is synthetic oil worth it?

Yes, it is possible to change the filter without all the oil spilling out. If you look at the engine, the filter is above the oil pan (where the majority of the oil is).

It's worth it, assuming the oil is still "good", which means your not dumping all that used oil to be recycled. If you look at it from a purely financial point of view... It probably saves you ~10$ compared to changing dino + filter 3 times.

 

I actually did a Used Oil Analysis on my Prius. I was using German Castrol Syntec 0W30 w/ the Mobil 1 filter. The test was done when the oil was at 11k miles or so.

Results: as good as a UOA can get, though they did recommend I start thinking about changing the oil. So my guess was that the oil can actually go 12.5k miles.

The M1 filter held up fine, though they recommend going to an Amsoil EAO filter in the future. Do some research on this EAO filter.

I drive mainly hwy -- so I have no fuel dilution issue. They said this problem is most prevalent on the 05.

 

If you live in an area where the winter temps can dip to -40, then synthetic oils are worthwhile just for the cold temp flow properties. I first started using synthetics over 25 years ago just to have reliable oil lubrication in very cold temps

As far as the filter, the same Prius sold in the EU has a normal 12 month or 10,000 mile oil service interval using ACEA spec motor oils and a Toyota filter.

I have "pushed" Mobil 1 0W-20 and the dealer oil filter to 16,180km and the used oil analysis was fine.

 

Re: is synthetic oil worth it? Which oil, oil filter & air filters are Best?

I'd like to go one further: Which all SYNTHETIC OIL brand is the most cost efficient (quality vs cost)? I have been buying the cheapest when I need it, and often that has been either Pennzoil Platinum or Mobil 1.

Also, which brand and specific OIL FILTER is the most cost effective? I often use Fram or Mobil filters, but I have gotten various opinions in the past regarding which removes AND retains the most dirt.

Also, which specific AIR FILTER is most cost effective?

Thanks for your input. Little Lou

 

I believe that the synthetic is way worth it, I have 132,000 on an 05 that I have used Amsoil 2000 (or now they call it "signature") oil in for the last 100,000 miles. I drive 35,000 miles between oil changes and do a filter change at each oil change and at six months (or 17,500 miles).

It runs about $80 bucks a year for oil and filters. plus only disposing of 4L of oil over a whole year isn't to bad.

 

Synthetic oil is a great oil, but I do not plan to use it in my Prius. Since the Prius is one of the easiest vehicles to change the oil and oil filter, I plan to just use Quaker State, Pennzoil, or Castrol (whatever is on sale $1.98/quart) available at our local auto parts store. My change oil interval will be between 2.75K to 3K miles.

 

Re: is synthetic oil worth it? Which oil, oil filter & air filters are Best?

The answer is entirely dependent on when and why you change oil. If it is 5000 miles regardless, then the cheapest synthetic is probably the answer. If the change is based upon oil analysis, then one of the higher grade ACEA synthetics with a good TBN reserve could be the best answer.

FRAMs are bad, if not the worst. (Search this site for full details.) Toyota Filters are good. Amsoil also has good filters.

I will leave this for someone else to answer.

 

I've gotten the impression that some members here dislike FRAM oil filters. I never had any problems with them and I continue to use it in my Prius and other vehicles. The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with synthetic oil. There are lots of selection out there and the prices range from $2.50/quart and up. I was at Walmart last Saturday and saw a large 5 quart container made by Motorcraft - full synthetic for less than $20.00.

 

I missed this the first time. Correct, there are no zerks to grease. The ball joints and tie rods are "lubed for life"

 

go to Bob Is The Oil Guy

you'll find the majority of people there dislike fram due to the inferior quality compared to other filters. True, with your oil change interval, you can probably don't even need oil filters, so the fram is fine. It's a matter of the $ you're spending vs what you're getting. The basic Purolator filters (white cans) are much better quality for about the same or lower price. Now, would you knowingly buy an inferior product for the same price just because you've been doing it all your life? Have you done any research on Fram oil filters?

 

Have you done any oil analysis on your 35k Amsoil? I am really curious to see what your total base number (TBN) is after 35k. I thought I would be able to go 15k miles on my German Castrol Syntec, but my first oil analysis seem to indicate that 12.5k is a more reasonable interval.

 

Bob64 - the neatest way that I know to change the Prius oil filter w/o excessive spillage is to cut the top off a 1-liter soda bottle. The bottom can be your 'twister and oil catcher after you initially loosten the filter.

Caboost - would really like you to add the results of your UOA to the PriusChat database.

LRP144 - Which synthetic is better has simply not been worked out yet for Prius. Too few data in the database (memtioned above). The Prius I left behind in New Mexico is working through its 10k with Pennzoil Plat now. The UOA after that can be compared with its previous M1 runs. Then we may have a little bit to go on.

Until then, my general philosophy remains: Any "quality" synthetic oil (and filter), 10 k mile change intervals, and used oil analyses as frequently as you can bear to get them.

DAS

 

I've got an article somewhere that argues quite convincingly that synthetic is a superior lubricant and didn't break down as quickly. They used Mobil 1 in the test. My recollection was they didn't observe oil breakdown that would affect performance until after 10,000 miles. The observation about the weak link being the filter still stands. I'm glad to know that I can switch filters without losing too much oil. Too cool!

If I can dig up the article I'll post it or a link to it.

 

You mean this Bubba?

Synthetic Oil Life Study

 

Have it in pdf file. not sure how and where to post it.

 

I had an oil change 2 weeks ago and thought I'd try full synthetic:

1. Just realized that they put 10/30 instead of 5/30 oil in.
2. Contacted the dealer, they said it's OK but that I might lose mileage.
3. In fact, I've gained about 2.8 MPG (from 46.2 to 49) the first time my MPG changed at all.

any advice, ideas?

 

If I make the switch to synthetic oil, can I ever go back or is it "bad" for the engine?

 

PLEASE, share how you manage to get such amazing mileage! I get 49 mpg max... i drive about 60 miles a day and there are some big hills but still...

 

The lower the first number, the better the oil is in cold temperatures. Definitely would change out the 10W-30 before cold weather arrives.