Should I change to synthetic (100k+ miles)

[Flashfox]

I own a 1995 3.0L Dodge Caravan with 105k+ miles. It is running fine with no abnormal oil consumption. I have been using 10W30/10W40 oil and I wonder if I should consider one of the following:

a. Switch to synthetic oil (Mobil 1? Valvoline?)

b. Switch to the "special" oil for vehicles with 100k+ miles on the odometer. I have been reading adds about this oil.

Now, I know about older engines requiring thicker oil... only IF they start consuming oil. I am not there (yet), so I wonder if I should switch to any special brand of oil in order to delay the inevitable ;-)

 

[JohnnyO]

You could switch to Valvoline Max Life Synthetic, best of both worlds.

 

[Ugly3]

I ran Mobil 1 5w30 in a `94 Caravan 3300 V6 for 138,000 miles with little consumption (1 quart in 10,000 miles).

I am currently running the same oil in my `98 Town & Country with 150,000 miles on it. Again, very little consumption and the engine is staying clean with 10,000 OCIs.

I used Purolator Pure One filters (primarily) in both vehicles.

 

[Flashfox]

Thanks for the suggestions. However, what I am really trying to determine is if I need to switch to higher quality oil now that I have crossed the 100k mark?

A mechanic suggested this and I was wondering if he was not just trying to sell me a more expensive oil or if it would realy help preserve the engine. By the way, he was trying to sell me oil that was supposedly specifically designed for high-mileage engines... for a premium.

As for my usage, I only rake-up around 10-15k miles per year and most of my driving is 10-15 miles (which is not the best for an engine).

 

[Roger]

quote:

---

what I am really trying to determine is if I need to switch

---

No, you don't. You can if you want to, but you don't NEED to just cause you are over 100K. Nothing wrong with trying however. You may like it. I switched my '95 E150 van to syn at 113K, but will be be moving back to regular dino now that I've done it. Glad I did it. No regrets. But don't feel it was worth it.

 

[haley10]

Since you live in California and Chevron is easy to get. I might just run Chevron 10W-30 with a reasonable oci until the rest of the vehicle falls apart.

If you don't have consumption issues, then I see no benefit to a Hi-Mileage oil.

 

[Schmoe]

You got 100K plus on your regimen, don't mess with a good thing. Stay the course.