Synthetic oil vs regular oil

[Brainwavewow]

Hey guys, I have a 2011 Camaro 2LT RS (I'm in Canada btw)

I got my first oil change and it was about 66 dollars @ 7500km. I was thinking of switching too full synthetic oil. However, I wanna make sure that its safe for my car and it won't void my warranty. I tried too read through the manual too find if its safe, and in the manual it doesn't say anything.

So my question is how much does an synthetic oil change cost? is it safe? and how long can I drive before i need to change the oil?

Thanks!

[Hamilton2400]

Yes do it! It's more safe than regular. It costs a little bit more but worth it. I change my oil every 5,000 miles. I use mobile 1 5w-30 fully synthetic

[mulletman]

Full synthetic` will work fine. The warranty will not be voided. Use the Oil Life Monitor. The OLM is explained in the owner's manual. Do the change yourself and it will cost less than the dealer's conventional change.

[Sir Nuke]

Brainwavewow, CONGRATS on the Ride.....I have TWO GM cars, BOTH of they have the same engine in them, the 3.6 D.I. V6, ones my Camaro....they come with regular oil in them, my other is my STS Caddy, same engine....BUT it came from the factory with Mobil1. SO...."WHAT GOOD FOR THE GOOSE, IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER"

THUS, BOTH have MOBIL1 in them, and always will.

oh and btw....Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in them...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, dad's, wive's, husband's, girlfriend's and boyfriend's here don't care....and take it easy.



oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

[Russell James]

Full synthetic and change it far more frequent from the OLM. I wouldn't go past 5000 miles or so, your timing chains will thank you. That motor and old oil are an early death sentence for the timing chains.

[Brainwavewow]

Thanks for the warm welcome, sir nuke!

So it looks like synthetic is the way to go! I only did my first oil change at 7500km because when i was looking at my oil life monitor, it said there was about 5% oil life, however, in the manual, it says when the low oil life comes on you should change it within the next 1000km. I didn't wanna wait THAT long, but doing it every 5000km seems very conservative!

@ Russell: I have to change it more frequent then the regular DEXOS that the car originally uses?

[NavyDood]

My OLM currently says 11% and I have 12,092 miles on this oil. I changed the filter and added the make up oil when the OLM said 50%. I changed the filter because I am using a PF48 filter. Should I be worried? Not even a chance. I sleep soundly knowing I have that many miles on the oil.

When I change the oil I am going to send in a sample to have it analyzed and post my results.

[hightower]

Yep, this confirms my thoughts. I'll be switching to synthetic on my first oil change, which I'll be doing myself. Besides Mobile1, any recommendations on oil choices? And filters?
I'm thinking since I plan on keeping this camaro for a longgggg time, I'll buy a wholesale lot of oil and filters. Spend more now, save money later....

[kunk1963]

AMSOIL.......... I'm switching to it my next oil change...

[PitchBlack]

Guess I'm from the old school, but I am sticking with the dino fluid for my ride. I have had everything from high reving 4 bangers to 460 cubic inch monsters over the years and I have never encountered motor problems. I say use what you feel comfortable with.
By the way, I use Valvoline Premium Conventional.

[JDP Motorsports]

I suggest Mobil1 5w-30 synthetic and it is better than conventional oil. I change my oil at around 50% on the OLM and I wouldn't go beyond 5K. In terms of cost you'd be looking at $75-$95 to have it done depending on where you go.

Kind regards,

Jordan Priestley
888.308.6007

[OUR72GTO]

I switched to syn after the 1st year and the OLM gave me twice as long on the oil.

Engine start up has less clatter. I do them myself and you get 5 Qts at Wally Mart for 24bucks in the USA.

[mulletman]

Originally Posted by OUR72GTO

I switched to syn after the 1st year and the OLM gave me twice as long on the oil.

Engine start up has less clatter. I do them myself and you get 5 Qts at Wally Mart for 24bucks in the USA.

The OLM has no way of knowing the kind of oil used. The oil is not analyzed by the OLM.

[UT-Engineer]

These cars arent from the days of old. You can go more miles on these cars in between oil changes regardless if you use conventional or synthetic. Although, to play it safe you can always do an oil change sooner (3-5K miles) but there hasnt been any proof that going by the OLM on the car will cause any damage to your car. At least I havent seen any. It's all just people's opinions. I have 54K mile on the camaro and take it in for an oil change 5-10% oil life remaining. No issues, car runs great.