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Is Synthetic oil right for the new Tundra?

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 example, think about a person who only drives 3,000 miles per year. They may go more than a year without changing the oil in their car. As oil ages, it's effectiveness decreases, and if it gets old enough it will break down and the motor will no longer be protected. In this case, synthetic is the logical choice. Also, if someone accidentaly goes past the recommended 5,000 mile oil change interval without changing the regular oil, it will start to "fall-apart" and the engine will be at risk. If you or someone you know might forget an oil change, synthetic is a good way to limit your risk.

If you’re good at changing your oil on time, there’s really only one other common reason you would want to consider using synthetic. As natural oil gets hot, it starts to breakdown. The longer it stays hot, the worse the breakdown. So, if you regularly operate your vehicle in such a way that the engine temperature is always high, you should run synthetic. For example: Letting your vehicle idle for hours at a time (like on a jobsite) will overheat the engine. Because you’re not moving, there is no high-speed air circulating around the engine to keep it cool. In this case, excessive heat can build and normal oil will break down. Also, constant operation in high ambient temperatures (like the desert) or at high altitudes (over 10k feet) will also lead to higher engine temperatures. High temperature desert air has poor cooling properties, and while the air above 10k feet is usually cool, it’s “thin” and also has poor cooling properties.

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.ezarticles.info

About the author: Jason Lancaster has been working in the auto business and with the Toyota Tundra for the better part of a decade. Get more Tundra Info at his website, www.tundraheadquarters.com.
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