Synthetic oil change interval

[Dodgefreak]

I switched over to synthetic at the first oil change, now I'm just wondering about when to do the next one. The car gets driven just about every day but we still dont put a lot of miles on it. So do I change it by mileage or time?

[MrScary]

I switched over to synthetic at the first oil change, now I'm just wondering about when to do the next one. The car gets driven just about every day but we still dont put a lot of miles on it. So do I change it by mileage or time?

This is controversial.. I drive the car very very hard so I change right around 4000 - 4500 depends on how the oil is looking I know this is not scientifc at all..

I changed to synthetic right at 733 miles and am now gonig on about 3300 miles on the synthetic I will probably get her changed this weekend.


no good answer here ... everyone has their opinion I usually change between 3500-4000 with syn

[banannaman]

How much better is synthetic over regular oil. What are the benefits

[Dodgefreak]

This what mobil has to say.

Benefits:

Outstanding wear protection.

Excellent high- and low-temperature performance.

Pours at temperatures as low as -53ºF and protects at oil temperatures as high as 400ºF.

Improved protection against sludge and harmful deposits.

Excellent fuel economy benefits (specific grades/viscosities).

[MCO_Carter]

I'm going in for my first Oil Change this weekend, and will probably have my mechanic use Synthetic...is any one brand better than the others, or is like it is with Dino Oil, and it's personal preference?

[HemiChemi]

In my opinion (presuming a new engine in perfect condition):

Synthetic oil is good for 20K+ miles. The filter? Depends... Prolly not that long. A good one's good for maybe 7-10k miles.

Bottom line for me: follow the owner's manual, at least while in warranty.

YMMV! :D

[Dodgefreak]

This is mobil 1 answer to the change interval that I found.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn Technology exceeds the latest industry and OEM requirements. It is designed for vehicles under warranty and will provide protection for the maximum oil change interval recommended in your owner's manual or by your oil life sensor.

[jmorrell]

I changed my regular oil at 3,000 mile intervals, but with Mobil 1, I plan on changing it at 5,000 mile intervals.

[Dodgefreak]

What about time wise how long can you go? I think the manual says six months.

[MrScary]

In my opinion (presuming a new engine in perfect condition):

Synthetic oil is good for 20K+ miles. The filter? Depends... Prolly not that long. A good one's good for maybe 7-10k miles.

Bottom line for me: follow the owner's manual, at least while in warranty.

YMMV! :D

ohh dear come on Chemi 20,000 ? ouch ;)

s:devil:

[arfur]

ohh dear come on Chemi 20,000 ? ouch ;)

s:devil:

Yep - he's right. You would prolly still be fine at 10K - even thrashing the thing! :angel: :devil: :D

[arfur]

I'm going in for my first Oil Change this weekend, and will probably have my mechanic use Synthetic...is any one brand better than the others, or is like it is with Dino Oil, and it's personal preference?

As long as the SAE numbers are the same between synthetic brands, it won't mae a difference. Mine preference is mobil 1, cos I have been exposed to its advertising the longest.........:D

[HemiChemi]

I even have a renowned European expert agreeing with me:

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=98784&postcount=20

:D:D:D:D

[LosingSleep]

I still change at 3000. I think with a new motor there might be extra metal floating around from the break in. Even the fact that it gets beat on and turns high rpms often so I would play it safe and change often. Frequent oil changes will help your motor live a full life. :D

[arfur]

I still change at 3000. I think with a new motor there might be extra metal floating around from the break in. Even the fact that it gets beat on and turns high rpms often so I would play it safe and change often. Frequent oil changes will help your motor live a full life. :D

Well - not really. Frequent oil changes are a waste of moeny and a waste of resources, as well as increasing waste oil! The filter takes care of the metal particles above a certain size, with the particles below a certain size not really doing mych harm. With synthetic, there really in't any point in changing before 6K miles IMHO (and even that's terribly wasteful - but I have to look after my warranty)!

[LosingSleep]

Well - not really. Frequent oil changes are a waste of moeny and a waste of resources, as well as increasing waste oil! The filter takes care of the metal particles above a certain size, with the particles below a certain size not really doing mych harm. With synthetic, there really in't any point in changing before 6K miles IMHO (and even that's terribly wasteful - but I have to look after my warranty)!


I believe the extended warranty requires 3000.

[arfur]

I believe the extended warranty requires 3000.

So let me get this right. The trip that I carried out last weekend, where I travelled 3K miles should necessitate an oil change! What a total waste. :cry:

[MrScary]

I even have a renowned European expert agreeing with me:

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=98784&postcount=20

:D:D:D:D

Ok me wait until 19999 miles then have oil analyzed. If break engine first step
Stuff Chemi in the Hemi then start ;)


hehe

[arfur]

Ok me wait until 19999 miles then have oil analyzed. If break engine first step
Stuff Chemi in the Hemi then start ;)


hehe

LOL - nice idea! :D

[MrScary]

LOL - nice idea! :D
hahaha arfur I think I love you!!!!


haha dude your sigs make me laugh every freaking day ;)

[Fedexjetmx]

Just my .02.

1.First off use sythetic it is far superior to tradition oil.
2.Mobil 1,Royal purple, Amsoil, RedLine are the only true synthetics on the market.(I know I will get hate mail for this but it's true,even if they advertise 100% synthetic it's not, I will elaborate later if I need too).
3.Until your engine warrenty has expirend I'd stick to the 3K intervals,un less you can get something in writting from DCX on using sythetic on an extended change intervals, just c.y.a.
4. And if you do get the nod to go longer change your oil filter about every 2-3K.
Every thing I own I use Mobil1(because its more readily available) and K&N oil fiters. filter change every 3k miles and oil every 8-10K.
My 95 sub has 250k plus miles and I still get 200psi on a cylinder comp test and I use it to pull a 6000lb boat.My wifes 98 Must GT has 140K HARD miles.

[GoDaddy]

since we all have an opinion.....if you look at the manual there are 2 intervals...for really tough stop and go driving - every 3000.....for lots of highway mileage 6000 miles (i think schedule B).

anyway. i change at 6000 miles for oil and filter. i use mobile 1 and i use a k and n oil filter. this is how i do it. i am amazed at the quality of the oil when i change it out at 6000 miles. i could easily change out much later but i will stick with the longest schedule the book says...which is 6000 miles. personally, i think you could go an easy 12,000 miles with the combo i have but i see no need to stretch it out. 6,000 works for me.

[Fedexjetmx]

since we all have an opinion.....if you look at the manual there are 2 intervals...for really tough stop and go driving - every 3000.....for lots of highway mileage 6000 miles (i think schedule B).

anyway. i change at 6000 miles for oil and filter. i use mobile 1 and i use a k and n oil filter. this is how i do it. i am amazed at the quality of the oil when i change it out at 6000 miles. i could easily change out much later but i will stick with the longest schedule the book says...which is 6000 miles. personally, i think you could go an easy 12,000 miles with the combo i have but i see no need to stretch it out. 6,000 works for me.

Your right ...but the reason I said 3k is because if it ever came down to a nitpick issue for an engine warrenty DCX would probably try to keep from giving someon an engine because of the oil change schedule.

[Fedexjetmx]

Here is an interesting link. A couple of poeple at a company did a pretty decent observation of Mobil1 and Amsoil, oil life study.Its really worth reading.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html

[arfur]

Your right ...but the reason I said 3k is because if it ever came down to a nitpick issue for an engine warrenty DCX would probably try to keep from giving someon an engine because of the oil change schedule.

That is true - but they'd have to be arguing that they designed a real hunk of junk if you couldn't extend to 6K!! :dead:

[Fedexjetmx]

True true true. i was thinking about my brother-in-laws run in with DCX over his engine in his dakota last year. They ended up in court because DCX claimed he had abused his truck because they found rubber inside of his fender wells which they constituted as abuse, he ask then if they had ever tried to get a boat out of a lake on a slick smooth boat ramp. And he ened up losing. (it threw a rod on the ride home from the lake):mad:

[arfur]

True true true. i was thinking about my brother-in-laws run in with DCX over his engine in his dakota last year. They ended up in court because DCX claimed he had abused his truck because they found rubber inside of his fender wells which they constituted as abuse, he ask then if they had ever tried to get a boat out of a lake on a slick smooth boat ramp. And he ened up losing. (it threw a rod on the ride home from the lake):mad:

There are only a few things that are going to cause an engine to let go:

Manufacturing defect of crank/con rod etc (fatigue failure - varied amount of cycling - the harder the engine was used, the less cycling required);

Component damaged during build (fatigue failure - varied amount of cycling - the harder the engine was used, the less cycling required);

Overheating (loss of coolant - potential for engine to seize/partially sieze);

Loss of lubrication (low/no oil - potential for engine to seize/partially sieze);

Poor lubrication/overheating cycles (no servicings carried out potential for engine to seize/partially sieze).

There are prolly others, but these are the ones that spring to mind.

The only problem you are likely to have with extending the service intervals (as long as the coolant is always topped up and the oil is always at the correct level) is an increase in wear! That's how I see it. With modern oils, their capability is far and beyond those of 10-15 years ago. The synth just don't loose their properties the way 'old' dino oils used to.

[GoDaddy]

another question i have always wondered about. how do you really prove that you did the oil changes. is the reciept for the products enough with a date on it and then you write down the miles. that is what i do, b/c no one touches my baby but me. but is this a valid fight if you have to "prove" you did the oil change?

[arfur]

another question i have always wondered about. how do you really prove that you did the oil changes. is the reciept for the products enough with a date on it and then you write down the miles. that is what i do, b/c no one touches my baby but me. but is this a valid fight if you have to "prove" you did the oil change?

There is a service manual which you are supposed to get stamped by the dealer every time the service is done. It also acts as a record when selling the vehicle. In the UK - no service history - no warranty (which I hope isn't the case here for some of you guys). It's starting to change in the UK and some manufacturers are now accepting books stamped by 'professional service companies' instead of their own dealer network because of the extortionate hourly rates in the UK (75-100 sterling and hour).

When I take mine in for the service - I get them to stamp the book. :D

[Bigphil]

Im still not convinced about synthetics for the price. maybe if you are running 6000+ miles. On my high performance motorcycle engines i run it, but on a big V8 does it really make a difference besides preference?

[GoDaddy]

i write in my date on that book. i know "the book" you speak of Git.

<yes, i finally got to use his own word against him...lol>

[arfur]

Im still not convinced about synthetics for the price. maybe if you are running 6000+ miles. On my high performance motorcycle engines i run it, but on a big V8 does it really make a difference besides preference?

It's not just the lubrication/thermal and shear properties that are good with synths - the additives packages are good as well. Anti varnish, detergents, particle suspension and anti-foaming etc. With a good top of the range quality dino oil in an engine, compared to - say Mobil 1 in another, it would prolly be difficult to tell the difference in the magnitude of wear at say 100,000 miles (all things being equal, re use and service intervals). It could be seen as an extravagance, but if you push the engine really hard on occasion - it can't hurt to have the best lubricating/cooling medium in the engine can it? :D

[arfur]

i write in my date on that book. i know "the book" you speak of Git.

<yes, i finally got to use his own word against him...lol>

Ahh - git yerself! :tongue:

In the UK, it has to have a dealer stamp - not just a date. I am assuming that the dealer is using a stamp on mine. You would need to keep reciepts as proof of each service if you are gonna sell - not sure what the manufacturer would say as I don't know the t's & c's for DCX warraty's.

[kenobi0001]

Hello all,
I work for a company in Indianapolis called Rayco Machine and Engineering. We work Extensively with the IRL (Indy Racing League) on Engine and Chassis Development. Every Team it doesn't Matter who sponsers them, uses Mobil 1 Synthetic. This Oil can withstand 200mph for 500 miles and still come out golden. Thats Good Oil. Make No substitutes Mobil 1 Choice of Professionals.

[shanes daddy]

Hello all,
I work for a company in Indianapolis called Rayco Machine and Engineering. We work Extensively with the IRL (Indy Racing League) on Engine and Chassis Development. Every Team it doesn't Matter who sponsers them, uses Mobil 1 Synthetic. This Oil can withstand 200mph for 500 miles and still come out golden. Thats Good Oil. Make No substitutes Mobil 1 Choice of Professionals.

I'm sold. Yea, gotta take my lunch an extra day, but when sacrifices have to
be made, nothing is a hard decision for the MACH 5. Hope Jiffy Lube will put in my 7 of Mobil-1 and my K&N oil filter (good combo G.D.), yet let me keep some dignity of taking it to them in the first place. ( Subdivision Home Rules-Do not change oil on your driveway.)
S.D.

[Charger SRT-8]

There is a service manual which you are supposed to get stamped by the dealer every time the service is done. It also acts as a record when selling the vehicle. In the UK - no service history - no warranty (which I hope isn't the case here for some of you guys). It's starting to change in the UK and some manufacturers are now accepting books stamped by 'professional service companies' instead of their own dealer network because of the extortionate hourly rates in the UK (75-100 sterling and hour).

When I take mine in for the service - I get them to stamp the book. :D


There is a law on the books, sorry can't recall the name, that states you cannot be obligated to have your car serviced by the dealer to satisfy the manufacturers warranty. Nor can they force you to pay someone to do. You just need to have records or receipts. I frequently change the oil in my other cars and use synthetic. There is no way it needs to be changed every 3000 miles unless you use your Charger as a taxi cab in NYC. 6000 sounds right especially if you use extented life synthetic engineered to last 15,000 miles.

[arfur]

There is a law on the books, sorry can't recall the name, that states you cannot be obligated to have your car serviced by the dealer to satisfy the manufacturers warranty. Nor can they force you to pay someone to do. You just need to have records or receipts. I frequently change the oil in my other cars and use synthetic. There is no way it needs to be changed every 3000 miles unless you use your Charger as a taxi cab in NYC. 6000 sounds right especially if you use extented life synthetic engineered to last 15,000 miles.

Thanks for that post - that is very interesting. I get the feeling that the UK will go down that route eventually - it is a bit of a swizz to force ppl to have to use expensive dealers to keep the waaranty valid! That is an extremely logical law IMHO. I agree about the change periods..... :D

[Charger SRT-8]

There is a law on the books, sorry can't recall the name, that states you cannot be obligated to have your car serviced by the dealer to satisfy the manufacturers warranty. Nor can they force you to pay someone to do. You just need to have records or receipts.


Its the The Magnuson-Moss Act enacted in 1975.

[arfur]

Its the The Magnuson-Moss Act enacted in 1975.

We bloody well need that! :devil:

[robvia]

Here is an interesting link. A couple of poeple at a company did a pretty decent observation of Mobil1 and Amsoil, oil life study.Its really worth reading.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html
Awesome link.
I'm going with the Amsoil 0W-30 with their 12 month filter in my SXT. I'll change it at 7k miles, which is about 6 months. That's right about where the oil will start to change color.
I'll be doing my oil change this weekend, and I have the Fumoto drain plug. I'll take a bunch of pictures and update my web page.