Hmmm, I will probably get some flak, but I have seen way to many GM construction pickups go over 200-300,000 miles plus on plain jane oil. Thats with very lacks oil change intervals.
Do you really believe it runs better, or is it because you spent 6 or 7 bucks a quart it has to run better.
Specs 5w30 going with higher viscosity level is not a good move the engines were designed for lower viscosity oil, and due burn about a quart every 3000 miles through the nature of the engines design. I know a GM engineer, and asked him about it.
The only thing I believe synthetics bring to the table is larger oil change intervals do to viscosity levels being more stable, and less dependancy on virgin crude. Other than that I would rather do a fresh oil, and filter every 3000 the cost is about the same.
If synthetics in the motor were so great I'm sure the manufacturers would spec it off the line......maybe not then they would not be selling more vehicles.
I have a buddy that sells Amsoil swears its the reason his ***** getter has 200000 miles. Well the truth is so do plenty of other vehicles that do not use it, or any other brand of synthetic oil.
Now if you are running a highly modified engine then the synthetics will give you a higher level of protection for tighter tolerances, and higher rpms. But a stock vehicle under normal driving I really see no benefit other than lining the synthetic oil companies pockets.
Well, I currently use it in a 2008 BMW TT (highly modified), 1998 Toyota 4Runner (more than 245K miles now) and currently the 2007 Tahoe with just over 100K miles.
Each vehicle runs better in a different way.
The BMW runs cooler with an average drop in operating temp of 15-20 degrees.
The 4Runner hasn't used a drop of oil or required additional oil since changing over.
The Tahoe was stated earlier.
Just for the record, the majority of new vehicles either recommend or require the use of synthetic oil be used in retaining the factory warranties. BMW oil caps actually state specifically to use Castrol Syntec.
Full synthetic oils DO and have been proven to show signs of breakdown @ 7500 miles. Synthetic users are getting (or should be getting) one oil change to every two of your oil changes. No big deal really.
Synthetic users are benefiting more if the vehicle is high mileage or used under abnormal conditions. If you're savvy enough to hunt down a good price then synthetic oil isn't going to be much more than a $1 or so more than your everyday motor oil.
And yes, there are differences between synthetic oils which is why some are approved by auto manufacturers and some aren't.