Will Synthetic Oil Improve Mileage?

[bronsin]

Im possibly driving my Yaris to Alaska from NJ this weekend. I say possibly because I would rather take my motorcycle but am having back problems.

Anyway in any case I would like to get the best mileage possible given the price of gas. Would using snythetic oil get me any better mileage in your experience? I have seldom used it.

Thanks!

[swidd]

Even if there is a slight improvement (0.5-1MPG), it will most likely not save you more than the cost of synthetic oil and an oil change.

[Betrivent]

Synethetic oil technically lasts twice as long as conventional. So you could save the cost of an oil change and some fuel.

[djesusjay]

Well, I use Penzoil Fully Synthetic oil on my 2011 Yaris, and on twice the occasions when I get my oil changed every 4,000 miles or so, it's still kinda golden clear, not as clear as I put it in, but a little darker.

[ilikerice]

old master mech at lexus says he uses mobile1 synthetic in his f150.. he only changes his oil every 10k miles.. he showed me one day when he pulled one of his valve covers off.. all the parts still look solid. no oil build up anywhere or gunk. Had 180k miles on it. said he bought it when it had 60k. i was impressed. no engine work. just a crank seal and water pump around 120k i think.

sythetic is amazing.. if engines where fail safe where no outside debris or contaminents got into oil. all you would need to do is change your filter and add a little more to compensate for the loss of oil in the filter.

[R2D2]

If you are the type who hypermiles and keeps very close records of fuel consumption you may notice a tenth or two. I wouldn't expect a huge difference though.

R2

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by R2D2

If you are the type who hypermiles and keeps very close records of fuel consumption you may notice a tenth or two. I wouldn't expect a huge difference though.

R2

Thanks. When I get to AK I will need an oil change to come home. If I have the $$ perhaps I'll give it a tryout and report the results.


Yeah mileage there on regular. Mileage back on synth.

[Betrivent]

Yes, use Mobil 1. I tried Valvoline once and after just over half the same kilometres as mobil 1, the oil was already golden brown. At 9000+ kms with mobil 1 it's still like new.

[rningonfumes]

Oh!! You've got to journal that trip!!! I've wanted to make that road trip ever since I've seen blogs about it. If you can do it in the Yaris, I will be able to also!

[Hershey]

Not much for extra gas mileage , but it does quiet the engine some . Now using SHELL 5w-30 synthetic that's SN/GF-5 .

[p123456789]

Dont want to hijack but at what interval do you change your oil if its synthetic? I usually try to go 10k?

[ilikerice]

10k is fine with synthetic honestly.. if you are really paranoid.. just change your filter @ 5k and oil at 10k

[Hershey]

If car is under warranty must do 5,000 mile or 6 month intervals . Even if it's synthetic . I get the SHELL synthetic for $4 or less a quart , tax included . So a do it yourself oil change is $20 or a little less including a TOYOTA oil filter . Cost more than that for conventional O.C. at a dealer or elsewhere . If you do your own , make sure to keep records of when and what mileage O.C. was done along with receipts for the oils and filters used for warranty .

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by rningonfumes

Oh!! You've got to journal that trip!!! I've wanted to make that road trip ever since I've seen blogs about it. If you can do it in the Yaris, I will be able to also!

Yeah I was thinking of doing it here.

[ilikerice]

Originally Posted by Hershey

If car is under warranty must do 5,000 mile or 6 month intervals . Even if it's synthetic . I get the SHELL synthetic for $4 or less a quart , tax included . So a do it yourself oil change is $20 or a little less including a TOYOTA oil filter . Cost more than that for conventional O.C. at a dealer or elsewhere . If you do your own , make sure to keep records of when and what mileage O.C. was done along with receipts for the oils and filters used for warranty .

+1 this is very true.. if you change your own oil under warranty, keep your receipts no matter what oil you use. If you get gunk build up but have documented your oil changes. Toyota will pay for a replacement or breakdown and clean it out with new full gasket set, depending on how bad it is.

[fj40dave]

I have been using AMSOIL after getting the first 10K miles behind me.
The oil I use is the extended change interval stuff.....it's good for 25K miles.
I change the oil filter at 10k miles and the oil/filter every 20K miles.
I have 80K on her now. They are almost all highway miles at 65-70 mph.....I work 100 miles one way from home - but only have to drive it 4-6 times a month.

If anyone is interested, I have an AMSOIL dealership so I can get the product(s) as innexpensively as possible.....and I will do the same for you....

It's worked great for me.

[ilikerice]

You should pull your valve cover off and take a picture. I am not doubting that AMSOIL is not good stuff. But you have a good candidate to confirm thier product. I am very interested in seeing this.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Thanks. When I get to AK I will need an oil change to come home. If I have the $$ perhaps I'll give it a tryout and report the results.
Yeah mileage there on regular. Mileage back on synth.

I would think if you are going from NJ to AK and back money shouldnt be an if factor.
Synth oil is a better product than regular oil but if you are changing oil every 4K miles you are wasting your money on the stuff and may as well go with conventional oil.
As for saving money? you'd do better by changing your driving style rather than changing type of oil.
Heres a tip for the trip thats guaranteed to save some gas money ==
Never exceed the speed limit..