Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil

[Ruttiger]

Just wondering about synthetic versus conventional in my 2103 Rav4. Came from the factory with synthetic and was told not to change to conventional. Is this legit? Pros/cons?

Thanks CP.

[Boblobla]

By 2103 I am pretty sure we will be using something different.

[Ruttiger]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

By 2103 I am pretty sure we will be using something different.

If I'm still driving in 2103 the Oilers had damn well better have completed the rebuild by then.

[Muta]

Use synthetic over conventional; it'll last you longer between oil changes and is only slightly more.

[Ruttiger]

Originally Posted by Muta

Use synthetic over conventional; it'll last you longer between oil changes and is only slightly more.

Well, I've found slightly to be close to double in my experience.

[pylon]

The only possible reason you would have not to use synthetic, is because you are a penny pinching cheap ass. It is superior in every way shape, and form, and will likely double the engine life. Engine failures are becoming increasingly rare, now that most manufacturers are now making synthetic oil a warranty requirement.

The only con of synthetic oils is cost. Period. /thread

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

Just wondering about synthetic versus conventional in my 2103 Rav4. Came from the factory with synthetic and was told not to change to conventional. Is this legit? Pros/cons?

Thanks CP.

Does it have a computer that shows you when to do an oil change? synthetic lasts a lot longer, mine goes at least 10000k before it tells me to change...just use the synthetic, it's not costing you anymore $$$.

[HockeyIlliterate]

It is my understanding that synthetic allows for easier cold starts...particularly when the car is starting in very cold weather.

[btimbit]

It's not like the old days where you couldn't keep switching back and forth, but I'd stick with it. So many benefits to synthetic it's not worth missing out on. Especially if your manufacturer recommends synthetic.

If you're thinking about it purely from a cost point of view you shouldn't have any trouble going to conventional oil, but keep in mind it won't last as long so might not be any cheaper anyway.

[Ruttiger]

Originally Posted by pylon

The only possible reason you would have not to use synthetic, is because you are a penny pinching cheap ass.

This is me, in a nutshell, as my wife has just resigned her job to stay home with our 16 month old.

[BigNumbers]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

This is me, in a nutshell, as my wife has just resigned her job to stay home with our 16 month old.

Then change it yourself with an on-sale, Toyota approved synthetic. You can do it from Walmart for under $40.

Check your manual, as if they require synthetic, you will void your warranty using conventional.

[Hevishot]

If the vehicle was broken in with synthetic keep using it. If it was broken in with dino oil use that. Its not an 8L oil change for a rav 4 so the cost should not be an issue.

[REDVAN]

Doing it yourself is hardly worth it- unless you actually can find the oil on sale.

[GoinAllTheWay]

If I had a newer car, I'd be all over synthetic. My current car is an 05 with zero signs of engine leaks. Think I could still switch?

[firebug]

Watch walmart for sales on synthetic. I often can pick up a gallon for $25 and then get the mobil 1 filters for $10 when they are on-sale at canadian tire (or amazon). Most dealerships will then use these supplies to change my oil when I bring the vehicle in (maybe 15 or $20 in labour) so you are looking at $55 for a full synthetic change that should last you 4 times as long as a conventional change (20k vs 5k).

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

If I had a newer car, I'd be all over synthetic. My current car is an 05 with zero signs of engine leaks. Think I could still switch?

Do it. I just bought an '05 Cavalier with 235 000kms to wrench on and flip, switched to synthetic and it runs smoother, quieter, gets better mileage, and groans less on really cold startups.

That engine leak thing is largely a myth. If you switch to synthetic and it suddenly starts to leak, that just means you had bad seals anyway.

[Hockeyguy15]

Negotiate free oil changes for life next time. I didn't even ask for it when I bought my used Tundra, they offered it up front.

[keratosis]

My Caddy is synthetic only. After the warranty runs out.
I may get cheep.

[AndyL]

The crappy tire - Formula1 sythetic is often on sale for 19.99/5L (made by shell) gets good reviews over at bobistheoilguy forums.

So if it meets your ratings - run it

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by btimbit

That engine leak thing is largely a myth. If you switch to synthetic and it suddenly starts to leak, that just means you had bad seals anyway.

Oh I know it wouldn't create a new one but could expose an existing one that may not have shown up if not for switching.

But if an 05 Cavallier with 235k can handle it, I like my odds on an 05 Mazda that JUST broke 100k.

Think I'll make the switch.