Should I use Synthetic in my Toyota Tundra?

By: Jason Lancaster

People ask me if they should use synthetic oil in their new trucks, and I always answer "It depends." Synthetic oil is better than regular oil for a lot of different reasons. Synthetic is a better lubricant, it maintains its integrity at high temperatures, it is usually pure without any contaminants, and it won't become sludge even when it's abused. To many people, the obvious benefits of synthetic oil mean that they should start using it in their new truck tomorrow. However, it really depends on how you take care of your Tundra.

To start with, do you follow the rules and change your oil regularly? If you're diligent in changing your oil, you'll probably never see one of the biggest benefits of synthetic oil. Because synthetic oil is resistant to breaking down over time or over under extended use, it's the best oil to have in your engine if you forget an oil change, or, if your oil changes happen more than six months apart. However, if you're changing your oil regularly and at the proper mileage you'll never be in a situation where your engine is at risk from worn-out oil. Evaluate your maintenance schedule to determine if you would benefit from synthetic oil use.

For instance my aunt drives about 7k miles per year. At that rate she's only going to see an oil change about every 9 months. Since regular oil starts to wear out after 6 months, she should use synthetic. The best advice I can give you is think about who is in charge of maintaining the vehicles in your family and recommend synthetic oil to those people that will exceed the time threshold or those people that might space an oil change.

Another reason to consider using synthetic oil is if you find yourself in extreme conditions often, or if you find you're running your engine a lot when the vehicle is parked. Extreme conditions (like high temps or high altitudes) will often cause the engine to run at higher-than-normal temperatures, which in turn will lead to accelerated oil break-down. If you're running your engine a lot when your vehicle is parked, you're also creating higher-than-normal temperatures in your engine. Synthetic oil performs better in these situations.

The last example of a high-temperature use that would benefit from synthetic oil would be racing. Hopefully, if you’re racing, you’re using the best oil you can and changing it often.

I've read a lot of articles about using synthetic if you're in a lot of stop-and-go situations. I think that this really depends upon your individual situation. After all, anyone who has been to New York or Los Angeles will tell you stop and go in those places is different than anywhere else. Also, if you drive short trips only, people may recommend synthetic oil as a way to protect you engine. However, short trips, regardless of your choice of oil, damage your motor. No matter whether you use synthetic or regular oil, you engine was designed to be ran for at least 20 minutes. That's the best way to protect your engine from damage due to short trips.

After reading this, you may have determined that synthetic oil is the oil for you. Use caution when purchasing synthetic oil. Sometimes your maintanence facility will suggest a synthetic blend to you as a way to save some cash. I suggest you pass. Most synthetic blends don't tell you how much of the oil is synthetic and how much is regular. Remember -- technically, synthetic blend could be 1% synthetic and 99% not. No blends (unlesss they're recommnded by Toyota).

So you say that's all fine and good, but what do the people that MAKE the vehicles think? Toyota has no stance on synthetic oil, they only want you to use good oil and change it regularly.

Bottomline: Unless you’re subjecting your new 2007 Toyota Tundra (and the oil that’s in it) to extreme conditions, save money and use regular oil.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Author Jason Lancaster has been working in the auto business and with the Toyota Tundra for almost 10 years. Get more Tundra Info at his website, www.tundraheadquarters.com.
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