Synthetic Oil MPG

[redf100pu]

I have a 2008 Camry Hybrid so naturally I am interested in getting the highest possible MPG. Right now I am running Valvoline premium conventional 5w20 conventional at 5000 mile intervals because the warranty requires it. I wonder if anyone knows of any concrete proof supporting the claim that sythetic oil improves gas mileage? I have heard lots of opinions pro and con. However, what I am interested in knowing is whether there is any test data available from scientific laboratory tests comparing fuel consumption for engines filled with conventional and synthetic oil? If so I would like to do the calculations to determine whether an economic case can be made for using synthetic oil at 5000 OCI's based on fuel consumption.
Thanks for your help.

redf100pu

2008 Camry Hybrid
2000 Chrysler Town and Country
1956 Ford F150

 

[GMFan]

I would say that you wouldn't see any MPG difference. You are already using a thin (5w20) motor oil.

 

[Bulli]

u can use a 0-20 is warranty allows and use dino and may see some slight increase in MPG just as a 5-20 synthetic will offer.
you may see maybe a 1 mpg increase.

 

[hi-miler]

I think it's a part of a much larger picture. Yes, I believe that it can be proven that synthetic oil can and does improve mileage, but by how much and by what means must be a deep dark secret. After all, we test so much and come up with so many graphs, seems to me Amsoil at least should have these graphs prominently displayed, and I'm an Amsoil dealer for cryin out loud! Soooo, I'm kind of reluctantly in your camp. How about a lubricity chart of some other easy to understand method to debunk the naysayers. Show me the beef!

 

[oilyriser]

The extra cost won't be offset by fuel savings, especially in MA. You can probably save more by driving 1 mph slower.

 

[FZ1]

I got from .5 to 1 mpg greater with synthetic when I went from dealer fill to M1. Honda V6.

 

[bustednutz]

I'd stay with the Valvoline you are already using. They make a great product. I've used it for many years with no problems at all.

 

[Steve S]

With todays GPII oils there is no difference

 

[jarvk22]

No increase in MPG when using the same vis. grade synthetic vs. dino. Keeping your air filter clean and your tire pressure correct will give better MPG than synthetic oil.

 

[Pablo]

There is no doubt at cold temperatures, if synthetic lubricants are used in all applications (engine, transmission, diff, bearings), on a given automobile MPG will improve IF all other variables stay the same. It just is logical.

That said - will you even notice it in the real world? Some actually do, some don't. Mostly, again, because changes in gasoline formulation, nice warm weather, traffic patterns, wear and tear, driver anger all mess up our perfect world.