Sup everyone! I'm thinking of switching to synthetic oil. I've used regular Toyota motor oil ever since I bought my 2006 tC and I'm now approaching 40k miles. My question is that if it's still ok to switch to synthetic oil after 40k miles? If so, what brand of synthetic oil and oil filter do you guys recommend? Also, is there like a process to switch to synthetic after using regular Toyota motor oil for 40k miles...like additives to get rid of the sludge buildup by the regular Toyota motor oil or just simply switch the oil?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes.
Brand of syn. oil...I prefer PP syn. over M1 now. Royal Purp also.
Toyota OEM filter.

I don't think it would be worth it to switch over now but that's just me. Synthetic gives best results when it is placed in the engine within it's first couple thousand miles or so. Regular oil changed at 3 to 5k will still make your engine happy.

As of giving your engine some additives between the switch...I have no idea

 

You can switch at 40k miles without worrying about mixing oils. I switched at 15k and have not had an issue as far as I can tell (I'm at 65k). If you want to clean out the old stuff before switching, you can try Seafoam. Basically, use about 6 oz in the crankcase (where you refill oil during an oil change). After you do that, drive around for a few minutes then open up the hood and let the engine cool, then switch out the oil.

I use Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic with a Toyota oil filter. You don't have to worry about sludge buildup if you change your oil on normal maintenance routine.

 

^^^ you put seafom in the oil? or you drain the oil and put seafom and that's how u drive around?????? what?

 

You put it in the older oil right before a change, to clean up all the gunk.

 

Which "Toyota motor oil" were you using? The dealership near me told me that the motor oil they sell is actually re-branded Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil... this is the same stuff they use in their oil changes.

You may have been using synthetic this whole time and not even realized it. You might wanna check with the dealership where you bought your "Toyota motor oil".

BTW, the Mobil 1 is usually a little cheaper, maybe even more cheaper if it's on sale at your local autoparts store.

 

RP is "more" of a synth than than M1 (fewer dino components) and should have a longer breakdown interval. You will always get a benefit from changing, regardless of mileage.

It is perfectly ok to switch. I also put no additives or crap like that in my oil, and most good mechanics I know do not recommend them. Just keep it changed like you are supposed to and use good oil and filters. I personally run RP (M1 is my 2nd preference) and K&N oil filters.

 

I prefer Castrol Syntec, but most any synthetic is superior to the non-synthetic type, so use whatever brand(s) you like.

 

Castrol Syntec FTW. I just use a Fram filter because it is usually the best the place has when I buy the oil. i would buy RP, but it is too expensive.

 

what kind of oil do you guys use for the tcs....like 5w-30 or 0w-30 synthetic?

 

Assuming you have a 2008, you should be using 5w or 0w 20. Depending on your climate/season, it would alter the grades.

 

i hear fram filters are the worst to use.. they tested them and the filter element would fall apart under pressure.. but then again this was awhile ago

 

well i live in ohio and it is snowing like 6-8 months yr. so do i buy 5w-20??

thanks!