changing to synthetic oil? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

rice · 07-28-2005, 09:56 AM

its about time to change my oil again, and after reading threads after threads, i've become very interesting in changing to synthetic oil. My question is that, IS IT WORTH IT? my 94 dx has about 150,000 miles on it already, and i know most ppl change to synthetic sooner, is it too late for me to change? will my engine leak because its not use to synthetic? if it does leak, will it be ok after a while? will there be any negative side effects? i am still a noobie to cars so im here asking from you pros for advice, thank you

oh and a couple more questions

why is synthetic oil not good for a car that does short trips? will the car's performance be hurt?

and Are corolla's known to handle synthetic oil good at high miles like mine? thank you

EMEX · 07-29-2005, 03:47 AM

your car should be fine changing over to synthetic. I heard some people change the plug on the oil pan, but I am not to sure about that. Changing to a synthetic will really help your car last longer and run better. Many mechanics recommend synthetic oil after the car reaches 100k. Some people start using synthetic sooner than that and it is also good. I have friends who use it (one drives an '03 ultima and another drives '97 accord) and they both enjoy it very well. I am planning to switch over myself on the next oil change.
But yes it shouldn't damage anything to your car and I would highly recomend using it, especially since you have 150k on it.

rolla-XRS · 07-29-2005, 07:39 AM

Do a search here.

I believe synthetic was NOT recommended for high milages vehicles because it's thinner and can leak through seals which are already bad - but just plugged with old oil.

Cabanon · 07-29-2005, 08:58 AM

i actually changed to synthetic oil on my '93 7afe a couple months ago and it was bad
its leaking right now, sucking oil like never, 1 pint by 1000km, sometimes more
it probably cleaned up the pistons and now its just smoking blue at the exhaust.
tried to reverse the process and changed to normal oil, and its still the same.
so i dont recommand it for high mileage.

adsaba1969 · 07-29-2005, 03:19 PM

change to synthetic, have any leaks fixed and you'll be better off. if you don't plan on keeping it much longer than don't bother switching.

Youngbizz · 07-29-2005, 05:40 PM

I'm not going to pretend to be a specialist on this topic, but i do know that switching now has no benefit for you. Synthetic oil cost more, add on about $50 at a shop to change your oil with syn. The best time to switch is when the car is brand new or under about 60000 miles. Engines get use to using a certain type of oil after a while. Plain and simple, its not worth the money or the aggrevation you'll probably experience.
P.S. Maybe try a syn blend. I think you're supposed to use it for 2 oil changes before switching

zeorai · 07-29-2005, 05:43 PM

Synthetic oil is no magic bullet. It's flows better because the molecules are more uniform than standard oil, typically this means it's thinner too, but not always. Because it flows better you usually see decreased wear on engine parts as a result. Some synthetics also resist break down better. Red line worked well in my MR2 Turbo, but Mobile 1 burned off pretty quickly. So your mileage will vary depending on which brand you go with. I don't really think it's necessary most of the time, especially if you don't drive the car hard. Just remember that if you do go synthetic there's no going back to dino.

White89SR5 · 07-30-2005, 01:06 PM

I switched to full synthetic (Royal Purple 5w-30) about 500 miles ago and I haven't seen any leaks!! (Thank god!!)When I switched I also dumped in a can of Restore. I don't know it if it is because the oil was 3000 miles old or my mind is playing tricks on me to justify the extra money I spent on the synthetic, but the car feels like it revs faster!!

VooDoo · 07-30-2005, 01:35 PM

might help... http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbi...oil_bible.html

i think it doesn't matter if its mineral, semi-synth or fully synth. what you need to look out for is the viscosity rating...

A-Dad · 07-30-2005, 08:05 PM

I run Mobil 1 in our '98 Corolla. I started after the warranty ran out at about 30,000 miles. No difference in performance or leaks etc. However, I did notice that the varnish that was on the dipstick cleared up and has been clear ever since. I have been using a 7500 miles plus interval (about every 6 months) using a FRAM XG4967 filter. It's a mix of very short trips and highway.

WhiteRabbit · 07-30-2005, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Dad

I run Mobil 1 in our '98 Corolla. I started after the warranty ran out at about 30,000 miles.

Is it supposed to void your warranty if you use synthetic?

zeorai · 07-31-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Is it supposed to void your warranty if you use synthetic?

You'd have to check with a dealer service department to be sure and make sure you get in writing just in case.

BullMarket · 07-31-2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolla-XRS

Do a search here.

I believe synthetic was NOT recommended for high milages vehicles because it's thinner and can leak through seals which are already bad - but just plugged with old oil.

And can dislodge older buildup and cause blockages. I would stay with a good quality dino. This seems to be the consensus among the more "qualified" opinions out there.

BULLMKT

rice · 08-02-2005, 10:44 AM

i use Valvoline, is that stuff good? for my 150,000 miles car? what about those oil made for high mileage cars? do those work? and what brand should i look for? whats the best oil out there to use for my car? thanks...

rated_w · 08-02-2005, 01:24 PM

I have full synethic with my 01 corolla.. mobil 1.. runs great