So if the recommend interval for an oil change is 5000 miles (8000 kms) based on regular (not synthetic) 5W20 or 0W20, and assuming you follow this recommendation what are the benefits to using synthetic (at a higher cost)?

Most of the reasons I've come across thus far for using synthetic has been that you can extend the recommended interval. But if you change every 5000 miles this argument is thrown out the window.

If you are using synthetic, why? If you're using regular, why?

Which weight (5W20 or 0W20) are you using? Why? Are your reasons based on the climate of where you live?

Is regular 5W20 and regular 0W20 priced differently? I was told by a local dealership that the 0W20 is more than the 5W20.

Is there a non synthetic 0w20?

If so, that is what I will use.

There's definitely a non synthetic 0W20. 0W20 is $15 (Canadian funds) more than the 5W20 at my dealership.

First off - I don't believe in extended drain intervals for an oil simply because it's synthetic. It's true that oil itself never wears out but is simply diluted or contaminated from combustion byproducts as well as just general wear and soughing of materials from the mechanical assemblies.

That said - The TCH is a different sort of animal from your typical ICE propelled vehicle. The ICE runs more at a steady-state or not at all rather than varying RPMs and dynamic loads.

In a normal vehicle, I change my oil every 2500-3000 miles (yes even synthetics which I use in all my vehicles - Mobil-1) - but in the TCH, I think that drain intervals beyond that 3000 mile limit would not be uncalled for.
I would say that 5000 miles would be a reasonable maximum interval.

Mobil-1 0w20 - Minneapolis MN

Regards - Randy




If there's one thing I've learned in online forums its this:
Never argue with an idiot, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!

I switched to 0W20 and plan on running that all year round, even though it rarely gets below freezing here in GA. I beleive the manual calls for 5K changes and I will probably adopt that shortly, I usually do the first few oil changes well under to flush out the stuff from engine break in, but next chnage will be a 4K change and will probably do 5K there after.

Switched to 0W20 regular or synthetic?

Mobil 1 0W-20 for me at next change (6,000 mile change) and then I will start 5,000 mile intervals.

I do not use synthetic oil because I do not drive my hybrid every day or two. Synthetic oils are so slippery that if a vehicle sits unstarted for 3 or more days, the oil will drain off those critical and not quite so critical parts. The thought of starting the ICE without many of the parts being properly lubricated makes me shudder! Can you say rapid, excessive engine wear?

Is this a joke or a troll???? Maybe both ROTFFLMAO

TCH-43mpg
VW TDI--48
08 LS 600 HL-20
08 LX 470-16

Hey Skywagon,

That is neither a joke nor a troll. I was given this insight from the chief metalurgist at one of the world's major motor companies. So ignore or belittle it at your risk.