities are a bonus if you like longer OCI (7500 - 10k), do constant short commutes, or live where the weather gets extreme cold or hot. The extra protection synthetic oils offer can help prolong the life of the motor. Plus you can often find yearly or quarterly rebates for the major oil brands, making the price difference to a synthetic a no brainer.
The maintenance light for our rigs is preprogrammed to blink at 4500, then solid at 5k. At 5k OCI, conventional oils are more than sufficient if keeping to the maintenance light.
For the folks on edge with older rigs pondering a change to synthetic, you can always try syn-blends for a few OCI's to see if there are any adverse affects before committing fully to synthetic. Most of the horror stories regarding leaks are because conventional oils were holding the motor together. The cleaning properties of synthetic wiped out the sludge in the leak prone areas. Can't blame synthetic oils for a neglected motor over its life.
My T4R is now at 175k. Bought it at 140k with 5k OCI quick lube histories. I've been running the red bottle Maxlife syn blend and follow the maintenance light. Never had any leaks, and still doesn't. HM oil just gives me the tinglies as I keep this rig til it rusts out.
Lastly, a quality oil filter is just as important as the conventional vs synthetic oil filter debate. I run the OEM Toyota filters. Buy them off amazon or ebay in bulk.
Bumbo
New member
I agree...
While you can’t blame syn for cleaning out the sludge and exposing existing issues… No point changing up my program and opening myself up to any potential surprises because I got adventurous.
If the sludge is holding it all together, I prefer to keep the sludge in place. It is after all, the glue that keeps on giving.
But that goes to the point I was trying to make… at 200k miles, I am going to leave good enough alone. That said, I do have a well maintained single owner truck with 200k on it. It’s probably low risk to actually switch but you never know.
While you can’t blame syn for cleaning out the sludge and exposing existing issues… No point changing up my program and opening myself up to any potential surprises because I got adventurous.
If the sludge is holding it all together, I prefer to keep the sludge in place. It is after all, the glue that keeps on giving.
But that goes to the point I was trying to make… at 200k miles, I am going to leave good enough alone. That said, I do have a well maintained single owner truck with 200k on it. It’s probably low risk to actually switch but you never know.
wc11
New member
I run 10W30 all year.
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