Those who switched to synthetic, did you do it gradually or at once? (more)
 

Traditionally you would have to mix the oils and slowly go to full synthetic.

Any input?

I dove right in...

likewise just start using synthetic

That's a tradition I've never heard of...
 

...something from the Middle Ages, along with alchemy and bloodletting, perhaps ?

from the times of lesser tolerances...(more)
 

The justification for this was to keep watching for oil leaks as the mineral oils had more density to them than synthetic.

Also, during break-in period the synthetic used to be a big NO.

I am sure that if you do some reading on the subject (not necessarily in the germanic sagas, but in more recent technical literature) you will find references to such practice.

By the way, bloodletting is still a widely accepted treatment with the use of leeches :)

I just had them dump 0-W30 synthetic in at the 5K service.

5k service -- also changed gearbox lub to synth -- shifts much smoother now.

Switched last weekend to 0W30 and noticed leaks last night.
 

There were several fresh drip marks is the driveway and my oil level had dropped. I'm sure the drain plug was plenty tight and I tightened the oil filter hand tight.

Not sure were the leak is coming from, will have to investigate tonight.

The car is a 00, and has 9500 miles on it. This is the first time synthetic has been used.

uhhhh, you know that, the factory gearbox fluid IS synthetic, right?