peace2008

ON a 2010 Mazda 3? I've used regular oil, penzoil, quaker state ect...

Would it be benefitial to switch to full synthetic oil now or should I just stick to the same stuff?

Thanks

djs2571

Synthetic oil lasts longer between changes because it's more purified to start with (man made) as well as able to handling higher temps so it doesn't break down as fast. Other than that it's still just oil. I think the only real reason to use synth is if you are under harsh conditions that break down normal oil, or you just want to change it less often.
Keep in mind that there's no recommended change interval for synth, so i'm not sure what any warranty will cover if you have an engine issue (even if it was a manufacturers defect). I would however change the filter at regular intervals, just to keep the gunk out of the circulation path and keep the filter from being a restriction.

rg2912

A synthetic oil is not "man made". It is conventional feedstock that has been broken down and reformulated to remove the broken long chain carbon molecules. This purity is what makes it have a better viscosity index (resistance to heat break down)and a good pour point at low temperatures. You should have no issue with a change over to synthetic. I run nothing but Mobil 1 in my 3 depending on the driving I've done, I have gotten around 8k between changes. A good test is when you check your oil level drop a few drops of oil drop on the back of a business card. Let it dry out for a day and look at it. If the color is a uniform cream color with no dark rings your good for another month or so. Good Luck

djs2571

I'm glad you mentioned the oil blot test... I only recently came on this technique to see when the oil actually needs to be changed.
See details here for oil color & what it means. http://www.schleeter.com/test/index.htm

MedievalKnight

Using synthetic oil of the proper viscosity can increase your mileage interval between changes. Synthetic oil is prefered or even necessary if conditions are quite cold. 0w oils are always synthetic formula and are made specifically for extreme cold. 0w oil does not thicken as much when cool/cold, allowing the starter to turn the engine easily and it slightly reduces the resistance to flowing after start and while warming up, possibly saving a bit of fuel and start-up wear.

Engines can be switched from or to synthetic oil at any time, as there is no real chemical difference.
All oils pass a seal compatability test, but leaks can occur in older engines that have seals which are varnished over from the inside and have become dried out. High detergent levels in synthetic oil can clear away the "false seals" and allow some leakage that should stop after the once-dry seals are re-wetted and swell.
Synthetic oils should not be considered as cost-effective, but rather a luxury item. Oil companies and auto mfgs agree that change intervals should not be extended beyond what is recommended in the service manual, despite the use of synthetic oil. Still, cost-effectiveness of synthetic oil can be obtained by extending the change interval of the oil filter to every 5,000 miles (top off after changing) and of the synthetic oil to every 10,000 miles. This regimen has been performed with very successful results.
Plain quality filters last as long as most people are willing to use the oil it filters. 10k miles is fine for even basic grade filters and the "one" oil company that leads the synthetic market states that no special filter is needed.
Be certain to use the weight (Example: 5W-20; 5W-30) of synthetic oil recommended for your vehicle and the weather conditions in which it is driven.
Before driving the vehicle after an oil change, be certain to start and run the engine to full oil pressure. Then, check for any oil leaks around the filter seal and pan plug. After shutting the motor off, wait three or four minutes for the oil to run back to the oil pan; then check the level of oil with the dipstick to be certain it is full.

I choose Mobil 1 Fully synthetic and is is the best oil for the money