PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

i use penzoil, every 3000 miles, should i switch to synthetic. i see that everyone on here uses mobile 1 synthetic every 5000 miles. so i was just wondering. i have a 2k by the way if it matters

95bluse

iTrader: (1)

I think we're all wondering why you haven't as yet?

By all means go ahead!

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

whats the difference??

skandalouz

iTrader: (2)

i dont think it's really gonna matter now....... i think if ur going to use synthetic... ur supposed to have used synthetic from the beginning....
from what i understand, using synthetic after years of using regular oil doesn't help at all...

skalberti

I have an 00 SE and I have been using mobile 1 for the past 20,000 miles. I have 62,000 right now. I think most people are using the 5W-30 , but I use the 10W-30 . The motor is smoother and quieter and it doesn't get cold enough where I live to warrant the 5-30. Also I use the Wix premium gold oil filter. My dad has a new vette and a guy in his C5 forum did an extensive study on the oil filters and the filter medium used. Wix was one of the top that fit my car. Good luck!

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

so should i not worry about it??

Mick Max

A lot of engineer types think you shouldnt put syn in until 3-6k mi. Mineral oil could be better for seating rings and so on. With the modern syns it is ok to start using them even at higher miles.
Advantages; less engine wear, less breakdown in high heat, easier flo in the cold, longer change intervals, I go 6-7K.
Only time it doesnt make sense is if you are burning or leaking a lot of oil. Then it gets too spendy

ssheltz

Using a high quality oil is always a good idea. Synthetics wll reduce wear, increase mileage and provide better protection. My Saab turbo REQUIRES a semi-synthetic, most likely to take the high temperatures of the turbo charger. They also recommend oil changes every 5000 miles.
It seems pretty silly to take a synthetic oil that is supposed to "not break down" and change it very often, but you still want to get any particulate matter out of the engine, which is why i've opted to go with a semi synthetic (much less expensive than full syn) and stick with more regular oil changes.

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

my 2k max has 74000 miles should i switch to syn oil??

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

I use Amsoil synthetic 5W-30. Yeah, I'm an Amsoil guy.


~limsandy

Mick Max

If yer not using much oil now between changes, go for it. Mobil1 and Amsoil are the best IMHO

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

what do u mean if im not using much oil?

Mick Max

Man your tough!
Assuming you are changing your mineral oil at ev. 3k now.
Are you having to add oil bet changes?
How much is the level down at the 3k mark.
If you are using say a QT. ev. 1500 mi. which some cars do (usually not maxes though) than syn becomes too spendy.

PearlWhtMaX2000

iTrader: (5)

ohhhh, no i usually dont need to add any at all between changes

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

Most of the times, you dont need to add more oil between oil changes.


~limsandy

nick778

Any quality synthetic like M1 or Amsoil can easily go 5K-7K depending on driving conditions and still meet with warranty requirement of changes every 6 months or 7500 miles for the normal schedule. However, the main benefits of using them, IMO, for the VQ is that they flow much better when it is cold and protect much better under hot or extreme conditions (extreme in this case for street driving meaning lots of stop and go in hot weather). Another primary factor is that these Group IV/V synthetics offer significantly better deposit control (i.e. produce less deposits as a result of combustion) and this is indeed a factor with the VQ which has a tendency to build-up deposits in the intake and around the i.e., EGR and idle control valve and on top or in the rings of the pistons in the form of carbon.

Any good dino changed at 3K-5K will also do and I'm sure the engine will last over 100K without an oil related isuse. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I believe synthetics to be well worth the cost over conventional dino oils.

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Wow, more mis-information...not surprising though.

No, you don't have to run synthetic from the beginning but some cars (Corvette, Porsche) do. It is recommended to do your breakin on mineral oil...but for you this is not a problem because you already have.

And yes, using synthetics after regular oil can help if you have a build up of varnish and sludge.

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

You forgot to mention some important things. For example, how is the car driven? I noticed you listed Swampscott and Dartmouth in your location. I'm assuming you're in school. If this is the case, when the car is there, what kind of trips does it see. For shorter trips you are definitely much better off with a synthetic. It will control the harmful by-products created by the car running continually rich during warm-up. This will also lead to better fuel efficiency for you as well, especially in the colder weather. Also, what kind of drain interval were you looking for out of the oil?

krmaxima

iTrader: (13)

i am going to use syn soon but i have a question when do i have to do an oil change. as of right now i change my oil every 3000 miles also i change the oil filter. when going to syn. how long before i change the oil and filter.
thanks

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

It really depends on how the car is used, but 5-6k for a high quality synthetic is a good place to start.

krmaxima

iTrader: (13)

so dont change the oil and filter for 5-6k miles. using good synthetic oil???right?

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

Depending on how the car is driven and how the mileage accumulates, going 5-6k before changing the oil and filter is fine. By good synthetic oil I mean Mobil 1, Redline and Amsoil as well.