hi guys, new to the forum. just bought 2012 touring GLS manual and now just passed 4000 kms. my first ever new car. love it, and having a blast driving it. just a quick question. I have been looking into the merits of fully synthetic oil vs normal 5w30. any insight would be great and look forward to talking with yyou guys

 

Best place for this info is the "Bob is the Oil guy" website. I myself have been using synth oil for over 6 years myself in all my cars. I use Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 in my Hyundai. Everybody has their own argument for what they use. Kind of like politics and religion...

 

Synthetic oils are better and ensures longevity. If you're a careful driver, the synthetic oil change can easily last for about 10k miles.

 

Leaving synthetic engine oil in a car for 10,000km isn't the best idea. The byproducts of the 4 stroke combustion engine produce corrosive contaminants in the oil. If you actually use the used engine oil in your car to "oil" the metal parts of your car those parts will look like they've aged 5 years in 1 year. The reason that doesn't happen to internal engine parts is because it's covered in oil and not subjected to outside elements. It's still best to make regular oil changes regardless of which oil you use.

The good thing about synthetic oil is that it doesn't loose it's slipperyness, regular oil will break down and loose it's lubricating power. It is possible to leave Synthetic in your car for 10,000km - it won't break down - but it's the contaminants in the combustion process you can't get rid of unless you do an oil change.

In short it is true that Synthetic is much better for your car and it wouldn't hurt to go for a longer oil period change with it, but it is more expensive.

 

That was true years ago when engine (and oil) technology were more crude. Today’s engines have much greater internal tolerances that create far less blow by to contaminate the oil. Going 10,000 miles on synthetic oil is not a big deal at all. In fact, many "standard" oils can do 7,500 miles and synthetics can go as many as 15,000 miles.

Stop Changing Your Oil - Edmunds.com

When Should You Change Your Oil? - Edmunds.com

Top 7 Urban Legends About Motor Oil - Edmunds.com