Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend

[Amdavis76]

Hi All,
I have my first 1,000 miles on my new 2013 1500 Silverado. I am going to get the oil changed soon and am thinking to switching from the blended oil that comes stock to a full synthetic. Is there any real benefit to switching to full synthetic or would you recommend that I stay with the synthetic blend?

Thanks

[Vulcaneer]

gmcsmoke wrote:
Unless you're doing extended drain intervals skip the synthetic.

This is also my train of thought...for a non turbo engine. Dino is just fine for up to 5,000 mile change schedule. I recommend semi syn if you might go over 5K a little bit. Full syn if going to 7.5K or beyond.

For a turbo engine, use a full synthetic.

[thomasmnile]

dennisgt60 wrote:
Whatever the factory recommends regarding oil type and oil change interval. As for my truck, it is synthetic blend. Enjoy your new truck!

The "factory" will recommend a viscosity and API service type for the motor oil. If the OP wants to use a synthetic, as long as it meets/exceeds the "recommended" spec. he's good to go.

[TECMike]

Many years ago, the factory fill for Corvettes was Mobil 1 full synthetic. I do not know what they use now. Perhaps Corvette engines are broken in before they leave the factory.

I have been told a lot of regular oils today have more synthetic components in them than ever before. I use regular oil in our Mercury Mountaineer 4.6L V-8, with its all aluminium engine.

I use regular Shell 15w-40 Rotella in our 2002 Ford 7.3L diesel. All it has had in in since new. I can find it at any truck stop on the planet.

However, I use Mobil 1 full synthetic in our Honda 3000 generator as I am sometimes forgetful to change it regularly. I used it as its first fill when it was new. No problems and no oil consumption at all.

[Dave_H_M]

I use what Ford recommends but change it sat 5000.

My truck should outlast me so what is the use of having full synthetic in it?

Just me, wait a minute, I need to equate the savings to brewskies. :W

[GMT830]

Today's engine's are machined so well that at 1,000 miles the rings were seated about 900 miles ago. There is no "Break in" oil in the engine. That's why they tell you to go 7,500 miles before changing the factory fill.


>>>Not discounting the rental story. No doubt years ago the best way to break in an engine was to "drive it like you stole it/rented it".

I am a fan of Mobil 1. Been using it for several years on high mileage Chevy V8 engines. That's what I would use in a brand new truck.

[dennisgt60]

Whatever the factory recommends regarding oil type and oil change interval. As for my truck, it is synthetic blend. Enjoy your new truck!

[I_am_still_wayn]

Amdavis76 wrote:
Hi All,
I have my first 1,000 miles on my new 2013 1500 Silverado. I am going to get the oil changed soon and am thinking to switching from the blended oil that comes stock to a full synthetic.

You spent a lot of money for that truck. Why in the world would you do anything to it other than what the manufacturer recommends? Read your owner's manual and do exactly what it says. The people who designed and built your truck know more than anyone on her with their opinions.

[gmcsmoke]

Unless you're doing extended drain intervals skip the synthetic.

[phillyg]

I'd go with the factory-recommended oil. I've had three vehicles go over 300,000 miles using straight dino oil. Does synthetic work better? I don't know. I think there's a lot of advertising hype with synthetics.

[WyoTraveler]

I didn't know they still used break in oil in vehicles anymore. I would stick with what GM recommends.

[Golden_HVAC]

I would keep the break in oil for at least 2,500 miles, normally would keep it for about 5,000. IT helps seat the rings into the cylinders.

Then a change to full synthetic would be what I would do.

I had a buddy who rented a car that "Burned a little oil" - it had very low miles when he rented it, and probably had never been driven hard. He drove it back to Chicago, about 2,500 miles, in a time before GPS tracking on the cars. Now if you do over 85 MPH in a rental car, they can fine you a huge amount, but back in the 80's - no problem.

When he got it back, it was no longer burning oil, he had run it hard enough to seal the rings well.

Overall he put about 6,000 miles on the car, enough that they where 1/2 way to selling it as a used car. He had a 2 week unlimited mileage rental for about $250, and it covered everything. But had used about 1/3 of the total miles that the rental company had expected to put on the car before selling it at about a $3,000 loss.

Fred.