Should I use Synthetic in my Toyota Tundra?

This is a question I hear all the time — "I just got a new Tundra and I want to treat it right — should I use synthetic oil? If so, should it be full synthetic or synthetic blend?" Unfortunately, the answer is complicated. Generally speaking, because synthetic oil has fewer impurities, better properties at high temperatures, slightly better viscosity, and it is more resistant to breakdown than regular oil, synthetic is better for AN engine. However, whether or not it’s better for YOUR engine depends on a few things.

If you are the type of person that changes your oil exactly when you're supposed to , then there's a pretty good chance you don't need to use synthetic. On the other hand, if you've been known to skip an oil change or if you can go more than six months between changes, synthetic is a perfect choice for you. Synthetic oil can save your engine if you forget to maintain it, but if you're good at changing your oil than you won't see one the biggest synthetic oil benefits (protection against long term breakdwon).

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.

Another reason to consider using synthetic oil is if you find yourself in extreme conditions often, or if you find you're running your engine a lot when the vehicle is parked. Extreme conditions (like high temps or high altitudes) will often cause the engine to run at higher-than-normal temperatures, which in turn will lead to accelerated oil break-down. If you're running your engine a lot when your vehicle is parked, you're also creating higher-than-normal temperatures in your engine. Synthetic oil performs better in these situations.

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.

If one of the above situations applies to you, take care when you purchase synthetic oil. Many places will suggest a synthetic blend as a way to save money (instead of full-synthetic), however the "blend" is often times a mystery. Maybe you're getting a 50-50 blend, or maybe you're getting 1% synthetic and 99% regular oil. I say go full synthetic or don't bother -- unless the blend suggested is provided by your vehicle's manufacturer. That blend would be OK.

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.

In summary: If you're using your new truck like there's no tomorrow, than synthetic is the best choice. For everyone else, go regular.

Author Jason Lancaster has worked in the car industry and with the Toyota Tundra for almost 10 years. Find more Tundra Info at his website, www.tundraheadquarters.com.
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