What factors should one consider before switching to synthetic oil? First, do you own an older vehicle? Switching to synthetic oil may expose or make leaky seals within your engine worse. Also if you only drive 5000 to 10,000 miles a year, synthetic oil may not be worth the expense. Finally, if you drive a leased vehicle, you may not have it long enough to make running synthetic oil worth it. So there are some situations in which synthetic oil may not be preferable, even with its superior performance qualities.
While synthetics are now compatible with petroleum oils, it's best to wait at least 3000 miles to switch over, to allow your engine's rings to "seat" properly. Waiting also allows the wear metals that are generated during the engine's early life to be discarded with the first drain of petroleum oil. Further, if your car has over 20,000 miles on it, it's best to perform an engine flush before switching to synthetic.
Image via WikipediaHowever, beware of engine flush products with kerosene in them-it can contaminate your new oil. Also install a new oil filter both before and after your flush. Following these steps will ensure you have a smooth transition to synthetic motor oil. After installation, you may see your oil pressure drop slightly. This is nothing to worry about-it is in fact evidence of the improved oil flow and lubrication that occurs with synthetic car motor oil.
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