Ok so it hit 96k like said on the title, ive always used conventional oil and took it to the shop once and they gave me maxlife and told me to run it. Its been running maxlife by valvoline. Should i switch to full synthetic or just keep it at maxlife? Or go back to conventional? Would it hurt if i went back to conventional? And right now im in Ohio and weather is cold. i think the manufacturers reccomend 10w30 but when i went to the shop they put in 5w30 bc of the temp change. Thats ok right? But what im trying to get here is, should i just stick with valvoline maxlife? Would it be good or bad on the car? And oil is always changed at 3k miles.

i have 162,000 on my car and i alternate between mobil clean 5000 and mobile one synthetic still runs like a champ i change mine every 5000 i use 10/30 all year round better protection but either way winter may be benificial to run a lighter weight

so 5w30 is the lighter oil correct?

The main thing with oil is stick to either fossil or synthetic blends and use the rating recommended by the manufacturer. I believe your oil cap on your car will have the correct rating 5W-30.

The oil rating of 5W-30 means that the oil is best suited for all around use in engines with close tolerances. The first number is a winter viscosity, when the temp is below 30F The second number is the hot viscosity, above 100F.

Synthetic oils are stabilized and do not break down as quick as dino (fossil) oils. So, you can go to 6K on oil changes if you like. In the long run you'll be saving money and resources.

Use what the Year/model/asked for. I believe 5W/20 is correct for yours. Using a thicker oil when wear doesn't indicate it'* need womt help. And could complicate.

i just checked the cap on the oil and it said SAE 10w30. But when i got the oil changed they used 5w30, maybe bc its starting to get colder in Columbus,Ohio?

You'll be fine. But, next oil change you may want to get back to your 10W30 and stick with what the manufacturers recommend. The manufacturer usually knows best!

thanks

Use 10W-30 and stick with the Valvoline MaxLife. Also, you don't need to change every 3k, that'* overkill and you're wasting money and resources by doing so. Change your oil when your DIC tells you to, it'* pretty spot on.

Lots of advice can be found when asking about oil.

Bobtheoilguy.com or something like that is a great site for answering the standard questions with lots of insight, research and facts.

As far as the shop indicating that you should run their more expensive and slightly thicker oil... there'* no need. The 3800 engine simply doesn't use oil and doesn't have pump issues that would suggest needing a thicker oil. IMO high mileage, 4x4 and other specific oils are a recent marketing campaign