Oil change with synthetic

I've always been told once you start putting synthetic you shouldn't go back. You can probably almost double the miles that the owners manual says to go before changing the oil if you used a good filter.

Full synthetic should be good for 10-15k miles.

Newer computers don't base oil change intervals off of mileage

My trucks F150 2012 oil sensor will automatically adjust to synthetic based on the oil properties. I don't know what parameter it is looking at but the life is a lot longer when I use synthetic. In other words, a newer vehicle may not have to adjust anything and should be able to comprehend both

The computer is programmed on the OEM oil. Any standard oil that meets the DEXOS spec is going to be a pretty good oil so you really won't gain much with a full synthetic unless you are towing a lot or operating under severe conditions constantly. Unless your engine is consuming oil at the high side of normal then I'd just use regular oil.

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I always put synthetic, but then realized we always listen to the computer for oil change intervals. If they base that off standard oil, is it worth paying the extra for synthetic if I still change it every time the computer tells me to?

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If you use a premium synthetic it won't degrade as quickly and will extend the change intervals. But you still need to check the dipstick to assure your engine doesn't consume oil past the minimum fill level.

I would also advise you use Seafoam on the upper intake manifold a few days before changing your oil. This will clear oil deposits from the upper end of your motor and allow them to settle in the oil pan. Then when you drain it out, it'll take some of the carbon buildup with it.

I use Amsoil 5W-30 and an Amsoil filter. It's rated for 15k miles but I change when my computer tells me, which is typically around 8-10k miles. I drive a 2010 Yukon Denali so your wife's vehicle should have the same oil life meter and computer as mine.

Here's an interesting comparison showing the versatility of synthetic oil:

Engineering Explained - Is Synthetic Oil Better for Your Car?

What year model.

Chevy started making cars/trucks that require you to use dexos oils in 2011. If you don't use a dexos oil (and the recommended type 0W-20, etc) it voids your warranty and they also will not honor any recall factory work.

Full synthetic costs the same as standard oil in the long run. If you have to change conventional oil every 3,000 miles, that's 3 oil changes at $30-$40 a pop vs. 1 oil change at $100.

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1 oil change at $100.

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It's not nearly this expensive if you do it yourself. Changed my gf's oil in her Jeep with Castrol Synthetic and a Wix filter from O'Reilly for $58. It'll last a good while.

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Newer computers don't base oil change intervals off of mileage

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Sure they do, just not solely on mileage. they take driving lengths into consideration (lots of long trips typically means longer intervals between changes). Of course, that varies depending on make and model. They may also take your assessment of driving conditions into account.

Sam's and Costco often sell 6-qt boxes of Mobil 1 synthetic with instant $10 rebates at check out. Cheapest way to go that I've found on per quart basis, I buy at least 2 or 3 boxes at once.