Synthetic for low mileage

Hi,
I’ve been using regular oil on my 2013 v6 Double Cab Tacoma. I’m at 50,600 miles right now and wondering if I should switch to synthetic? I’ve read even with synthetic you should change it when you get to the date and then I’ve read you can wait a year to change it?
Is it worth going to synthetic?

 

Yeah man, no problem switching to synthetic. If you can afford it and feel better using synthetic go for it. I have a 2010 and have been using synthetic since 2012 and no issues with the engine. I change it every 6 months or 7,000 miles. That's just my preference though.

 

Synthetic, 10k changes assuming 'regular' driving (as opposed to severe duty).

And lab tests will show it doesn't matter if you go over a specific time period.

And no, there is no issue changing to syn or even back and forth. That's 80's mythology, along with 3k 3 month changes.

However, if you are a short cycle believer, doing regular duty, don't bother spending your $ for syn. Modern dino oils are quite good, especically for those changing them under 7.5k.

 

Yes, change it to syn. As for what mileage to change it at ... Most syn oil manufacturers will state to follow your vehicle's oil change recommendations. Only a few syn oil manufacturers will list a max mileage - Amsoil states their syn oil Signature Line can go up to 25K. Mobil1 Extended is rated up to 15K; their Annual Protection is rated up to 20K.

To best determine the oil change interval for any motor oil, submit an oil sample for analysis. A popular one is Blackstone. I use ALS Tribology; the company that tests the oil sample submitted via the Wix kit - which can some times be found on Amazon for under $15.
Check out this thread for member results: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/used-oil-analysis-reports-2nd-generation-tacoma.182294/
Looking at the various oil sample results, you can safely go to 7K on any reputable syn oil brand. Most of my results show I can go a little past 10K on Mobil1 High Mileage. I've changed to Pennzoil full syn and have not yet submitted an oil sample for that brand to determine the best oil change interval for me.

 

I switched to synthetic at around 40k and I’m about to roll over 100k with no problems but I stay with the 5k intervals. I did get a used oil analysis kit from blackstone for my next oil change tho.

 

synthetic
10,000 mile changes

 

go home.


Switched mine to full syn at 1k, been changing about every 7.5k (should look back at log, think I started at 5k then backed off) either way over 180k now. No engine issues.

 

Currently....my '14 has 84K on it.......sleeps a lot in the garage....

having other vehicles to drive...I change the oil once a year...about 7K miles

Use Wix#

$15 51516XP XP Oil Filter

51516XP synthetic rated filter....Walmart's Super Tech 5w30 syn oil

Why use dino oil for 3K miles.....some guys may wear out the drain plug....

Pic.......'Gilbert' napping..........

 

You were at 32,000 miles near the end of March, 2017: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/30k-service-maint-in-general-dealer-or-other-shop.482610/

At 50,600 miles now, that averages to 3400 miles in 6 mo., or 6900 miles in a year. Yearly oil changes will be fine with synthetic. OE filters are recommended - they are designed well and priced cheap at your local Toyota dealer.

 

Stick to dino oil. Less $ same result. Change oil every 5K.

 

I don’t think you’ll notice a difference if you change your oil every 5k. Toyota has been making 2-300 k engines running on mineral oil for decades. It might be better off to use low viscosity synthetic for differentials and transfer case in colder climates. I have no plans to switch from mineral and 5 k oil changes as the factory recommends. We moved a
Corolla with 150 k over to our son who ran it well over 200k on regular oil and changes and it still ran like a top. This synthetic fetish is worthwhile if you want to extend oil change intervals, live in cold climates or have newer engines that require it.
Otherwise, save your money.

 

Walmart Supertech Synthetic oil is $14 gallon..

 

yep.......buy it online at Walmart in a three pack......$14/jug & free shipping