When To Use Synthetic Oil?

[Theodoreable]

I have a new Vibe, (less than 600 miles,) and would like to use synthetic at the first oil change. I've been told that one should not use synthetic oil for at least 10,000 miles; that using synthetic too early will actually contribute to poor engine wear. Anyone know the real story? Thanks!

[Jyik40]

**Disclaimer** I know that this topic is very controversial and causes lots of flame wars on many forums, so what I post is just from my experiences.I've been through a few new cars and I always drove the car lightly for 800 miles or so and changed the oil using a dino (non-synthetic) oil for the initial change. After the initial change I would change it again at the recommended interval using dino oil once again. After the second change, I would switch over to a full synthetic oil. The only reason I use the dino oil on the first few changes is because of the cost. I like to think that when a engine is new, there is manufacturing residue and wear metals in the oil. So flushing them out early on is better for the engine. I rather not throw out the money on synthetic oil that can go on for longer change intervals. I think a lot of the newer non-synthetic oils are almost as good as the full synthetic oils as long as your change them using recommended intervals.

[djb383]

Just another one of the many oil myths on the internet. Numerous new cars come from the factory filled with synthetic motor oil. Google synthetic oil myths and get educated with facts, not opinions and old wives tales, about motor oil.

[Renthorin]

I did my first oil change at 1500 miles or so and switched to synthetic at that time.Ditto on the "many new cars come with syn from the factory."

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Just another one of the many oil myths on the internet. Numerous new cars come from the factory filled with synthetic motor oil. Google synthetic oil myths and get educated with facts, not opinions and old wives tales, about motor oil. While "some" cars fall into that relm, many DON'T... most Subarus for example... I've talked to many a Subaru guy that could tell me they've seen subie motors with 30k on them and they could still see the hash marks in the cylinder bores... Much depends on the time and care that went into the honing of the boars at the factory... Sure if it's a Porsche or something of the like, then they prolly had GREAT care that went into the build of the motor.... Less likely on our Vibes... I would go at least till 10k.. but really, cost per quart and the fact that it's not a high complession, high performance motor, seems silly to spend the money.. If you were boosted or running a shaved head/higher compression, I could see it... Disclaimer: these are mine and my only opinion..

[KNINE]

I switched to synthetic on my first oil change.

[Theodoreable]

Thank you all for your comments. djb, your Google suggestion was excellent.

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by K-NINE »I switched to synthetic on my first oil change.Same here.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by K-NINE »I switched to synthetic on my first oil change.+2I have done this on my last couple vehicles.never had engine problems.Also this is my experience and my experience is no guaratee of future performance.now i sound like a financial ad.

[djb383]

WOW! Subies only go 30K 'till a tear-down? LOL In my engine building experience, cross hatch should still be visible way past 30K miles. Your right, most new cars leave the factory with conventional oil and some leave filled with synthetic........it's a cost thing. The point is, synthetic oil will not adversely effect new engine break-in. Saying that conventional oil must be used for proper engine break-in is just pure myth.

[THE VIBERATOR]

From my experiences, prime time to start using synthetic oil is around 10,000 miles. Use the car for a year with regular motor oil (I STRONGLY prefer Castrol GTX). Then after that year is up, switch in synthetic oil at your next oil change. This way, the engine and transmission are broken in completely. But hey this is just me. Everyone does something different.

[tnpartsguy]

I changed to a blend on my 1st oil change (1,500 miles) I changed to full syn on the next oil change (3,000 miles), and to Mobil 1 0W30 full Syn at my next oil change (5K miles). I change my oil every 3 months or 5K miles which ever comes 1st. Almost ALL my driving is very short distance, 4 miles average, which is why I change my oil so often.

[Dezz1]

I was told that synthetic oil isn't really necessary until around 80000 miles, when the seals begin to deteriorate. Conventional oils will take care of your vehicle very well prior to the 80000 mile mark, with adequate 3000 mile changes. More or less.

[djb383]

Lot's of vehicles have gone hundreds of thousands of miles without a single drop of synthetic oil. The facts are - synthetic oil IS the next higher level of engine protection and can be used in new or old engines without ill effects. The OP was "when to use synthetic oil?" and the answer is - anytime you want to.

[Dezz1]

Very true, but why pay more for a premium oil when a conventional oil will do the job for a conventional lifestyle.