Oil Change Interval

Theres alot of talk about prius owners using synthetic oil over regular.Is synthetic really that much better?.What are your reasons for using synthetic?I have 4000 miles on my 06 prius and planning on my first oil change at 5000.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stanlwyjohn @ Oct 28 2006, 07:09 AM) [snapback]339893[/snapback]</div>

stanlwyjohn,

I use synthetic oil because I feel that it will lead to longer life of the engine. Takes longer to thermally break down the viscosity. I can go longer between oil changes (6,000mile on my older cars). Still sticking with the 5,000 mile interval with my PRIUS to avoid warranty issues.

The biggest advantage is the synthetic oil will help the most during the frequent starting of the ICE. This is where the synthetic oil will give better protection that standard motor oil. In the cold winters, synthetic will flow better on those cold starts, therefore providing better protection.

Read the below article it is detailed but will answer about anything you ever wanted to know.
http://www.trustmymechanic.com/motor-oil-bible.pdf

Hope this helps!

P.S. On your first oil change, I suggest getting an oil filter wrench. The production line must have uses the Hulk to tighten the oil filter. You can get a cheep one from Wal-Mart for $4 that will utilize your 3/8 ratchet. Or you can buy an expensive metal one, your call. Oil will run down your hand when you remove the oil filter. Some people on PRIUSCHAT have used a small plastic soda bottle to take off the oil filter and allow the bottle to catch the oil instead of your hands. I will try this in one week.

Some people say that they jack up one side to change the oil, but I fell that this is dangerous to be under the car with just a jack. Invest in the polymer ramps that you can get at Wal-Mart for $20 - $40. No I do not endorse Wal-Mart (they just carry a lot of stuff there that no one else does). Then you can just drive up the ramps and inspect the entire underside during your oil change. Be careful, the PRIUS high torque electric motor will easily climb these ramps so have a spotter look for you as you ascend the ramp for the first time. Always use the parking brake and put something in front of and behind the rear tires to keep it from rolling forwards or backwards while you are under the PRIUS.

 

Thanks for the info HW Student Big help! For now im having the dealership change the oil!I can do it but im supposed to get free oil changes as long as i service it with them.I will look into what they might charge to use synthetic oil.