Based on my understanding (others please correct me as needed because I know I'm def not an expert on this) the main benefit with synthetics is they don't break down as quickly.
Certain types of driving activities like heavy acceleration, constantly carrying a heavy load, driving up hill a lot, driving in stop and go traffic all accelerate oil break down.
Do you spend more time driving in stop/go traffic or cruising at highway speeds?
As it is, you don't drive as per year much as most drivers.
Not knowing anything further, I'd be inclined to think you'd get as much wear with synthetic as non-synthetic and you should only be changing your oil 2x per year since these engine's aren't exactly harsh on oil unlike a turbo motor or one constantly used for hauling a heavier than normal load.
I'd say you're pretty much right on there, Ray.
Not only does synthetic oil tend to last longer, they also tend to resist break down in high heat better.
"Bad example:" I had a four cylinder car I was using as a DD about 20 years ago. It was August in Phoenix, during the afternoon, when I decided to go get some fast food. I was hemmed in the drive-through by fairly tall curbs with cars both in front and in back of me when the radiator burst, instantly losing all the coolant. I was forced to keep it running to make it through the lane, and while this waiting was going on, the car disabled the a/c and went into high idle mode. I was so ticked off (plus I'd only paid $600 for the car) that I decided to drive the thing the 1.75 miles back home. By the time I got to my street, I couldn't even give it gas in first gear or it would start detonating/pinging like crazy. I parked in my driveway and walked inside, knowing I'd just toasted that engine. I later observed that it had gotten so hot that the engine was now super clean, as all the residue had been self-cleaning-oven baked off. When it had cooled overnight, I started it. It still ran, so I got another radiator and changed the oil/filter. Drove it for another 2 years until I sold it. Engine oil? Mobil 1 full synthetic. Did I get very lucky? Yes, of course. Did the oil help? Maybe, maybe not, but it didn't hurt.
John B.
