Why the 5000 mile synthetic oil change interval?

Again I don't give a flying fuck what's "ok" if my vehicle consumes anywhere near 1qt per 1000 mi believe me the dealership will hate me so much that my truck will get a free 100k warranty or the more likely option would be another vehicle

 

I don't believe you. Many before you have attempted to hold GM's feet to the fire and have failed. As far as I know most vehicle manufacturers have this policy.

 

Because it's easier to tell people every 5k and not worry, perhaps? I assume you're talking about 2nd gen. Consider the engine tech is essentially a decade old. This whole 10k interval business wasn't around back when this engine first appeared.

All in all, I can get a few 5qt jugs of Mobil 1 at wally world for $23 bucks when its on sale. That makes an entire synthetic oil change run me under $30 and 10 minutes of time in my garage. I'm happy to abide by the 5k recommendation.

 

Well I owned a 4.8 2002 gmc truck and bitched enough until they gave me a 100k warranty on the motor for what I considered to be excessive lifter tap..... soooo yeah I'm willing to bet I'd get a free warranty or new car. If u can't finagle shit like that on something you know is a shit product then I'm sorry

 

Ford does too. I had a 5.4 F150 that used one every 1500. Ford said gas long as it was north of 1000 there would do nothing.

 

Back on the topic of TACOMAS....I'm with this guy, I run full synthetic (Mobile 1 Synthetic Extended Protection) for 10k miles. I change the filter every 5k miles and add half a quart during that change since you lose a lot to the old filter. The truck never really consumes oil even over a 10k interval. I bought a pack of 10 OEM filters a long time ago and only use those.

 

Yep, most owners who check the oil level frequently enough to notice consumption would probably take the practical route and just sell the vehicle.

This. The carmakers are banking that the cost x probability of catalytic converter replacement within the emissions warranty period will be less.

 

He is correct. I know that both Ford and Subaru also state that 1qt per 1k is normal. Hence all the lawsuits for Subaru. The service manager wont tell you that, but their internal tech docs will.

 

I read an article about a study that said extended oil change intervals were fine for the oil but carbon buildup in the oil contributed to premature timing chain wear in overhead cam engines because it is such a long run for the chain

 

GM v8 engines are notoriously noisy, many complain it sounds like a sewing machine. It doesn't mean there's an issue with it, such as lifter tap. But hey, if it got you an extended warranty, more power to you.


guys, manufacturers advise of oil consumption to avoid liability. Every engine goes through oil, whether its by burning it, return through the PVC, etc. As such, they will advise of consumption so that if you run it dry, they can say "I told you to check it." On top of that, back in the day engines tended to leak a lot more. They just leave the oil statement there, even if its exceptionally rare. My GTO doesn't burn oil at 122k, but it sure as hell says it can in the manual!

Bottom line, it's still good to be checking the oil regularly, even if you don't see a puddle after you park...and especially after your warranty expires lol.

I would believe this.

It's amazing how many people want to avoid oil changes. It's cheap (even with synthetic if you're doing it yourself), and an excuse to hang out in the garage, have a beer, and do some wrenching. All good things, I honestly enjoy it.

 

I followed this regime as well for many years, but decided it wasn't sufficient.

I now change engine oil/filter every weekend using only Royal Purple Oil and Royal Purple Oil Filters. While changing oil, I also rotate the tires and change the air filter using a dealer air filter. Windshield wiper blades are also replaced each oil change.
I change Transmission fluid once a month(filter too) using Royal Purple ATF and coolant every 3 months using Toyota SLL Coolant.
Brake fluid, Differential Gear oil, Power Steering fluid are also changed every 3 months as well. Toyota Dot 3 is used for the brakes; Royal Purple is used for the differential and Dex-III for the P/S unit.
Spark plugs are changed every 5K using Iridiums.
I am presently considering swapping out the A/C Condenser and Evaporator every 6 months. If I go this route, I will also replace the dash each time I replace condenser/evaporator. I presently replace the A/C compressor once a year, but may start changing that component every 6 months.

 

1. Hi, this is my first post in the Chevy forum.
2. 3000 mile OIC are great if you wish to waste money and oil. IMHO, they are irresponsible on all counts.
3. RTM
4. Blackstone labs is your friend if (A) you'd like to work with facts pertinent to your specific vehicle and engine or (B) you wish to make it a lot harder than it is.

 

For the single VVT-i, Toyota's change interval is every 5K. For the dual VVT-i found on 4Runners and FJ's, the change interval is every 10K. I use synthetic and I still change every 5K. It's so simple in our trucks and cheap enough to do(under $30).

BTW, 1qt of oil consumed between 900-1200 miles is acceptable per Toyota. They have a TSB out affecting certain years of their 4cyl 2AZ-FE engines found on a few of their models and if your car consumes a quart or less between those miles, it's "acceptable".

 

Six months since last service on my 2011, 4 CYL. Checked a Toyota website and it said synthetic 0W20 is good for 10K or 12 months. Just to be sure I called Toyota since dealer insists it has to have synthetic at about $10 quart and six month changes. Rep. took the party line and said my vehicle came with synthetic and if Maint. Man. says change every six months, that is what it means. Also stated that only certain engines are "certified" for 10K/12mos. Mine isn't certified, whatever that means.
Nowhere in my Owners Manual or Maintenance Manual does it state synthetic oil is required, only that it be 0W20. Does 0W20 only come in synthetic?
I put about 500 easy miles on my Tacoma every six months. Checked the oil and it is full on the stick and as clear as new oil.
I have a 2010 M-B and it uses synthetic oil and manual states 10K or 12 months. Dipstick checked every couple of months since it always reads full.
Get it serviced once a year and dealer is happy with that.

 

I had a '07Camry with the 2AZ that used a quart in 3300miles, drove me crazy, but i knew it was considered "acceptable". that sole thing made me glad the car was totaled @ 72k, i liked the car, but having to babysit a vehicle like that makes me crazy. I've NEVER had one use oil like that before.
Both my '08 DCSB and my '97 4Runner have over 200k, neither use oil at a rate that is noticeable when checking every week. my '11 Camry SE never used a drop either when we had it.

 

Because it makes them more money. Thats the only reason for the maintinence schedules.

 

Who said PT Barnum is dead?

 

What ever there chief. I still don't believe it.

 

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believe what you want... truth is truth

 

My wife's bmw535i has 10,000 mile change intervals. It burns about 1 quart between changes. I don't think that's too bad for a turbo engine with 139,000 miles. My taco 4.0 gets changed every 5,000. It doesn't burn any oil.