Oil Changed - Serious questions

[oragex]

When changing to synthetic, I would keep a close look at the oil level. I'd check it no later than each week, even sooner at the beginning. My car drunk oil like crazy when I switched to synthetic, for the first 1-2 oil changes, then the level got stable back again

[viper69]

You can get Mobil1 full synthetic at walmart for $4 a quart, so I really don't see the need to cheap out on oil. I buy Mann filters, but K&N also makes really good wrench-off oil filters, IMHO.

What is meant by wrench off?? You don't need a tool to remove it?

[viper69]

When changing to synthetic, I would keep a close look at the oil level. I'd check it no later than each week, even sooner at the beginning. My car drunk oil like crazy when I switched to synthetic, for the first 1-2 oil changes, then the level got stable back again

What do you attribute that observation to?

[WhatAmIDoing]

You can get Mobil1 full synthetic at walmart for $4 a quart, so I really don't see the need to cheap out on oil. I buy Mann filters, but K&N also makes really good wrench-off oil filters, IMHO.

What is meant by wrench off?? You don't need a tool to remove it?

Yes, They come with a hex nut molded into the bottom. Just use a large box-end wrench to remove (I don't remember the exact size in mm). Some also have rubber grips built in.

When changing to synthetic, I would keep a close look at the oil level. I'd check it no later than each week, even sooner at the beginning. My car drunk oil like crazy when I switched to synthetic, for the first 1-2 oil changes, then the level got stable back again

If your seals are really worn out, I guess this could be true before the seal conditioners start to work. Another point, if your car leaks oil and you have been using conventional, consider switching to 10w-40 synthetic. Synthetic maintains it's viscosity much longer, while conventional oil tends to thicken up (leaks less the longer since your last oil change). So 10w-30 synthetic might leak more and not stop leaking.

Also, another point to mention. Synthetic oil from a reputable brand general contains more detergents than conventional oil and does a better job at cleaning. You may want to shorten your change intervals to every 2,000 miles for the first 2 or 3 oil changes. Though it doesn't sound like you drive much, so I guess that doesn't really matter.