Synthetic oil

[baggydew]

Does anyone know if its a good idea to switch to symthetic motor oil? Do I use a different viscosity in synthetic oil than regular oil? (currently using regular 10W-30) How long can I go between oil changes with Synthetic? I am considering switching due to hot summer driving where synthetic is touted to be better at heat dispersment.

[skater]

I switched to synthetic a couple years ago, in all three vehicles. No problems. I use Mobil 1.

I think in general the oil change intervals should remain the same with synthetic, unless you get one of the unbelievably expensive versions (Amsoil and the like). But then I worry about the filter getting dirty, so I'd still be tempted to change every 3K or 5K miles.

Speaking of which, I just change mine every year, regardless of mileage. But I've only put about 12,000 miles on it in 4 years. If you do a lot more traveling with it, then definitely stick to regular 3000 or 5000 mile intervals.