Synthetic oil change interval?
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Cary, NC
Synthetic oil change interval?
Coming up on the first oil change and thinking of going to sythentic oil in order to increase the change interval. But.....I need to know the change interval between regular and sythentic. The salesmen said sythnetic can go 10k before changing, the service manager though said only 5k miles. So what is it? Not going to pay more for synthetic if it only gets me a 1k more miles. Only want to move to sythentic if the time I can save from doing oil changes is worth the extra cost.
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From: Potomac Falls, VA
It varies. I went with the 6,000-8,000 mile mark with my old car. Since I get free scheduled maintenance for 5 years, I use synthetic still, but will just go in for service every 3,750 miles just to keep the stupid dealership happy so they don't try to screw me should I ever have a powertrain related warranty issue. I've read as much as 25,000 miles/1 yr depending on the brand. I've also read to stay away from Castrol Synthetic as its not really synthetic oil (apparently various lobbying efforts and what not led to a lax in the regulations and standards surrounding whats a "synthetic" oil).
Theres plenty of other advantages in using synthetic, its leaps and bounds more efficient than conventional oil. Its far more resistant to heat, amazing during start ups in extreme heat (which is VERY important), is more lubricant, and has higher film strength (i.e. the molecules won't be pushed away from each other under pressure, like with conventional oil). This helps keep your internals very happy, especially under heavy driving.
There are actually some rather involved models for predicting when to change your oil. 3,000-5,000 is a waste if you're using synthetic. You should be fine going 10,000 miles between oil changes...but heres what I've always wondered, sure synthetic oil could last that long...but what about your oil filter?
Theres plenty of other advantages in using synthetic, its leaps and bounds more efficient than conventional oil. Its far more resistant to heat, amazing during start ups in extreme heat (which is VERY important), is more lubricant, and has higher film strength (i.e. the molecules won't be pushed away from each other under pressure, like with conventional oil). This helps keep your internals very happy, especially under heavy driving.
There are actually some rather involved models for predicting when to change your oil. 3,000-5,000 is a waste if you're using synthetic. You should be fine going 10,000 miles between oil changes...but heres what I've always wondered, sure synthetic oil could last that long...but what about your oil filter?
Last edited by fecurtis; Feb 6, 2008 at 08:42 PM.
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From: LA County, CA
I would use Mobil 1 EP which is guaranteed for 15K but change it at 10K. Five quarts of mobil 1ep is $25 at walmart. Use semi-synthetic before 10K on a new motor.
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From: LA County, CA
$178 for amsoil filter? I didn't know such an expensive filter exists. $178 ?! I think I'm going to go barf now.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: san diego, ca
Originally Posted by oughttoreturn
$178 for amsoil filter? I didn't know such an expensive filter exists. $178 ?! I think I'm going to go barf now.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Fort Worth, TX
I change mine every 5k. This is easy for me (and my wife) to observe and remember. I got into the habit with our 2003 Expedition which has a 5k interval.
I use the german Castrol 0w-30 synthetic in the '07 G base with a Purolator Pure One filter. I just did the 10k change. The Expedition gets Motorcraft 5w-20 semi-syn and a Motorcraft filter - just did the 75k change. You know, that Motorcraft 5w-20 is one heck of a oil according to a number of independent tests.
I also have (2) older I30s my daughters drive. They get an oil change every christmas and summer no matter the mileage. Regular Mobil 1 5w-30 with Purolator Pure One. These things just keep going and going.
I use the german Castrol 0w-30 synthetic in the '07 G base with a Purolator Pure One filter. I just did the 10k change. The Expedition gets Motorcraft 5w-20 semi-syn and a Motorcraft filter - just did the 75k change. You know, that Motorcraft 5w-20 is one heck of a oil according to a number of independent tests.
I also have (2) older I30s my daughters drive. They get an oil change every christmas and summer no matter the mileage. Regular Mobil 1 5w-30 with Purolator Pure One. These things just keep going and going.
Originally Posted by RikBakke
I change mine every 5k. This is easy for me (and my wife) to observe and remember. I got into the habit with our 2003 Expedition which has a 5k interval.
I use the german Castrol 0w-30 synthetic in the '07 G base with a Purolator Pure One filter. I just did the 10k change. The Expedition gets Motorcraft 5w-20 semi-syn and a Motorcraft filter - just did the 75k change. You know, that Motorcraft 5w-20 is one heck of a oil according to a number of independent tests.
I also have (2) older I30s my daughters drive. They get an oil change every christmas and summer no matter the mileage. Regular Mobil 1 5w-30 with Purolator Pure One. These things just keep going and going.
I use the german Castrol 0w-30 synthetic in the '07 G base with a Purolator Pure One filter. I just did the 10k change. The Expedition gets Motorcraft 5w-20 semi-syn and a Motorcraft filter - just did the 75k change. You know, that Motorcraft 5w-20 is one heck of a oil according to a number of independent tests.
I also have (2) older I30s my daughters drive. They get an oil change every christmas and summer no matter the mileage. Regular Mobil 1 5w-30 with Purolator Pure One. These things just keep going and going.
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From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by RikBakke
I use the german Castrol 0w-30 synthetic in the '07 G base with a Purolator Pure One filter.
There is absoulely NO WAY to accurately determine how long you can go on synthetics without an oil analysis. Period. 1st of all, you haven't specified which oil you want to use.
funny thing, a mobil 1 rep came in a few months ago and he mentioned "they" recommend the oil get changed out at the manufactuers recommended intervals. SO...all the hype of 5-15k oil printed on the bottle is 
if your engine gets sludged up and your using thier 5-10-15k synthetic oil thats your fault. Law suit?? NO! Why?... cause they are just gonna come back and say they support & recommend the fluid be changed out at the manufac. svc intervals. Efff whats printed on the bottle. thats just marketing.
if your engine gets sludged up and your using thier 5-10-15k synthetic oil thats your fault. Law suit?? NO! Why?... cause they are just gonna come back and say they support & recommend the fluid be changed out at the manufac. svc intervals. Efff whats printed on the bottle. thats just marketing.
Has more to do with comlying with the maker's warranty than anything:
Does the Mobil 1 Extended Performance meet GF-4 specifications? How did the new specification impact the development of the high-endurance product line?
Mobil 1 Extended Performance contains an extra performance additive to help deliver exceptional performance and protection. This fully synthetic technology is designed specifically for longer service intervals. Appropriate viscosities of Mobil 1 Extended Performance also meet all the requirements for GF-4. Additionally, they exceed the requirements of API SL/CF and various ACEA (European) specifications. (Updated March 2006)
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What is the difference between Mobil 1® Extended Performance and Mobil 1?
Mobil 1 Extended Performance formulas are designed specifically for today's longer service intervals and are guaranteed to protect for up to 15,000 miles or one year.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance has a unique formulation with a boosted level of protection and performance. Mobil 1 Extended Performance, with the Advanced SuperSyn System, contains 50 percent more SuperSyn than Mobil 1. (Updated March 2006)
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If Mobil 1 Extended Performance is recommended for 15,000-mile intervals, what’s the maximum limit to which it can be pushed? In other words, if a driver goes an extra 1,000 miles or so, is he going to damage his engine?
Mobil 1 Extended Performance is recommended for up to 15,000-mile or one-year oil change intervals. However, if your vehicle manufacturer recommends an oil change interval beyond 15,000 miles and Mobil 1 meets the performance level specified, you can be assured that Mobil 1 will go the distance.
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Do I need to flush my engine before switching to Mobil 1 Extended Performance?
You do not need to flush your engine prior to changing to Mobil 1 Extended Performance.
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Upon what driving conditions are these performance claims based? Normal or severe driving conditions?
These claims relate to all typical consumer driving conditions, excluding those mentioned below. In other words, if you drive under normal conditions and use Mobil 1 Extended Performance in your vehicle, the oil is guaranteed to protect your engine for 15,000 miles. We also recommend that drivers consult their owner’s manual while their vehicle is under warranty, and follow the guidelines set forth there. Additionally, we recommend that if consumers drive routinely in severe conditions that they follow the oil change interval recommended in their owner's manual for severe conditions. We define "severe conditions" as:
racing or commercial applications;
frequent towing or hauling;
extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or
excessive idling.
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If I go longer between oil change intervals, do I need to change my oil filter more frequently? Or do I need a special filter?
Continue to change your oil filter when you change your engine oil. Special filters, or more frequent oil filter changes are not required.
However, Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters provide outstanding performance during longer oil change intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters are designed to offer excellent efficiency (remove more engine oil impurities) and high capacity (60 percent greater capacity than conventional oil filters), which make them ideal candidates for longer oil change intervals. (Updated March 2006)
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To achieve the best peace of mind related to engine protection, many vehicle owners change their engine oils every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Is this practice rendered meaningless with the advent of the Mobil high-endurance oils?
Consumers should follow the maintenance practice that is best for them, and that meets their car manufacturers’ warranty. They can have peace of mind knowing the guaranteed performance and protection intervals of the Mobil line of high-endurance oils. Mobil Clean 5000, Mobil Clean High Mileage, Mobil Clean 7500, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance protect critical engine parts from lubricant-related failure for 5,000/7,500/15,000 miles -- guaranteed. (Updated March 2006)
Back to top
Mobil 1 Extended Performance contains an extra performance additive to help deliver exceptional performance and protection. This fully synthetic technology is designed specifically for longer service intervals. Appropriate viscosities of Mobil 1 Extended Performance also meet all the requirements for GF-4. Additionally, they exceed the requirements of API SL/CF and various ACEA (European) specifications. (Updated March 2006)
Back to top
What is the difference between Mobil 1® Extended Performance and Mobil 1?
Mobil 1 Extended Performance formulas are designed specifically for today's longer service intervals and are guaranteed to protect for up to 15,000 miles or one year.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance has a unique formulation with a boosted level of protection and performance. Mobil 1 Extended Performance, with the Advanced SuperSyn System, contains 50 percent more SuperSyn than Mobil 1. (Updated March 2006)
Back to top
If Mobil 1 Extended Performance is recommended for 15,000-mile intervals, what’s the maximum limit to which it can be pushed? In other words, if a driver goes an extra 1,000 miles or so, is he going to damage his engine?
Mobil 1 Extended Performance is recommended for up to 15,000-mile or one-year oil change intervals. However, if your vehicle manufacturer recommends an oil change interval beyond 15,000 miles and Mobil 1 meets the performance level specified, you can be assured that Mobil 1 will go the distance.
Back to top
Do I need to flush my engine before switching to Mobil 1 Extended Performance?
You do not need to flush your engine prior to changing to Mobil 1 Extended Performance.
Back to top
Upon what driving conditions are these performance claims based? Normal or severe driving conditions?
These claims relate to all typical consumer driving conditions, excluding those mentioned below. In other words, if you drive under normal conditions and use Mobil 1 Extended Performance in your vehicle, the oil is guaranteed to protect your engine for 15,000 miles. We also recommend that drivers consult their owner’s manual while their vehicle is under warranty, and follow the guidelines set forth there. Additionally, we recommend that if consumers drive routinely in severe conditions that they follow the oil change interval recommended in their owner's manual for severe conditions. We define "severe conditions" as:
racing or commercial applications;
frequent towing or hauling;
extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or
excessive idling.
Back to top
If I go longer between oil change intervals, do I need to change my oil filter more frequently? Or do I need a special filter?
Continue to change your oil filter when you change your engine oil. Special filters, or more frequent oil filter changes are not required.
However, Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters provide outstanding performance during longer oil change intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters are designed to offer excellent efficiency (remove more engine oil impurities) and high capacity (60 percent greater capacity than conventional oil filters), which make them ideal candidates for longer oil change intervals. (Updated March 2006)
Back to top
To achieve the best peace of mind related to engine protection, many vehicle owners change their engine oils every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Is this practice rendered meaningless with the advent of the Mobil high-endurance oils?
Consumers should follow the maintenance practice that is best for them, and that meets their car manufacturers’ warranty. They can have peace of mind knowing the guaranteed performance and protection intervals of the Mobil line of high-endurance oils. Mobil Clean 5000, Mobil Clean High Mileage, Mobil Clean 7500, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance protect critical engine parts from lubricant-related failure for 5,000/7,500/15,000 miles -- guaranteed. (Updated March 2006)
Back to top