Synthetic VS. Regular oil reliability - Page 2 - Toyota Yaris Forums

severous01 · 01-01-2010, 09:52 PM

i usually add 25% to my synthetic oils...however, with the lower costs of the 5q buckets at walmart and the fact that this thing only takes like 3.5q of oil, every 2 oil changes i have an extra oil change for even cheaper.

surprisingly, my fuel economy keeps going up. now i changed my oil at the first interval. i immediately switched to syn on first change. i guess the engine wasnt broken in and it's slowly breaking in with the synthetic oils. any way, i'm happy seening as how my oil isnt even ready to be changed when i drain it. it's still a dark amber color, not anywhere near black or dark brown like i see most of the time working at a dealership.

Yaris Hilton · 01-01-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by severous01

it's still a dark amber color, not anywhere near black or dark brown like i see most of the time working at a dealership.

That's the way the original dino stuff looked coming out of mine at 5K, and the Castrol GTX in it now is pale yellow on the dipstick at about 3K. Color doesn't tell you much, but the 1NZ-FE doesn't soot up its oil badly.

1stToyota · 01-02-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUFFSTUFF

If you change your oil regularly as scheduled, the oil as specified in your owner's/service manual will be just fine. To make a blanket statement that synthetic oil is better is inaccurate. Detailed analysis of auto oils has shown that each brand and each blend has its own characteristics and performance profile, with some "dino" oils outperforming their synthetic counterparts. Generally though, I believe synthetic oils may have better long term performance. If you wanted to change your oil every 7500-10000 miles vice 5000 then I would recommend a quality synthetic oil. I think your driving habits should one of the main determining factors.

Most brands of synthetic make the same blanket statement that their synthetic outperforms conventional, including their own conventional, I take it. I buy it [Pennzoil Platinum] so cheap I don't see the need in ever running conventional for 5k miles.

RUFFSTUFF · 01-02-2010, 09:59 AM

If you can get a good deal on Synth, then go for it... I do. The way I see it, there's more harm in using the absolute cheapest oil available and saving a few dollars then there is paying more money for synthetic when its overkill.

Yaris Hilton · 01-02-2010, 01:54 PM

There's no harm in "overkill," but neither is there in using bargain priced oil that meets the manufacturer's specs.

UTVitz · 01-02-2010, 07:29 PM

I was a fence sitter on this subject at one time-one year ago. I'd read everyone's comments as well as web sites that talked about synthetic vs. conventional and I still wasn't sure. Till I watched the video Mobile One put up on a test they conducted on taxi cabs in Las Vegas. When I saw how clean the inside of the synthetic engine was vs. the conventional oil engine I was sold. At first I tried Mobile One, but ultimately switched to Redline since I found a local vender and knew this brand from my motorcycle days. I also switched a '92 Miata with 160k miles on it and it's clickety lifters have never been quieter and it had been on conventional it's whole life with no engine failures other than lots of oil leaks that have all been chased down and fixed.

Conventionals are really great oils in todays market. Switching to synthetic is really a personal and economic decision that's different for everyone. If I didn't do my own oil changes there is no way I'd pay the dealer mark up on synthetic, but since I save doing it myself I can go syn. for what conventional would cost paying the dealer to do it.

Some fence sitter things I wondered about was fuel mileage-would it be any better? Nope, I'm still where I was on conventional. Engine quiter-not that I can tell, seems the same as when new. Would the engine start leaking oil? Fortunately, no, it has not. Finally, how would I feel about it-well, total piece of mind that I've put the best in my car, no matter what brand of car I want to take care of it.

RUFFSTUFF · 01-02-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

There's no harm in "overkill," but neither is there in using bargain priced oil that meets the manufacturer's specs.

That's just it... "meeting the spec" and being quality are 2 different things. Would you pick a doctor to perform surgery on you that met the spec, or would you prefer an established specialist?

RUFFSTUFF · 01-02-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTVitz

I was a fence sitter on this subject at one time-one year ago. I'd read everyone's comments as well as web sites that talked about synthetic vs. conventional and I still wasn't sure. Till I watched the video Mobile One put up on a test they conducted on taxi cabs in Las Vegas. When I saw how clean the inside of the synthetic engine was vs. the conventional oil engine I was sold. At first I tried Mobile One, but ultimately switched to Redline since I found a local vender and knew this brand from my motorcycle days. I also switched a '92 Miata with 160k miles on it and it's clickety lifters have never been quieter and it had been on conventional it's whole life with no engine failures other than lots of oil leaks that have all been chased down and fixed.

Conventionals are really great oils in todays market. Switching to synthetic is really a personal and economic decision that's different for everyone. If I didn't do my own oil changes there is no way I'd pay the dealer mark up on synthetic, but since I save doing it myself I can go syn. for what conventional would cost paying the dealer to do it.

Some fence sitter things I wondered about was fuel mileage-would it be any better? Nope, I'm still where I was on conventional. Engine quiter-not that I can tell, seems the same as when new. Would the engine start leaking oil? Fortunately, no, it has not. Finally, how would I feel about it-well, total piece of mind that I've put the best in my car, no matter what brand of car I want to take care of it.

+1

Yaris Hilton · 01-02-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUFFSTUFF

That's just it... "meeting the spec" and being quality are 2 different things. Would you pick a doctor to perform surgery on you that met the spec, or would you prefer an established specialist?

Not a reasonable comparison. As has already been pointed out, both oils are certified to the same specification. And the specification has already been shown to be good enough. Good enough is good enough.

RUFFSTUFF · 01-02-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

Not a reasonable comparison. As has already been pointed out, both oils are certified to the same specification. And the specification has already been shown to be good enough. Good enough is good enough.

I'm glad you think good enough is good enough, but its not. Seeing how there is more that one oil spec/standard (look on any container for 'hopefully' the multiple standards), the manufacturer may choose to use 1, 2, 3 or more of the ratings in its recommendation. Much like the manufacturer of the tires on the car or the manufacturer (real) of the radio, I'm sure there is a vested interest in the process. BTW, what oil do you use? Just curious if you follow what you type.

Yaris Hilton · 01-02-2010, 09:51 PM

I'm currently using Castrol GTX 5W-30.

(As I'd said a few posts above.)

RUFFSTUFF · 01-03-2010, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

I'm currently using Castrol GTX 5W-30.

(As I'd said a few posts above.)

Yeah, I don't think that's good enough!

Lewis · 01-03-2010, 10:31 AM

It amazes me how emotional folks seem to get about their choice of motor oils?

I guess it shows that the marketeers are doing a good job in convincing people it's a very consequential decision.

As a 62 year old who remembers cars from the 5-60's we are SO far ahead of where we were I think virtually any decision is great compared to the time when getting 100k out of an engine was considered very good!

RUFFSTUFF · 01-03-2010, 10:34 AM

It's just the internet. Less of a chance of getting punched in the kisser...

Hershey · 01-03-2010, 11:02 AM

we use synthetic due to high revving engine and the extreme cold temps . The $3 paid a quart (3+ 1/2 qts. PENNZOIL Platinum or SHELL Full Synthetic w/ TOYO ( Denso ) filter @ $3 ) is well worth the gains of synthetic oil .

RUFFSTUFF · 01-03-2010, 11:31 AM

High revving? Bah humbug!

RUFFSTUFF · 01-03-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hershey

we use synthetic due to high revving engine and the extreme cold temps . The $3 paid a quart (3+ 1/2 qts. PENNZOIL Platinum or SHELL Full Synthetic w/ TOYO ( Denso ) filter @ $3 ) is well worth the gains of synthetic oil .

So what would you lose if you didn't use synth?

Yaris Hilton · 01-03-2010, 12:19 PM

Nothing. You'll gain nothing by using it IMO. But use what you think is appropriate, and I'll do the same. Nothing's going to be gained (or lost) by arguing about it here.

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01-01-2010, 09:52 PM	#19
severous01 Drives: 2008 yaris, stripped, red Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Texas Posts: 977	i usually add 25% to my synthetic oils...however, with the lower costs of the 5q buckets at walmart and the fact that this thing only takes like 3.5q of oil, every 2 oil changes i have an extra oil change for even cheaper. surprisingly, my fuel economy keeps going up. now i changed my oil at the first interval. i immediately switched to syn on first change. i guess the engine wasnt broken in and it's slowly breaking in with the synthetic oils. any way, i'm happy seening as how my oil isnt even ready to be changed when i drain it. it's still a dark amber color, not anywhere near black or dark brown like i see most of the time working at a dealership.

01-02-2010, 09:59 AM	#22
RUFFSTUFF Banned Drives: 2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: KINGSLAND, GA Posts: 381	If you can get a good deal on Synth, then go for it... I do. The way I see it, there's more harm in using the absolute cheapest oil available and saving a few dollars then there is paying more money for synthetic when its overkill.

01-02-2010, 01:54 PM	#23
Yaris Hilton Half a Bubble Off Plumb Drives: 2009 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bristol, Tennessee, USA Posts: 1,593	There's no harm in "overkill," but neither is there in using bargain priced oil that meets the manufacturer's specs.

01-02-2010, 07:29 PM	#24
UTVitz Drives: Black Vitz Liftback Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 238	I was a fence sitter on this subject at one time-one year ago. I'd read everyone's comments as well as web sites that talked about synthetic vs. conventional and I still wasn't sure. Till I watched the video Mobile One put up on a test they conducted on taxi cabs in Las Vegas. When I saw how clean the inside of the synthetic engine was vs. the conventional oil engine I was sold. At first I tried Mobile One, but ultimately switched to Redline since I found a local vender and knew this brand from my motorcycle days. I also switched a '92 Miata with 160k miles on it and it's clickety lifters have never been quieter and it had been on conventional it's whole life with no engine failures other than lots of oil leaks that have all been chased down and fixed. Conventionals are really great oils in todays market. Switching to synthetic is really a personal and economic decision that's different for everyone. If I didn't do my own oil changes there is no way I'd pay the dealer mark up on synthetic, but since I save doing it myself I can go syn. for what conventional would cost paying the dealer to do it. Some fence sitter things I wondered about was fuel mileage-would it be any better? Nope, I'm still where I was on conventional. Engine quiter-not that I can tell, seems the same as when new. Would the engine start leaking oil? Fortunately, no, it has not. Finally, how would I feel about it-well, total piece of mind that I've put the best in my car, no matter what brand of car I want to take care of it.

01-02-2010, 09:51 PM	#29
Yaris Hilton Half a Bubble Off Plumb Drives: 2009 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bristol, Tennessee, USA Posts: 1,593	I'm currently using Castrol GTX 5W-30. (As I'd said a few posts above.)

01-03-2010, 10:31 AM	#31
Lewis Our off road vehicle Drives: 2009 Yaris 3dr Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 198	It amazes me how emotional folks seem to get about their choice of motor oils? I guess it shows that the marketeers are doing a good job in convincing people it's a very consequential decision. As a 62 year old who remembers cars from the 5-60's we are SO far ahead of where we were I think virtually any decision is great compared to the time when getting 100k out of an engine was considered very good!

01-03-2010, 10:34 AM	#32
RUFFSTUFF Banned Drives: 2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: KINGSLAND, GA Posts: 381	It's just the internet. Less of a chance of getting punched in the kisser...

01-03-2010, 11:02 AM	#33
Hershey Drives: 08 Yaris sedan auto / Fit auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: northeast Posts: 2,897	we use synthetic due to high revving engine and the extreme cold temps . The $3 paid a quart (3+ 1/2 qts. PENNZOIL Platinum or SHELL Full Synthetic w/ TOYO ( Denso ) filter @ $3 ) is well worth the gains of synthetic oil .

01-03-2010, 11:31 AM	#34
RUFFSTUFF Banned Drives: 2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: KINGSLAND, GA Posts: 381	High revving? Bah humbug!

01-03-2010, 12:19 PM	#36
Yaris Hilton Half a Bubble Off Plumb Drives: 2009 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bristol, Tennessee, USA Posts: 1,593	Nothing. You'll gain nothing by using it IMO. But use what you think is appropriate, and I'll do the same. Nothing's going to be gained (or lost) by arguing about it here.