|
"So, what are the specific benefits of changing over to synthetic?"
Sometimes possible improved fuel economy, but don't bet on it.
Better cold starting characteristics. (pumps more readily, wider range of temps)
Extended drain intervals (depending on which syn you use).
Better protection for the engine overall.
"What are the potential pitfalls of the change?"
More expensive, unless you do extended drain intervals.
Oil leaks may be revealed because of synthetics' abilities to seap into cracks that dino might not have, and also because it may clean out sludge that was sealing the leaks.
"Any further recommendations?"
There are a few methods of switching over that people do. Some use an engine flush to get rid of the old stuff completely.
What I did was just do a regular oil change, except put in synthetic. Then I did my first change w/filter after only 1500 miles. My next change I did after 3000 miles. Then my next after that 6000 miles.
And now I change my filter every 3000 miles, and the oil every 6000 miles. I am using Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic.
The reason for the first 2 changes only being 1500 and 3000 is to get rid of any old stuff, and also because the first two changes will be dirtier because the synthetic is cleaning out your engine.
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'
|
