synthetic vs. traditional

[denalimike]

I have a quick question. I am very impressed on how accurate the digital fuel "predicter" is in telling me how many gallons I have used. it's always accurate in 22 gallons, plus the extra 2 I sqeeze in. My question is, should I go by the meter that tells me % how much "juice" I have in the oil considering I use Synthetic? I am not sure how it works. Whether it is by milage or engine time on? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[tx tahoe z71]

Number of factors, mileage, speed, how hard you drive, other stuff. I don't really use it since I'm far from stock, but it is a good tool to use. Definitely don't change your oil every 3000-5000 miles unless you just love spending money. (I change mine every 15,000 miles and use Amsoil 0W-30 synthetic)

 

[WildBill]

agreed, i go for 5-7k on mobile 1

 

[JochenWoern]

agreed, i go for 5-7k on mobile 1

^ +1!

 

[Yukon Ron]

agreed, i go for 5-7k on mobile 1

SAME. I have 182K so I use the Mobil 1 10W-30 High Mileage...change every 5-7K for 100K miles now and no problems.

Edit:: also I have an Oil Change light that comes on but it comes on exactly every 3K miles so I just ignore it. And to reset it, key on accessory only and tap gas pedal 5 times quickly.

 

[tx tahoe z71]

Mobil 1 can go to 10k miles easily, no need to change every 5k miles. Even regular grade motor oil will go to 5k miles without any signs of breaking down. Here's a quick read on a test with NYC cabs: http://www.outdoorintel.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=64

Edit:: also I have an Oil Change light that comes on but it comes on exactly every 3K miles so I just ignore it. And to reset it, key on accessory only and tap gas pedal 5 times quickly.

False, based on a number of factors, including mileage. http://www.mycertifiedservice.com/_res/pdf/OLS1.pdf

 

[WoldD90]

Personally, I would not more than 5000 mile between oil changes. The oil is so critical to the proper operation of your truck. If you insist on going longer, at least change the filter.

 

[04SS99Denali]

Personally, I would not more than 5000 mile between oil changes. The oil is so critical to the proper operation of your truck. If you insist on going longer, at least change the filter.

thank you. our trucks are not bmw's where you can go 15k between oil changes. our filters are small and not designed to go that long. they collapse and get clogged with the thick dirty oil. these motors were designed when oil change intervals were 3-5000 intervals. synthetic may keep its viscosity but it still gets dirty. that being said i wouldn't go more than 5000 myself for an everyday truck

 

[tx tahoe z71]

thank you. our trucks are not bmw's where you can go 15k between oil changes. our filters are small and not designed to go that long. they collapse and get clogged with the thick dirty oil. these motors were designed when oil change intervals were 3-5000 intervals. synthetic may keep its viscosity but it still gets dirty. that being said i wouldn't go more than 5000 myself for an everyday truck

Is the friction or heat any different in a BMW engine? Please elaborate.

What is your source for the bold statement above? In the GM publication I linked to above, intervals go as high as 12,000 miles, with "typical" at 4,000 - 7,000 miles. And I think the company backing the warranty is going to err on the conservative side.

I am all for people changing their oil at whatever intervals they feel comfortable, but for the sake of this discussion, I would rather we support claims one way or another with facts or first hand knowledge.

 

[robdeniro0]

How about if you drive very low mileage during the course of a year? I drove about 5300 miles last year and the oil indicator still said i had 11% life left. I just changed it as a precaution after about a year of no changes.