Synthetic vs Conventional

INPrius · 04-24-2006, 05:06 PM

I know this has been discussed many times...

I had my 5k service about a month ago and I am planning to switch to synthetic for my next service. I know many Prius owners are using synthetic now and I know the advantages/benefits include but not limited to:

- less wear and tear on the ICE
- higher mpg
- synthetic oil does not break down as easily compare to conventional when the engine temp gets high

yadda yadda yadda...

My questions are:
- My dealer uses Valvoline. Can I request them to put in Mobil 1 on my car or should I go somewhere else?
- If using synthetic means less wear and tear on ICE and the oil can last longer in the ICE, does it mean I can drive more miles between oil change? If so, how many more miles can I drive between oil change? Does it affect my factory warranty?
- If using synthetic, do I use the same viscosity as conventional?

Thanks a bunch!

aaf709 · 04-24-2006, 05:14 PM

I use Mobile 1 Synthetic 5w-30. With my 5Kand 10K changes, I gave the dealer the oil which they used and deducted from my bill. With my 15K I told the dealer what I wanted to use and they got it for me.

A lot of owners just stick to dino oil as they feel the synthetic would be best served if the changes were every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. I stick with the interval and viscosity Toyota recommends.

p626808 · 04-25-2006, 07:35 AM

I use the new mobil 1 enhanced oil.. 5W-30
I do oil changes every 10-12K miles..

I did an oil analysis on the mobil 1 at 12K.. and it was fine.. was still like brand new conventional oil!!
TPN was still at 3.0.. still could have gone more..

I do about 48K miles a year.. so the 12K goes by in about 3 months..

Enjoy...

Tadashi · 06-16-2006, 09:51 AM

I buy my Mobil 1 from Sam's cluib in a big box then I take the oil to my dealer (even though they sell it) so I only pay $15 instead of $65 for my synthetic oil change. I will change my oil according to Toyota's guidelines until the care is out of warranty. Then I will probably go to 10k-15k with 5k filter changes.

04-24-2006, 05:06 PM	#1
INPrius Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 35 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I know this has been discussed many times... I had my 5k service about a month ago and I am planning to switch to synthetic for my next service. I know many Prius owners are using synthetic now and I know the advantages/benefits include but not limited to: - less wear and tear on the ICE - higher mpg - synthetic oil does not break down as easily compare to conventional when the engine temp gets high yadda yadda yadda... My questions are: - My dealer uses Valvoline. Can I request them to put in Mobil 1 on my car or should I go somewhere else? - If using synthetic means less wear and tear on ICE and the oil can last longer in the ICE, does it mean I can drive more miles between oil change? If so, how many more miles can I drive between oil change? Does it affect my factory warranty? - If using synthetic, do I use the same viscosity as conventional? Thanks a bunch! __________________ 05 Package #4 Owner since 11/8/2005 Still learning...

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04-24-2006, 05:14 PM	#2
aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,839 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I use Mobile 1 Synthetic 5w-30. With my 5Kand 10K changes, I gave the dealer the oil which they used and deducted from my bill. With my 15K I told the dealer what I wanted to use and they got it for me. A lot of owners just stick to dino oil as they feel the synthetic would be best served if the changes were every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. I stick with the interval and viscosity Toyota recommends.

04-25-2006, 07:35 AM	#3
p626808 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 245 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Adv. Technology Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I use the new mobil 1 enhanced oil.. 5W-30 I do oil changes every 10-12K miles.. I did an oil analysis on the mobil 1 at 12K.. and it was fine.. was still like brand new conventional oil!! TPN was still at 3.0.. still could have gone more.. I do about 48K miles a year.. so the 12K goes by in about 3 months.. Enjoy...

06-16-2006, 09:51 AM	#4
Tadashi Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Hood, TX Posts: 795 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	I buy my Mobil 1 from Sam's cluib in a big box then I take the oil to my dealer (even though they sell it) so I only pay $15 instead of $65 for my synthetic oil change. I will change my oil according to Toyota's guidelines until the care is out of warranty. Then I will probably go to 10k-15k with 5k filter changes.