time between oil changes

[Doc_Bob]

For 37 years I drove back and forth to work at just a little over 400 miles a week...
You can easily go 5000 miles with your present setup!

If you drive 400 mile a week, I agree. 40 miles a month in stop and go, now that is a different story, especially if it is in the middle of winter in subzero weather.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

In Europe the average oil change interval is 10K miles, yet in the US it's below 5K.

.

Changing oil every 3k is an old habit. Habits die hard.
Bob

 

[BTDT]

Yes, but that's a good habit, and it's cheaper than a carton of cigs.

 

[Dargo]

Yes, but that's a good habit, and it's cheaper than a carton of cigs.

Yeah, but you still can't do it in your favorite restaurant though. And, what's with the new signs I've seen in our local Auto Zone parking lots that read "Changing oil in our parking lot is prohibited"? You don't think...

 

[Sully2]

If you drive 400 mile a week, I agree. 40 miles a month in stop and go, now that is a different story, especially if it is in the middle of winter in subzero weather.
Bob

40 miles a MONTH...figuring 20 working days a month...means 2 miles a day...1 mile each way??? In sub zero weather..1 mile each way...Id be doing oil changes on my SNOWMOBILE Bob....LMAO

But basically your exactly right. "Maintainence" has to be ..??.."tempered" with common sense and reality. One cant just say ( car's now) have to be changed every 3 months / 3000 miles..etc. Its based on USAGE! How much...(milage) how often ( frequency of use) and just HOW HARD the vehicle is being used.

 

[Sully2]

Yes, but that's a good habit, and it's cheaper than a carton of cigs.

BUT....depending totally on actual USAGE...it MAY BE a very wasteful habit!! Thats for each individual owner / operator to determine for themselves

 

[Dargo]

Hey, today's the day. Several years ago I switched to Amsoil's full synthetic oil in many of my vehicles and machines. I run from new year to new year on oil changes. Based on my lab tests, I could go much farther/longer, but I'm still saving quite a bit by annual changes. And, in my forklift, I do only change the oil every couple of years since I don't use it that much. Worst yet, I never bothered to have any lab test done on it. Oh well...

 

[deerefan]

just to update you guys....changed oil today at 35% life (5800 miles) and oil looked ok...that was regular castrol 10w30. Switched to synthetic castrol 10w30 and plan on going to end of oil life meter and will try to have analysis done on oil. The end of my oil life meter should put my mileage around 7500-8000. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[3RRL]

That would be a HUGE improvement over the original 3000 mile changes.
Keep us informed.

 

[BTDT]

It might be an improvement if the synthetic oil cost the same as reg. oil. What has he gained if he changes 1/2 as often at twice the cost?