[oka]

For my '02 Subaru Outback, I just started using this oil, and I have a good stock in my garage.

For the '06 Sienna, been using conventional oil since we got it some six years now, with two oil changes each year (summer and winter). To reduce the types of oil I stock, won't hurt to use the above oil, (Synthetic Blend), right?
Thanks.

 

[ericreyn]

Going from a conventional to a semi synthetic should be a non issue in my opinion.

 

[sixto]

x2 Should be no problem.

How many miles do you drive between oil changes?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 200K miles

 

[oka]

x2 Should be no problem.

How many miles do you drive between oil changes?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 200K miles

Checking my spreadsheet, the Sienna does about 4,500(+/-) miles per oil change.
Traditionally, I change oil at the beginning of each season (Summer/Winter).

 

[oka]

Going from a conventional to a semi synthetic should be a non issue in my opinion.

 

[jseyfert3]

You can use full synthetic in any engine you’ll like, so long as the synthetic oil is the appropriate weight of oil. You can mix with regular oil or swap between them with no issues.

I buy Mobil 1 synthetic for essentially all my engines.

 

[oka]

You can use full synthetic in any engine you’ll like, so long as the synthetic oil is the appropriate weight of oil. You can mix with regular oil or swap between them with no issues.

I buy Mobil 1 synthetic for essentially all my engines.

Mmmm, I did not know you can swap as one wishes, not that I intend to do so. This info is a big relief for me. Thanks!

 

[paul r]

I was using Castrol blend for a while then went to Castrol Edge full synthetic high mileage. I did this after I learnt that there isn't an industry standard for how much synthetic is actually in the blend.

 

[BillG]

I didn't think they even sold full conventional oil anymore. My local Walmart doesn't carry it. There used to be an issue tossed around that the synthetic oils were "more slippery" than traditional oils and people would say that you had to switch within the first 30k miles or not at all. Since everything either comes with partial or full synthetic, you never hear this anymore. I don't know that it was ever true, but the assertion was that you would end up with more blow-by if you switched back and forth. All that said, there are really only two things that matter... The API rating and the oil weight. The weight is printed on the oil cap (5W-30) and the API rating is in your owners manual. Most oils have an API that is sequential alphabetical and they are backwards compatible. As long as the code is equal or greater than what is listed, you can use it without voiding a warranty (not that you'd have one anymore).

 

[thanwu]

I switched to Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic oil after the Toyota warranty expired. Currently I am using the 0W20 or 5W20 based on the following chart without any issue.

 

[sixto]

API ratings are backward compatible to a point. Some engines from as recently as the ‘90s rely on additives such as zinc for specific lubrication situations. Later API formulations with reduced additive packages (for emissions reasons?) claim backward compatibility but oil analysis shows accelerated wear.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 201K miles

 

[supra129]

I just switched to a synthetic blend last year at 197k miles after not being able to find my usual conventional oil. I ran out of my stash of Mobil 5000 conventional oil. I would buy them on sale for $10 a jug and stock up for a few years. I've got 22k on this blend and so far so good with no leaks or oil burning. I may soon switch to a full synthetic oil if this continues for the cold weather benefits since I live in the Midwest. My biggest fear is leaks due to synthetic oil.

Like BillG said it's getting harder to find conventional oil and as the price point is closer to synthetic blends and full synthetic oils now.

 

[okie engineer]

When you‘ve used up your Castrol synthetic blend you might consider switching to Mobil 1 full synthetic. This is actually what is packaged as Toyota OEM motor oil. Full synthetic is more stable (more consistent properties across a wider temperature range.) Walmart sells it at very competitive prices.