when should i switch to synthetic oil?

[goran21220]

I have a 08 with 2000 miles on it,i see a lot of members here are recomending synthetic.Is it too early to switch since the engine is still breaking in?

[wrightme43]

no its not to early.

See porshe and corvette and many others who use mobil one synth as the factory fill.
The whole synth is to slick is bonkers in my opinion. If that were the case, corvette would not use it.

[FZ6inNH]

You're more than ready. Go ahead and do it now.

[Rocky529]

I just did my first oil change and switched over (600 miles).

[reiobard]

i will be switching at my 3000 mile mark. I think that you would be fine to go for it.

[hunterfz6]

I was told to use semi synth at my first oil change, which was the 600 mile one, then on the next interval, use full synth. Which i'm going to do. only a bit over 2k on the OD so I have some time to save up 50 bucks for it. Crap aint cheap.

[CanadianFZ6]

Corvettes roll off the assembly line with mobil 1 synthetic in their crank case. I switched at 138km... I have 4000km now... It's a myth that engines won't break in properly if you use synthetic oil too soon....

[FZ6inNH]

Originally Posted by CanadianFZ6

Corvettes roll off the assembly line with mobil 1 synthetic in their crank case. I switched at 138km... I have 4000km now... It's a myth that engines won't break in properly if you use synthetic oil too soon....

I would have to disagree to an extent with this blanket statement. I agree that Corvette, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Viper all use Mobil 1, yes. All but the Corvette will not disclose what oil they dyno the engine on prior to installing though which could be mineral based but we don't know. Corvette states Mobil 1 for dyno and forever. But they all have a much higher standard in optimizing cylinder walls and ring packages than the average manufacturer. Those that do not recommend a synthetic breakin have less quality spec on the cut and cross-hatch of a cylinder wall along with (likely) lower grade rings and higher tolerances. They all recommend a mineral based oil to break-in then switch to synthetic. Because synthetic is slicker, these lesser standards are likely to cause glazing rather than proper cut and finish and the only way to fix glazing is to tear down, cut, cross-hatch and new rings.

To say this is safe for all engines may be misleading to the masses. Personally, I'd recommend members follow the manufacturer's recommendations to a degree regarding oil then change after the break-in period.

Most of my information comes from years of reading Road & Track technical docs and their forums.

[wrightme43]

Myth:You should break in your engine with conventional oil, then switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1.Reality:
You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time, even in brand new vehicles. In fact, Mobil 1 is original equipment (it is installed at the factory) in: Mobil 1 is factory fill in:

• Acura RDX
• Aston Martin
• All Bentley Vehicles
• All Cadillac Vehicles
• Chevrolet Corvette C6 and Z06
• Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
• Chrysler 300C SRT-8
• Cobalt SS S/C Coupe
• Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Charger SRT-8, and Magnum SRT-8
• Jeep Cherokee SRT-8
• Mercedes-Benz AMG Vehicles
• Mercedes SLR
• Mitsubishi Evolution
• Pontiac Solstice GXP
• All Porsche Vehicles
• Saturn Ion Red Line and Saturn Sky Red Line
• Viper SRT-10

One of the myths surrounding synthetic oils is that new engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. The fact is, current engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in period. As indicated by the decisions of the engineers who design the high-performance cars listed above, Mobil 1 can be used starting the day you drive the car off the showroom floor.

[FZ6inNH]

Wrightme43, while true, I defer back to the fact these are cars built with higher standards and tolerances. What's good for a Corvette certainly can't be compared to a Kia or Hyundai and maybe not even the FZ6.

The internet is chock full of why, should and shouldn't. Why my post? More for warranty relationship... stick with what the manufacturer asks to be safe. It certainly won't do any harm for the break-in period.