DIY oil change, synthetic vs. conventional
03-01-10, 06:19 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: MD
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DIY oil change, synthetic vs. conventional
I have a 06 IS250 and tried changing my oil and oil filter for the first time. I checked out the forum here and found some good instructions.
1) The oil change went fine but the filter is another story. I could NOT get that sucker off. I guess I need to get that special filter wrench. My friend, who does all his oil changes on 3 different cars, let me borrow his filter wrench. It seemed to fit perfectly, but after an hour of trying (in 35 degree weather), I gave up. I might have stripped the filter housing a little bit.
Has anyone else had so much difficulty taking that filter off? Did the previous Jiffy Lube guys that did the change just tighten it way too much? I noticed that oil drain plug nut was also screwed on really tight.
2) I've been using synthetic oil since I bought the car about a 1.5 years ago (bought it used). I've been trying to cut down on costs lately so should I go to conventional? Do you guys really feel that synthetic is worth it? Will it help keep my car running longer....for 10 plus years? But I think I'll want a new car after 10 years anyway. So what's the point?
1) The oil change went fine but the filter is another story. I could NOT get that sucker off. I guess I need to get that special filter wrench. My friend, who does all his oil changes on 3 different cars, let me borrow his filter wrench. It seemed to fit perfectly, but after an hour of trying (in 35 degree weather), I gave up. I might have stripped the filter housing a little bit.
Has anyone else had so much difficulty taking that filter off? Did the previous Jiffy Lube guys that did the change just tighten it way too much? I noticed that oil drain plug nut was also screwed on really tight.
2) I've been using synthetic oil since I bought the car about a 1.5 years ago (bought it used). I've been trying to cut down on costs lately so should I go to conventional? Do you guys really feel that synthetic is worth it? Will it help keep my car running longer....for 10 plus years? But I think I'll want a new car after 10 years anyway. So what's the point?
03-01-10, 06:24 AM
#2
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: md
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
at the dealer, unless the customer requests syn oil, conventional oil is used, so its fine as long as u keep up with it. we all know toyota motors aint the best at being ignored in the oil changing department, well no engine is really
03-01-10, 06:35 AM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: MD
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I first got the car, I wanted to use synthetic cuz she was my baby and I wanted to treat her good.
But now...after a year and a half, I'm thinkin conventional is the way to go.
Sorta like a woman, at first you treat her good until she gives up the booty. Then after a while, you know you're gonna get laid, so instead of feeding her steak, you give her a burger. haha!
But now...after a year and a half, I'm thinkin conventional is the way to go.
Sorta like a woman, at first you treat her good until she gives up the booty. Then after a while, you know you're gonna get laid, so instead of feeding her steak, you give her a burger. haha!
03-01-10, 07:42 AM
#5
Synthetic is objectively, in-arguably, better.
Now, if that matters to you is another story.
Cost shouldn't be an issue, you don't need to change synthetic as often, so your total cost should work out about the same (synthetic'll probably even save you money if you pay for labor on your oil changes).
But if you wastefully change every 5000 miles regardless of anything else, or don't plan to keep the car long-term, just use the cheapest stuff you can find, it'll make little difference (though it still won't flow as well cold, or offer as good catastrophic oil-loss protection as synthetic would).
Now, if that matters to you is another story.
Cost shouldn't be an issue, you don't need to change synthetic as often, so your total cost should work out about the same (synthetic'll probably even save you money if you pay for labor on your oil changes).
But if you wastefully change every 5000 miles regardless of anything else, or don't plan to keep the car long-term, just use the cheapest stuff you can find, it'll make little difference (though it still won't flow as well cold, or offer as good catastrophic oil-loss protection as synthetic would).
03-01-10, 11:16 AM
#6
Super Moderator
Were you using the generic "size F" stamped metal wrench from the auto parts store? Those are notorious for slipping on the filter housing. I'd highly recommend the Assenmacher specialty tools TOY640. Fits perfectly, doesn't slip, and is fairly inexpensive.
Trending Topics
03-01-10, 11:39 AM
#8
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SoCal 213
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i say using synthetic is the way to go. The car seems to like it. If you're planning to cut costs i guess synthetic blend is the way to go since the Lexus stealership uses that in there oil changes
03-01-10, 11:40 AM
#9
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SoCal 213
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
03-01-10, 01:05 PM
#11
Super Moderator
03-01-10, 05:22 PM
#12
03-01-10, 05:44 PM
#13
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SoCal 213
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i did read somewhere in the forum that Lexus uses the same oil as Toyota (obviously) and the oil that Toyota uses is a "semi-synthetic" motor oil. I've checked a Camry's manual because i work at an auto parts store that they use synthetic blend.
03-01-10, 07:35 PM
#15
Driver
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: NC
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The way I look at it is this: Dealer charges me $75-$100 for an oil change (which I never take them up on). 6qts of mobil 1 costs $25, plus 5 for the filter. So using synthetic, I save money vs the dealer, spend the same amount as a cheap quick lube place and put better stuff into my car.
Plus that way if I forget and go a bit past 5,000, my OCD doesn't kick into gear
Plus that way if I forget and go a bit past 5,000, my OCD doesn't kick into gear