Going Synthetic

I also saw Chris4x4's filter comparison and the Toyota filter is the only one I will use. I plan to keep my truck for a long time so thats a big reason I switched to synthetic.

 

is it true if you switch to synthetic oil you can't go back to conventional oil?

 

Put whatever oil in that you want as long as it meets or exceeds manufacturer recommendations.


Where'd you hear that and what's the theory behind it?

 

With the older synthetics this is marginally true. With the new synthetics you can switch back and forth. Here's a good explanation to answer the old mentality on synthetics:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/products/4213451

I'm running Mobil 1 5W-30 and change my oil every 7,500 miles. The oil still looks pretty decent at 7,500 and if I do a lot of towing or hauling, I change it earlier.

 

x2. If you're a costco member, or know someone who is, get the oil from there. Every few months Costco has coupons for IIRC $9 off a case of 6 qts of Mobil 1. Limit is like three per purchase, but you can go in multiple times and get more. I've never had a problem doing that. I always have a couple cases on hand and always keep an eye out for the coupons.

 

I've been running full synth since I bought her, usually I change around every 4000 and always change the filter at the same time, my truck is an investment and I'm never going to sell her.

Good info on filters here did not know that, thanks TW!

 

I switched to Mobile 1 on my first oil change. I buy it at Costco. They have a sale every few months $26 a case after a $10 off coupon that comes in the mail.

 

I need a sticker like that so no one tries to swap me back.

 

I have a few of those stickers. I couldnt get mine to stick there though. How did you get it to stay?

 

I can't remember... maybe try wipeing the area with alcohol first. If that doesn't work try double back tape.

 

That's a myth.

 

Ive been running Castrol GTX (non-synthetic) because it has always worked great in my vehicles. I change my oil every 5000 kilometers, which is pretty frequently and its never very dark/abnormal when changed.

Been thinking about switching over to synthetic because the price of GTX is only 10 dollars off Castrol Syntec and I make a lot of short trips (cold starts).

No filter I have seen is better than the OEM, seems like every aftermarket one is physically smaller even.

 

Have any of you experienced oil consumption with Mobile 1 or other synthetic?

 

SO ive been thinking about switching over to synthetic (mobil 1). Ran Toyota Oil and Toyota filter since it was new. Truck has 89,000 miles on it. Will i have any problems?

 

Nope, I switched to Mobil 1 at 35,000 miles.

 

Nope. Still has as much oil in it as is required. I used the Mobil1 5W-30 "Extended Performance" oil...they claim to be able to go up to 15K miles on one oil change...I probably wouldn't go more than 7K or so on one oil change.

When i check the dipstick the oil doesn't even look all that dark when i wipe it off. Maybe i really can use this a few more thousand than my regular 5K intervals.

but i get too paranoid...

 

How much have you guys been paying for OEM Filters?? I paid 3.85. My Friend owns a body shop and I used his account. That a good price

 

Modern mineral oils provide just as good protection at 3-5k so only go synthetic if you want to do extended drain intervals or for extreme temperature, e.g., arctic, use.

 

I put Mobil 1 in my 2011 at 1000 miles. I only drive about 6000-7000 miles a year, so I plan on changing once a year and the filter at 6 months. Toyota OEM filters at dealer for $4.50 ea.