Maximize Your Engine's Life and Performance with Proper Synthetic Oil Changes

Synthetic oil has become increasingly popular among vehicle owners in recent years. Synthetic motor oils provide superior protection and performance compared to conventional oils.

But when is it time to get a synthetic oil change? How often should you change synthetic oil? What are the costs? This guide will explain everything you need to know about synthetic oil changes.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is a lubricant that consists of chemical compounds artificially created in a laboratory. Some key properties of synthetic oils:

• Better viscosity properties - Synthetic oils maintain consistent viscosity across wide temperature ranges, providing better lubrication in both hot and cold environments.
• Increased resistance to oxidation - Synthetic oils are less prone to thickening and deposits caused by oxidation, allowing them to last longer.
• Improved thermal stability - Synthetics withstand high engine temperatures without breaking down.
• Reduced friction - The molecular makeup of synthetic oils creates less friction within the engine.
• Cleaner operation - Synthetics keep engine internals cleaner with less sludge buildup.

Popular brands of full synthetic motor oils include Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline SynPower, and Castrol Edge. Blends combining conventional and synthetic base oils are also available, such as Mobil 1 Extended Performance.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

There are several key benefits that synthetic oils provide over conventional oils:

• Increased engine life - Synthetic oils dramatically reduce friction and wear, helping extend the life of critical engine components. This allows engines to reach higher mileages without rebuild.
• Better fuel economy - The lower friction of synthetics results in reduced internal pumping losses, allowing for better fuel efficiency. Estimates of 1-2% improved MPG are common.
• Superior cold weather performance - Synthetics flow far better in subzero temperatures, providing faster starts and reduced wear during cold starts. No need to switch to thicker oils in winter.
• Withstands higher heat - Synthetics maintain film strength and viscosity at high temperatures far better than conventional oils. This prevents breakdown and oil consumption.
• Longer drain intervals - The advanced properties of synthetics allow them to be used for longer intervals between oil changes, often doubling or tripling the mileage.

These benefits make synthetic oils ideal for modern vehicles, especially high-performance engines. The improved durability and engine longevity can save thousands in repair costs over the vehicle's life.

When to Use Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is recommended for many newer vehicles. Here are some general guidelines on when you should consider using synthetic:

• For most vehicles from 2010 onwards - Many automakers now factory fill with synthetic oil and recommend follow-up synthetic changes. Check your owner's manual.
• High-performance, turbocharged or supercharged engines - Synthetics withstand harsh conditions in sporty engines better.
• Extreme temperature conditions - Synthetics perform better across cold winters and hot summers.
• Towing or heavy loads - The added stress of hauling calls for synthetic's durability.
• High mileage vehicles - Older engines benefit from reduced friction and wear.
• Stop-and-go driving - Frequent short trips cause more wear, making the protection of synthetic important.

Conventional oil may be fine for older, lower mileage vehicles that don't encounter severe operating conditions. But for most modern vehicles, the switch to synthetic oil will provide significant benefits over the lifespan.

Synthetic Oil Change Intervals

One major advantage of synthetic motor oil is the increased drain intervals. While conventional oil changes are typically recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles, you can go much longer between synthetic oil changes.

Here are typical synthetic oil change intervals:

• 5,000-7,500 miles - This is a common interval for non-severe driving conditions. It balances costs while taking advantage of synthetic's benefits.
• 10,000-15,000 miles - For highway cruising and normal operating temperatures, 10,000+ miles is often possible between changes. Check manufacturer guidance.
• Severe duty up to 5,000 miles - For extensive idling, towing, stop-and-go traffic, extreme temps, short trips, heavy dust - shorten intervals.
• Monitor oil condition - Use oil analysis or wear sensors to optimize intervals based on actual use. Extend if oil properties remain good.
• 1 Year Maximum - Oil additives deplete over time, so change at least yearly even if miles are low.

The best practice is to start with the automaker's recommended oil change interval, then extend based on the oil analysis results for your particular use case. With synthetic oil in good operating conditions, 10,000 mile+ drain intervals are readily achievable.

Synthetic Oil Change Costs

Synthetic oil changes are more expensive than conventional oil changes, but the improved engine protection and longer change intervals reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Typical synthetic oil change costs:

• Retail chain shops - $80-$100 for a basic synthetic change. Look for coupons and specials.
• Independent shops - $60-$80 with the customer supplying their own oil purchased separately.
• DIY cost - $35-$50 for quality synthetic oil and filter. Need to dispose of used oil properly.

While the upfront cost is higher, when you spread the cost across the extended mileage between changes, synthetic can actually be cheaper in the long run.

Additional considerations that affect costs:

• Oil filter - Use quality filters designed for extended intervals.
• Higher-mileage vehicles - May need extra quarts of oil, adding $5-10 per quart.
• Shop fees - Some shops add on charges for shop supplies, waste disposal, etc.
• Location - Prices vary regionally, with lower costs in smaller towns.

Replacing other fluids (coolant, transmission, brake, etc) at appropriate intervals is also key for maximizing the benefits of synthetic oil. Consult your owner's manual for all required maintenance.

DIY Synthetic Oil Change

Changing synthetic oil yourself allows you to control the oil quality and save money. Here are tips for a DIY oil change:

Supplies Needed

• Quality synthetic oil in correct quantity
• New oil filter (check for compatibility)
• Filter wrench if needed
• Drain pan to catch used oil
• Rags, gloves, eye protection
• Funnel
• Jacks and jack stands if raising vehicle

Steps for DIY Oil Change

1. Run engine to warm oil, then raise and secure vehicle if needed
2. Locate oil drain plug, set pan underneath
3. Remove drain plug slowly and allow oil to drain completely
4. Examine drained oil for metal flakes or debris
5. Remove oil filter by turning counterclockwise (use wrench if needed)
6. Wipe filter mount surface thoroughly clean
7. Apply thin film of new oil to filter gasket
8. Screw on new filter by hand until gasket contacts flush
9. Reinstall drain plug with new washer if required
10. Lower vehicle if raised
11. Add correct quantity of new synthetic oil
12. Start engine and check for any leaks
13. Dispose of old oil and filter properly
14. Reset any applicable oil life monitoring system

Following the steps correctly will result in a successful DIY synthetic oil change. Be sure to wear safety gear, work on a level surface, and properly dispose of waste.

FAQs

Is synthetic oil worth it?

Synthetic oil is worth the extra investment for most vehicles due to longer drain intervals, reduced friction and wear, and protection under extreme conditions. Newer engines benefit most from synthetics.

Can you mix synthetic and conventional oils?

It is not recommended to mix synthetic and conventional oils, as they have different properties. Make the full switch to synthetic when changing oil to maximize benefits.

Does synthetic oil slow leaks?

Synthetics have better sealing properties around shafts and seals. Many drivers report reduced oil burning/leaking after switching to synthetic, though leaks won't be fully cured.

Can too much synthetic oil hurt an engine?

Having too much oil can damage seals and cause leaks or burning oil. Follow fill quantities in owner's manual, do not overfill.

Should oil be changed before or after a long trip?

It is ideal to change synthetic oil shortly before an extended highway trip to start with fresh oil. Or change immediately after to remove any accumulated contaminants.

Protect Your Investment with Proper Synthetic Oil Changes

Synthetic oil has clear advantages for most vehicles produced in the last 10-15 years. The increased engine durability and reduced friction can help add thousands of miles to your engine life compared to conventional oil.

Work within the recommended change intervals for your driving conditions. Seek professional guidance if you are unsure what service schedule is best for your vehicle. Proactively monitoring oil condition and extending drain intervals as appropriate will maximize the benefits of synthetic oil for your engine.

With synthetics now recommended by most automakers, using them properly is essential to protect your vehicle investment and avoid expensive repairs down the road. Consult your owner's manual or an auto service professional for specific synthetic oil change recommendations.

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