Is their an advantage to using synthetic oil instead of conventional oil in cars

Question

i know they advertise that synthetic does not break down as easily. but still you want to change it every 3000 miles or less because it gets dirty just as quickly which is just as dangerous to the engine. but is their any other advantage. i cant image my car company toyota to give me a v6 200 hp engine and recomend conventional oil with out being sure that the oil will survive the cars maximum hp. so if i change my oil ever 2000-3000 mile and i really never redline the car only get between 2000-3000. then synthetic is a waste of money. i should also still be able to safely redline rarely just for fun to feel it with conventional?

Answer 1

Toyota had an oil sludging issue with some of their cars, there is a class action lawsuit against them for many 97-01 models. Synthetic oil does not sludge or leave deposits on seals and parts. Build up on seals can cause seals to leak because the build up prevents oil from contacting the seal. You are right when you said that the manufacturer won't give you bad advice, but remember that after the warranty lapses, they don't have a large interest. Some people want to keep their car for a long time. Many high end cars like corvettes, and even VW now come with synthetic oil, probably for a reason. And having a good filter is important too, as you mentioned.

Answer 2

Synthetic oil flows faster after a cold start, it is thermally stable to a much higher temperature without braking down.

Preventing engine sludge is simple use synthetic. Toyota had sludge problems with some of their engines in the late 90's. Modern engines run pretty hot because of smaller engines providing high power and the need for efficiency. Most engines run pretty close to the limit for mineral based oils.

Oil will discolor with use, that does not mean its dirty, the oil filter will take out the harmful particles.  

Answer 3

   It is true synthetic oil engines have less ware. And with synthetic oil you can run 5 to 8000 miles between oil changes.Getting dirty and breaking down are two different things.If you love your engine and want to red line ( just occasionaly ) Run Synthetic oil and change it every 6000 miles You will probibly get the better of both worlds. Good luck