I understand that synth oil has a higher boiling point and last longer than req. non synth oil, but if you change your oil every 3000 miles religiously is it any diff to synth oil?

 

If you changed your synth oil every 3K you'd be wasting it. At the same time there are lots who say changing oil every 3K is a waste. the problem is dirt, so most people I think change synth oil about 6.5 to 7.5 or so.

I like regular oil with factory filters at 3K, it's so cheap and I don't think it's bad for the car.

I don't know what the long-term effects of synthetics are, but so many motors have gone over 150,000 with normal oil changes. How much more do we want to drive, right? If it came filled with the Mobil 1 from the factory though I'd keep using it.

 

Some guys never have to but a lot do. Listen to your valve train. Have the emergency brake on, have someone step on the gas while the car is in gear or in the drive position while firmly holding the brake if an auto. If stick, just have emergency brake on real tight. If you hear a pretty load overlapping ticking noise coming from the top of the motor, it is time to get your valves adjusted. Our Maxes for some reason do not have automatic adjusting valves, and may after time need to be readjusted with new shims. This cost about $350 to $450 at the dealer, not cheap.

If it is pinging, it will sound like loud popping noises with the hood open. If it is pinging, either use higher octane gas, or you may also need your valves adjusted. Usually the harder you are on your motor from racing around all the time, the quicker you need your valves adjusted. But I know some guys that have 80000 hard miles, and they are still fine.