time between oil changes

[DieselPower]

It might be an improvement if the synthetic oil cost the same as reg. oil. What has he gained if he changes 1/2 as often at twice the cost?

Time/Labor

 

[Doc_Bob]

It might be an improvement if the synthetic oil cost the same as reg. oil. What has he gained if he changes 1/2 as often at twice the cost?

Uses less oil? Better cold weather starting?
Bob

 

[kenmac]

just to update you guys....changed oil today at 35% life (5800 miles) and oil looked ok...that was regular castrol 10w30. Switched to synthetic castrol 10w30 and plan on going to end of oil life meter and will try to have analysis done on oil. The end of my oil life meter should put my mileage around 7500-8000. I'll keep you guys posted.

You may want to have an oil analysis performed on the next change as you will still have some regular oil & contaminates in the system that will show up on this analysis. Just a thought

 

[deerefan]

Actually, I am saving about $10 dollars. Price for 6qts of reg oil (Castrol) and filter was $23. 6qts of synthetic (Castrol) and filter was $37 (bought oil from wal-mart, where it was much cheaper than advanced auto and autozone). Yes, the oil and filter was $14 more, but I'll go twice as long between changes. $46 versus $37 and better protection, less time and less waste oil...good deal all the way around.

 

[Soundguy]

I'm a latecomer to the conversation.. but i have a question.. Does that truck have the 5.3 in it? if so.. does it really call for 10w30 in the owners manual? or a 5w oil.. like 5/30 or 5/20..

Soundguy

I have a 2005 Z71 Silverado I bought 3 months ago. I put about 450 miles a week on my truck, so I'm changing the oil about every 6-7 weeks. According to my oil life system, when i do change it it is usually at about 55-65% life still left. That's @ 3k miles. I've considered changing to a synthetic oil and changing it @ 5k miles instead of 3k. I currently use Castrol 10w30 and was thinking of trying their synthetic. Anyone have any advice? Should I just stick w/ 3k mile changes with either synthetic or regular? By the way, 80% of my driving is highway. I live 45 miles from work. Thanks for the help.

 

[DieselPower]

Chevrolet/GMC calls for according to my Check-Chart manual the following for all 1996 - 2005 trucks except the 3.8L.

Above 0 deg. F. 10W/30
Bellow -20 deg. F. 0W/30
All temperatures 5W/30 (and list this as the prefered lubricant)

3.8L only
Above 0 deg. F. 10W/30 (and list this as the prefered lubricant)
Bellow -20 deg. F. 0W/30
All temperatures 5W/30

It all depends on your operating temperature what viscosity oil you use. If he is never in cold weather then the 10W oil would be fine. The real benefit of using a lower viscosity oil is easier cold cranking, improved oil flow at low temps and possible fuel economy improvements.

 

[Soundguy]

Tht's what my gmc manual says.. the 5w oil is a fuel saver ( paraphrased that a bit! )

soundguy

 

[SkyPup]

We only use 10W-40 Full Synthetic in our 350ci Z-71 and change it once a year or about every 12-15K miles. Has worked perfect for the last twelve years since we purchased it new.

Pulls a two horse slant trailer and numerous other trailers as well since it is a heavy duty farm truck and only works hard when it is working.

 

[cp1969]

Good to see the tornadoes didn't get you, King. Hope you came thru it with minimal damage.

--Crown Prince

 

[deerefan]

yes it has the 5.3 and I've used 10w30 in everything I've owned. According to the manual, it is fine. Would I see a big diffeence in fuel mileage w/ 5w30?