Truck Oil Change Question?

[mjarrels]

I know the standard is 3 months or 3000 miles... however, I probably never exceed 50 miles a month... been changing the oil about once a year and it comes out about as clean as it went in. What would be a good time frame for oil changes? 1994 Ford F150 with a 302 with 89,000 miles.

mark

 

[Gator6x4]

I know the standard is 3 months or 3000 miles... however, I probably never exceed 50 miles a month... been changing the oil about once a year and it comes out about as clean as it went in. What would be a good time frame for oil changes? 1994 Ford F150 with a 302 with 89,000 miles.

mark

Without opening a great "Oil Debate", most professional recommend using the following when determining when to change or not to change oil.
What many perceive to be “normal” driving is actually “severe service” driving from the standpoint of the oil. For instance, the following are examples of severe service driving: frequent short trips (especially during cold weather), stop-and-go driving, driving in dusty conditions (gravel roads, etc.), and high-temperature conditions. Under such conditions, the general recommendation found in owner’s manuals is to change the oil every 3,000 miles or six months.

Of course you could be like my grandfather he never changed oil, just added. His thoughts were oil never wears out. I had the pleasure of repairing one of his engines, used a four pound hammer to beat the valve covers off.

 

[RollingsFarms]

Without opening a great "Oil Debate", most professional recommend using the following when determining when to change or not to change oil.
What many perceive to be “normal” driving is actually “severe service” driving from the standpoint of the oil. For instance, the following are examples of severe service driving: frequent short trips (especially during cold weather), stop-and-go driving, driving in dusty conditions (gravel roads, etc.), and high-temperature conditions. Under such conditions, the general recommendation found in owner’s manuals is to change the oil every 3,000 miles or six months.

Of course you could be like my grandfather he never changed oil, just added. His thoughts were oil never wears out. I had the pleasure of repairing one of his engines, used a four pound hammer to beat the valve covers off.

how long did his truck last him? i know people like this and the strange thing is, their vehicle seems to last just as long as someone who meticulously maintains ther own.

 

[DieselPower]

As Gator put it, without opening the great oil debate. My recomendation for a oil change interval on a vehicle that sees little use and does not have UOA's performed is to change the oil once per year. The main problem you have in low mileage engines is the collection of water in the oil from condensation and sometimes fuel dilution. Change it once a year as you have been and your engine should live a long happy life.

 

[wushaw]

Ditto to what DieselPower said, I change the oil in my Pete once a year, that's what the owners manual says...12k or 12mo.

 

[George2615]

I think engines and oil quality have improved over the last 40 years or so. A lot of vehicle mfgs. now recommend oil changes at 5k or more miles. Most GM vehicles have an oil life readout that tells you when to change the oil. I only use my truck about 1k per month or 12K per year. It holds 10 quarts and I usually change it about every 4K miles. Even the dealer tells me I don't have to change it that often. Based on your 50 miles a month I'd agree that once a year should be fine to change your oil.