Oil change intervals?

[Topspinmo]

Ok, changed my oil today in my car that had around 2K miles on 0-20W Mobil 1. Had about 12 months on oil. Even though it was nowhere near 5 or 7500K miles it had 11 months of stop/go short trips which IMO is the extreme driving conditions. I have VVT engine which has small passages for pressurized oil to operate the VVT. That’s reason I changed oil cause I don’t want any slug buildup on my VVT or piston rings. If I had turbo engine I doubt I’d let oil longer than 6 to 8 months regardless of miles or dash percentage indication (which in my case read 75% oil life left.

I’ll reference other opinion on subject. Bottom line if you expect to keep vehicle more than 3 or 4 years oil change intervals IMO need keep eye on. Or you could end up with engine rattle on startup. The sound of death at door steps IMO.

How Long Does Oil Last in a Car Not Driven? | Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change (https://sboilchange.com/oil-change/how-long-does-oil-last-in-a-car-not-driven/#:~:text=Even%20in%20a%20car%20that%27s,storage%20 conditions%2C%20and%20environmental%20factors).

[dewilson58]

I have a car which is over 60 years old...........the engine in it is over 50 years old (more power!!!). The engine has 70,000 miles on it. As you can imagine, it sits more than it runs.

As a result, I change oil based on time.........not miles.
I change oil between 12 & 18 months.
Never had a problem.
Have dropped the oil pan to inspect.

I do stay away from Pennsylvania oil.

[ThirdOfFive]

q. 5000 mi. on the Rav4. Which works out to about 9 months per change.

[Altavia]

Can't hurt, low cost insurance.

The way to know for sure is to have a Blackstone oil analysis performed.

Thousands of people who have tested their oil shows data confirms manufactures recommendations are conservative and good enough for most people.

[Bill14564]

15yo Saab 900 turbo was running great when we traded it in. 12 month oil changes since we didn't put 10K miles on it in a year.

[Topspinmo]

Reason I rarely leave oil in over 12 months regardless of miles. Here’s what 10K Mobil 1 oil warranty states. What the period of coverage are.

The Mobil 1 limited warranty is valid for 10,000 miles or your vehicle’s OEM recommended oil change interval, whichever is longer.

Additional requirements for all Mobil 1 products include:

“Oils must be put in service not later than five (5) years from the date of purchase; and
an oil change must be completed every twelve (12) months.”

IMO most of use don’t drive car long distances daily like going to work to Orlando and back or further, which some easily put 15K plus miles year on in those cases you could probably leave or in to maximum distance cause probably exceed mileage before 12 months or so. Which IMO is not extreme driving conditions normally? stop and go short distance driving are extreme driving conditions IMO.

Here’s certified master Toyota mechanic opinion on 10 K oil changes.

Toyota Master Technician Argues Against 10,000 Mile Oil Change Intervals With Busted Engine Teardown | Carscoops (https://www.carscoops.com/2022/08/toyota-master-technician-argues-against-10000-mile-oil-change-intervals-with-busted-engine-teardown/)

[Stu from NYC]

Have been buying Camrys for past 30 years. With regular oil had it changed every 3000 miles now with synthetic just about 5000.

This way a mechanic can give it a good onceover to help prevent problems and have noticed get well over 100,000 miles on the car.

Cheap insurance

[MrFlorida]

Every 12 months, only put about 3k per year ...Mobile 1 oil.

[kkingston57]

Every 12 months, only put about 3k per year ...Mobile 1 oil.

Oil companies(particularly Mobile) love you. When I was working drove 30K miles a year and used synthetics($75 complete oil change cost) and went 7500-10,000 between changes. Never had a problem over 20 years.

[tophcfa]

I use Amsoil signature series on my truck and the wife’s Honda with a good quality WIX XP filter. Both are rated for 12K miles, but I change both at 9k. I never worry about time between changes because we always both easily hit the 9k interval within a year. I use Amsoil small engine oil on the golf carts and do an annual oil change.

[Topspinmo]

Oil companies(particularly Mobile) love you. When I was working drove 30K miles a year and used synthetics($75 complete oil change cost) and went 7500-10,000 between changes. Never had a problem over 20 years.


IMO Really can’t compare you situation to his. Your driving conditions was different for his. The articles explains that. Coking has more affect on short stop and go trips even with todays oils. You probably changed oil two or three time in year. Down road driving about 1/4 to 1/10 of demands on oil life unless you pulling load which creates more heat than short stop and go trips.

[CarlR33]

I get the free oil change at the dealer once a year with only 3-5 K on the odometer each time.

[retiredguy123]

I drive about 7,500 miles per year. Just this morning, I got a synthetic oil change and I will get the next one after another 7,500 miles. I used Wildwood Tire and it cost $78. That is the only vehicle maintenance that I do, except to replace tires, brakes, and windshield wipers. My vehicle has 53,000 miles, and I have never even read the recommended maintenance schedule because I think it is overkill.

[dhdallas]

Reason I rarely leave oil in over 12 months regardless of miles. Here’s what 10K Mobil 1 oil warranty states. What the period of coverage are.

The Mobil 1 limited warranty is valid for 10,000 miles or your vehicle’s OEM recommended oil change interval, whichever is longer.

Additional requirements for all Mobil 1 products include:

“Oils must be put in service not later than five (5) years from the date of purchase; and
an oil change must be completed every twelve (12) months.”

IMO most of use don’t drive car long distances daily like going to work to Orlando and back or further, which some easily put 15K plus miles year on in those cases you could probably leave or in to maximum distance cause probably exceed mileage before 12 months or so. Which IMO is not extreme driving conditions normally? stop and go short distance driving are extreme driving conditions IMO.

Here’s certified master Toyota mechanic opinion on 10 K oil changes.

Toyota Master Technician Argues Against 10,000 Mile Oil Change Intervals With Busted Engine Teardown | Carscoops (https://www.carscoops.com/2022/08/toyota-master-technician-argues-against-10000-mile-oil-change-intervals-with-busted-engine-teardown/)

Of course they tell you to change the oil every 12 months even if your mileage was low. They are in the business of selling oil, filters and/or oil change services! It's like the shampoo directions that tell you to lather up, rinse, and then repeat. You don't need to repeat the shampoo and you don't need to change your oil (especially when using synthetic) for at least 7500 miles. It's a foolish and unnecessary waste of money to do it more often.

[Topspinmo]

I get the free oil change at the dealer once a year with only 3-5 K on the odometer each time.

Do you verify the oil actually been changed? Trust but verify, you also need to check level on dip stick cause some dealers `over fill due laziness and not following up on work. When I was in Oklahoma dealers tooted free oil changes. The problem was they wasn’t changing oil ( cause they knew most people trade in 3 or 4 years)( so they could do nothing and get away with it cause it would be out of warranty and second persons unknown problem) Not saying that what goes on, but I verify any maintenance performed that I am paying for make sure they doing it right. Few dealerships earned my trust and some get F rating IMO when they can do simple oil and level correct.

[Topspinmo]

Of course they tell you to change the oil every 12 months even if your mileage was low. They are in the business of selling oil, filters and/or oil change services! It's like the shampoo directions that tell you to lather up, rinse, and then repeat. You don't need to repeat the shampoo and you don't need to change your oil (especially when using synthetic) for at least 7500 miles. It's a foolish and unnecessary waste of money to do it more often.

I’m stubborn nobody tells me anything. I make my own decisions. :D


So I see you didn’t read the articles or watch utube video.

Go head leave it in longer, probably trade in 3 years anyway so won’t make difference. You have control do what you want.

[Topspinmo]

I drive about 7,500 miles per year. Just this morning, I got a synthetic oil change and I will get the next one after another 7,500 miles. I used Wildwood Tire and it cost $78. That is the only vehicle maintenance that I do, except to replace tires, brakes, and windshield wipers. My vehicle has 53,000 miles, and I have never even read the recommended maintenance schedule because I think it is overkill.

Don’t matter if you trade every 3 or 4 years, you could do nothing and it wouldn’t make difference. It be second owners problem.. bet you didn’t watch the Toyota mechanic utube Video either.

[Southwest737]

Another reason to drive an EV

[Nevinator]

I change my vehicle with conventional oil every 3,000 miles and my newer F150 with synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. Never had any issues. Always change the filter at the time of the oil change.

My vehicle has never sat idle for 12 months (or driven less than 3,000 miles in that time), but I also, subscribe to the belief that oil should be changed at least every 12 months. It’s a relatively inexpensive insurance policy given that some car engines now cost upwards of $10,000 to replace.

[MikeN]

Even if you don’t drive it often taking it out on a road with a higher speed limit occasionally will help keep it clean. The old Italian tuneup method

[PersonOfInterest]

Ever hear of an oil related failure? Here's my opinion on oil change interval. I think many spend a lot more than necessary on unneeded maintenance.

Today's engines along with current oil formulations easily tolerate even the worst abuse from extended use of oil. As long as there is sufficient oil in the crankcase you are unlikely to see any type of failure from not changing oil regularly. Nothing wrong with changing oil frequently if you want to spend the money on unnecessary maintenance, but even manufacturers recommendations have greatly increased time / milage. Every 3,000 miles or 6 months has increased to every 7,500 or 1 yr for non synthetic and much longer for synthetic.

[rsmurano]

Years back with my Porsche, I think it was 15,000 miles between oil changes using synthetic. Porsche’s back then had 9-10 quarts of oil, plus you drove the car a little harder which is actually better for the car and the oil. A bigger deal back then and even now is to change your filter every 5000 miles if you are going to wait to change your oil every 10-15,000 miles.
The worst thing you can do to your car is use it to drive a few blocks to the store or to a rec center which will never get your engine hot enough to get the oil hot to burn off any condensation. I had a v8 truck 50 years ago and drove it 1 mile to work. After 1000 miles when looking at the dipstick, there was white gunk all over it. This is what will kill your engine.
Most new cars have engine stat screens that show when you should change your oil, I’ve been using these instead of the odometer. Check out if your car has an ‘oil life monitoring’ system and use that instead of using miles.

[Altavia]

Unless you test the oil, you really don't know.

Here's a Blackstone analysis on a Corvette Z06 after 12K mi between a change.


12,000 miles is a pretty long run compared to the average LS6, but this engine handled & with ease.
The data in the rightmost column shows results for the LS6 at an average oil run length of 3,800 miles. Your data at 12k ali came in at comparabie levels, implying much better than average wear rates. There's nothing to worry about in these results. The oil held up weil to the longer run, showing correct viscosity and no sign of fuel or coolant contamination, and both oil and air fitration lock fine. Bump the interval up to 14,000 miles next time and check back.

MI/HR on Oil
12,000

[MX rider]

My wife has a 2018 Lexus NX300 with 82000 miles, she drove about 40 miles one way to work everyday, so they were easy highway miles. I have a 2022 Toyota Tacoma with 57000 miles. I was in sales before I retired so I drove about 24k per year.

On both vehicles we run synthetic oil and go by the vehicles computer. When it says to change oil, we do it. That is what the dealer recommended.

Now that we're retired and her Lexus sits for six months in Indiana, I'll probably change it once a year.

[OhioBuckeye]

Sorry don’t understand, what’s your question?

[Bill Dozer]

Most mechanics in new car franchises are paid by piece work. Oil changes there are like 10 minute oil change locations. They are done by the same person who does nothing but drain oil.
Good mechanics do repair work, the oil changers wash cars and keep the shop floor clean.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I get the free oil change at the dealer once a year with only 3-5 K on the odometer each time.

I do too. But the dealer for my car is in Connecticut, where I bought it. The dealer down here doesn't honor that deal. So I bring mine to the tire store at 441/Griffin. They do the oil change, give me a new spark plug, rotate the tires, top off the windshield wiper fluid, for something like $80 using synthetic or synthetic blend (I can't ever keep that straight). Pennzoil also has occasional rebate offers, so if they have it I pick up the coupon there at the store, turn it in, and get a visa pre-loaded card with $40 on it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Ever hear of an oil related failure? Here's my opinion on oil change interval. I think many spend a lot more than necessary on unneeded maintenance.

Today's engines along with current oil formulations easily tolerate even the worst abuse from extended use of oil. As long as there is sufficient oil in the crankcase you are unlikely to see any type of failure from not changing oil regularly. Nothing wrong with changing oil frequently if you want to spend the money on unnecessary maintenance, but even manufacturers recommendations have greatly increased time / milage. Every 3,000 miles or 6 months has increased to every 7,500 or 1 yr for non synthetic and much longer for synthetic.

Yup, I lost my first Ford Explorer to failure. Thing is, I should've "checked the oil" every couple of gas fill-ups. Because I didn't do that, and waited for the low oil light to go on, I didn't realize there was a problem. Turns out, I had holes. When they cleaned it up, the holes were unplugged, and the leakage became significant. Engine seized, had to replace the engine. A rebuild and the labor would've cost more than I paid for the vehicle, so I traded it in for another. Turned out THAT one was a lemon, and I sold it to some guy I worked for cheap just to get rid of it.

[Topspinmo]

Ever hear of an oil related failure? Here's my opinion on oil change interval. I think many spend a lot more than necessary on unneeded maintenance.

Today's engines along with current oil formulations easily tolerate even the worst abuse from extended use of oil. As long as there is sufficient oil in the crankcase you are unlikely to see any type of failure from not changing oil regularly. Nothing wrong with changing oil frequently if you want to spend the money on unnecessary maintenance, but even manufacturers recommendations have greatly increased time / milage. Every 3,000 miles or 6 months has increased to every 7,500 or 1 yr for non synthetic and much longer for synthetic.

So, you work in auto repair field and never heard of oil repaired failure? You can bet 99% was due to lack of maintenance from people who never check or change oil.

Did you read the Mobil one LIMITED warranty. After one year you’re on you own. Did you watch the video what Toyota mechanic had to say? Sure you leave in as long as you want as long as you know where dipstick is. IMO the problem arises when some go by oil indicators percentage and never check oil that keep vehicle over 6 or so years. That’s when lack of oil changes/checking starts coking process. Agree you can do nothing if you trade every few years. I bet there no oil manufacture recommendations longer than 1 year? Why cause oil start breaking down due to heat cycles. Sure you can oil tested but eventually that defeats cost oil change. Commercial trucking different, over road driving different. When vehicles takes gallons of oil cost effective to have it tested.

This was not started for people has has some knowledge on oil changes and internals and know where dip stick is. . It for one’s that go strictly by oil life cycle on dash which in my case could take 3 or more years of stop and go driving to reach recommended limit on oil life. Plus the oil manufacture don’t recommend longer than 1 year. If you check oil occasionally and trade within few years you will probably never experience VVT rattle or stuck piston rings cause it takes years of neglect to cause those problems.

[Topspinmo]

Most mechanics in new car franchises are paid by piece work. Oil changes there are like 10 minute oil change locations. They are done by the same person who does nothing but drain oil.
Good mechanics do repair work, the oil changers wash cars and keep the shop floor clean.

Agree and most have turnover and little training process starts all over?

And some (not all) don’t check level oil after that change it and over fill it which I have experienced several times at dealer, trust but verify IMO. Why I change my own oil now. Last time I had my oil changed at dealership here they over filled it by 3/4 of quart. My car holds 4.2 quarts and they dumped in 5 quarts probably using the spigot pump out of 55 gallon drum of cheapest oil the could could buy? If I got to crawl under car and drain out overfilled oil change I just well do it my self. :sigh:

[Topspinmo]

Sorry don’t understand, what’s your question?

Check your dip stick if you know where it is? :wave:

[Topspinmo]

Another reason to drive an EV

I wonder when 737 going EV? Like NEVER:oops:

[Topspinmo]

I wonder when 737 going EV? Like NEVER:oops:

Let’s see how many oil changes can I do vs cost of battery pack?

[Topspinmo]

My wife has a 2018 Lexus NX300 with 82000 miles, she drove about 40 miles one way to work everyday, so they were easy highway miles. I have a 2022 Toyota Tacoma with 57000 miles. I was in sales before I retired so I drove about 24k per year.

On both vehicles we run synthetic oil and go by the vehicles computer. When it says to change oil, we do it. That is what the dealer recommended.

Now that we're retired and her Lexus sits for six months in Indiana, I'll probably change it once a year.

So you determined vehicle stop and go driving differently for over road every day driving miles are racked up quickly and over road driving (except towing) lot easier on engine and transmission. Which exactly what recommended and this post about.

bad about vehicle setting the oil additive molecules will eventually separate which usually takes years. Why the recommend don’t use oil (any OIL) over 5 years old.

[NoMoSno]

I do too. But the dealer for my car is in Connecticut, where I bought it. The dealer down here doesn't honor that deal. So I bring mine to the tire store at 441/Griffin. They do the oil change, give me a new spark plug, rotate the tires, top off the windshield wiper fluid, for something like $80 using synthetic or synthetic blend (I can't ever keep that straight). Pennzoil also has occasional rebate offers, so if they have it I pick up the coupon there at the store, turn it in, and get a visa pre-loaded card with $40 on it.
They put in new spark plugs with every oil change?

[JP]

I have a 25 year old lawn mower that still runs great that I have never changed the oil. I just top it up every year. I usually change my oil in my cars after 25,000 miles and have never had a problem.

[Topspinmo]

They put in new spark plugs with every oil change?

You caught that too and I have to ask

Why? spark plugs can go 100K plus miles unless you have oil burner from not checking dip stick or GDI engine that dilutes oil with gas. On v6 or v8 engines spark plugs are really hard to change and opens up chances for problems you never had. These cars nowadays not your grandfather flat head.:duck:

[NoMoSno]

Why? spark plugs can go 100K plus miles unless you have oil burner from not checking dip stick or GDI engine that dilutes oil with gas. On v6 or v8 engines spark plugs are really hard to change and opens up chances for problems you never had.
Yes, I know.
I was directing the question to OBB.

[Topspinmo]

I have a 25 year old lawn mower that still runs great that I have never changed the oil. I just top it up every year. I usually change my oil in my cars after 25,000 miles and have never had a problem.

Yet! That’s not question.:icon_wink:

Please disclose that disclaimer when you trade or sell the car I’m sure get top dollar for it :coolsmiley: as for you lawn mower who cares? Besides you probably have your yard done by landscapers.

[Topspinmo]

Yes, I know.
I was directing the question to OBB.

I edited after the bell when off… I know I’m slow sometimes :sigh:

[retiredguy123]

When changing your oil, I would suggest using synthetic oil, even if the manufacturer doesn't require it. It doesn't cost much more, it is more durable, and you may end up spending less for oil changes long term because you can extend the time between changes.

[MX rider]

So you determined vehicle stop and go driving differently for over road every day driving miles are racked up quickly and over road driving (except towing) lot easier on engine and transmission. Which exactly what recommended and this post about.

bad about vehicle setting the oil additive molecules will eventually separate which usually takes years. Why the recommend don’t use oil (any OIL) over 5 years old.

I was just saying thats how we do it. We were told by the Lexus dealer where she bought it new, that the computer accounts for the type of driving you do and adjusts the oil change mileage accordingly. So we just go by that, and it's worked well so far on both vehicles.

For cars that sit idle for long periods, I really don't know.

[Altavia]

...

Sure you can oil tested but eventually that defeats cost oil change.



A Blackstone oil analysis is $35, far less than unnecessary oil changes.

It can provide early warning off developing problems long before they cause an expensive headache.

You'll be able to pick up on contamination or impending bearing or ringland failure with a high presence of wear metals.

I generally use them a few times on each new vehicle to gauge health of the engine, how it likes the particular oil used, and if it need to be changed prior to mfg recommendations.

I do it again six months prior to the car going out of warranty.

Let hard data tell you what you need to know about what’s going in inside your engine.

[Topspinmo]

A Blackstone oil analysis is $35, far less than unnecessary oil changes.

It can provide early warning off developing problems long before they cause an expensive headache.

You'll be able to pick up on contamination or impending bearing or ringland failure with a high presence of wear metals.

I generally use them a few times on each new vehicle to gauge health of the engine, how it likes the particular oil used, and if it need to be changed prior to mfg recommendations.

I do it again six months prior to the car going out of warranty.

Let hard data tell you what you need to know about what’s going in inside your engine.

Sure if you’re paying someone to change oil.

Changed my oil cost me 32 bucks with 0-20W/filter and 20 mins, less if I wasn’t so old and my car wasn’t so low to ground.

You are not ones trying to reach it’s ones that never check oil level or wait for idiot “change engine oil soon” to light up to get to 10% That may take years? But, don’t matter anyway cause 99% of them lease or trade every two or three years.

[Altavia]

Sure if you’re paying someone to change oil.

Changed my oil cost me 32 bucks with 0-20W/filter and 20 mins, less if I wasn’t so old and my car wasn’t so low to ground.

You are not ones trying to reach it’s ones that never check oil level or wait for idiot “change engine oil soon” to light up to get to 10% That may take years? But, don’t matter anyway cause 99% of them lease or trade every two or three years.

A Z06 with dry sump takes ten liters so different story ;-)

Many may be paying-$100-150+ for the dealer to change their oil.

12 mo or 10K mi always seemed hard for me to believe. I like data, a UOA on an Audi (turbo) recommended 7,500 mi oil change when doing UOA testing oil at 5K. Mfg recommend is 10K.

So I would never let a turbo charged motor go more than 5K without an oil change.

The one fluid that most nobody changes is brake fluid which needs to flushed every couple of years.

Brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture out of the air. Not good for modern ABS systems that can cost thousands to replace.


YMMV

[tophcfa]

I have a 25 year old lawn mower that still runs great that I have never changed the oil. I just top it up every year. I usually change my oil in my cars after 25,000 miles and have never had a problem.

Back in the 70’s I had a VW bug that leaked about a quart of oil a week. I parked it over a drainage grate in the road so it didn’t stain the road. Added a quart of oil every week and never changed it. The thing ran forever despite my lack of proper maintenance. Paid $800 for it and sold it for $750 8 years later. Good first ride : )

[Topspinmo]

Back in the 70’s I had a VW bug that leaked about a quart of oil a week. I parked it over a drainage grate in the road so it didn’t stain the road. Added a quart of oil every week and never changed it. The thing ran forever despite my lack of proper maintenance. Paid $800 for it and sold it for $750 8 years later. Good first ride : )


I had 3 year old Vega changed it own oil also in Texas 79, I paid 650 for it to get me work 3 miles. it had the most crappy engine ever made. Kind of wish I would have kept it, they make neat drag cars with BBC and power glide.

[PersonOfInterest]

Yup, I lost my first Ford Explorer to failure. Thing is, I should've "checked the oil" every couple of gas fill-ups. Because I didn't do that, and waited for the low oil light to go on, I didn't realize there was a problem. Turns out, I had holes. When they cleaned it up, the holes were unplugged, and the leakage became significant. Engine seized, had to replace the engine. A rebuild and the labor would've cost more than I paid for the vehicle, so I traded it in for another. Turned out THAT one was a lemon, and I sold it to some guy I worked for cheap just to get rid of it.

That was a failure due to a lack of oil in the engine, Not a failure from break down of the oil.

[PersonOfInterest]

So, you work in auto repair field and never heard of oil repaired failure? You can bet 99% was due to lack of maintenance from people who never check or change oil.

Did you read the Mobil one LIMITED warranty. After one year you’re on you own. Did you watch the video what Toyota mechanic had to say? Sure you leave in as long as you want as long as you know where dipstick is. IMO the problem arises when some go by oil indicators percentage and never check oil that keep vehicle over 6 or so years. That’s when lack of oil changes/checking starts coking process. Agree you can do nothing if you trade every few years. I bet there no oil manufacture recommendations longer than 1 year? Why cause oil start breaking down due to heat cycles. Sure you can oil tested but eventually that defeats cost oil change. Commercial trucking different, over road driving different. When vehicles takes gallons of oil cost effective to have it tested.

This was not started for people has has some knowledge on oil changes and internals and know where dip stick is. . It for one’s that go strictly by oil life cycle on dash which in my case could take 3 or more years of stop and go driving to reach recommended limit on oil life. Plus the oil manufacture don’t recommend longer than 1 year. If you check oil occasionally and trade within few years you will probably never experience VVT rattle or stuck piston rings cause it takes years of neglect to cause those problems.

You don't need to change your oil every 3 months but that doesn't mean wait 3 years to change your oil.

[MrFlorida]

Another reason to drive an EV

Until you have to change the batteries. Changing oil is much cheaper.

[PugMom]

Have been buying Camrys for past 30 years. With regular oil had it changed every 3000 miles now with synthetic just about 5000.

This way a mechanic can give it a good onceover to help prevent problems and have noticed get well over 100,000 miles on the car.

Cheap insurance

same here Stu, the CarDoctor said i need to change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. are we incorrect?

[Topspinmo]

You don't need to change your oil every 3 months but that doesn't mean wait 3 years to change your oil.

/////

[Topspinmo]

That was a failure due to a lack of oil in the engine, Not a failure from break down of the oil.

And probably lack of checking the dip stick?

[Bill14564]

Until you have to change the batteries. Changing oil is much cheaper.

Still waiting to hear about the first person who has had to change lithium batteries due to their wearing out.

[Topspinmo]

When changing your oil, I would suggest using synthetic oil, even if the manufacturer doesn't require it. It doesn't cost much more, it is more durable, and you may end up spending less for oil changes long term because you can extend the time between changes.

Most all vehicles in last 10 years require full synthetic oil. I think only ford recommends their motorcraft synthetic blend in some of them?

[Topspinmo]

Still waiting to hear about the first person who has had to change lithium batteries due to their wearing out.

Still waiting on cost too. Maybe some Prius owners can chime in? I bet the traded them before new batteries which is smaller pack beings it hybrid? If EVs take off eventually there will be repair centers for batteries which may cut cost in half or less of new pack. Time will tell if hydrogen engines don’t take over markets.

[Bill14564]

Still waiting on cost too. Maybe some Prius owners can chime in? I bet the traded them before new batteries which is smaller pack beings it hybrid? If EVs take off eventually there will be repair centers for batteries which may cut cost in half or less of new pack. Time will tell if hydrogen engines don’t take over markets.

At six years and 200K miles we traded our Prius; it was time for a new vehicle.

With millions of EVs on the road today and thousands of electric carts in the Villages and elsewhere, just what constitutes "taking off"? What will it take for the naysayers to accept that the boogeyman of battery-replacement cost is a non-starter?

[retiredguy123]

Most all vehicles in last 10 years require full synthetic oil. I think only ford recommends their motorcraft synthetic blend in some of them?
I have a Ford, but I use synthetic oil. I think some people don't realize that synthetic oil is really not much more expensive than conventional oil anymore, especially if you extend the time and mileage between oil changes.

Recently, I got a synthetic oil change at Wildwood Tire for $78. They don't suggest another oil change for 10,000 miles, but I will probably do it after 7,500 miles, which will be about one year.

[MX rider]

I have a Ford, but I use synthetic oil. I think some people don't realize that synthetic oil is really not much more expensive than conventional oil anymore, especially if you extend the time and mileage between oil changes.

Recently, I got a synthetic oil change at Wildwood Tire for $78. They don't suggest another oil change for 10,000 miles, but I will probably do it after 7,500 miles, which will be about one year.

You're right about synthetic oil. When I was working I was in outside sales and drove over 50k a year. I had a new Toyota Tacoma at that time. I always ran Mobil 1 synthetic and went 12000 on an oil change. At 200k miles I sold it and it still ran like new and used no oil.

[Topspinmo]

At six years and 200K miles we traded our Prius; it was time for a new vehicle.

With millions of EVs on the road today and thousands of electric carts in the Villages and elsewhere, just what constitutes "taking off"? What will it take for the naysayers to accept that the boogeyman of battery-replacement cost is a non-starter?


What few million compared to billion. A few.

[Topspinmo]

Still waiting to hear about the first person who has had to change lithium batteries due to their wearing out.

I’ve replaced the lithium batteries on my cordless tools several times. After so many charging cycles one day they work and next day they don’t. When charging Computer Circuit in lithium battery pack cut them off at about 1/3 discharge. How do I know this? I check it several times with multimeter when battery was discharged. Example 56V battery pack shut off at about 41Vs.

[Topspinmo]

At six years and 200K miles we traded our Prius; it was time for a new vehicle.

With millions of EVs on the road today and thousands of electric carts in the Villages and elsewhere, just what constitutes "taking off"? What will it take for the naysayers to accept that the boogeyman of battery-replacement cost is a non-starter?

Admit it you traded it cause you knew if was going to cost you big time. I drove Ford Torino for 180K miles and 8 years. When I sold it didn’t use any oil between changes. In those 8 years I changed water pump, brakes, heater hoses, tires. The kid I sold it to drove it for another 4 years going to collage. Not bad for his 1100 dollar investment.

[Topspinmo]

I have a Ford, but I use synthetic oil. I think some people don't realize that synthetic oil is really not much more expensive than conventional oil anymore, especially if you extend the time and mileage between oil changes.

Recently, I got a synthetic oil change at Wildwood Tire for $78. They don't suggest another oil change for 10,000 miles, but I will probably do it after 7,500 miles, which will be about one year.

If you use motorcraft brand it’s most likely synthetic blended if in red container? Blended is not full synthetic oil.

[retiredguy123]

If you use motorcraft brand it’s most likely synthetic blended if in red container? Blended is not full synthetic oil.
I went to Wildwood Tire and asked for full synthetic oil, not blended. The receipt says "full synthetic oil package (5 qt)", $69.95. If they substituted something else, then I have no way to know what I got.

[MorTech]

Just use a MB 229.52 /Porsche C30 oil 5w30 every 2 years is fine. Zero sludge or shearing. Valvoline XL-III is a good one and is relatively cheap.

[Topspinmo]

Just use a MB 229.52 /Porsche C30 oil 5w30 every 2 years is fine. Zero sludge or shearing. Valvoline XL-III is a good one and is relatively cheap.

Porsche has oil refineries?

[firefighter4u]

I have a car which is over 60 years old...........the engine in it is over 50 years old (more power!!!). The engine has 70,000 miles on it. As you can imagine, it sits more than it runs.

As a result, I change oil based on time.........not miles.
I change oil between 12 & 18 months.
Never had a problem.
Have dropped the oil pan to inspect.

I do stay away from Pennsylvania oil.

Just curious, what is wrong with Pennsylvania oil?

[CarlR33]

Let’s see how many oil changes can I do vs cost of battery pack?LOL, you might do the math on that one. A $69 oil change once a year x 10 years is $699 minimum. If you do more driving then it will be higher and don’t forget all the other “schedule maintenance” which may put you at that replacement battery cost. I heard for the Prius that is around $2K? I’m sure it’s more for a Tesla but how long do you actually keep your car anyhow?

[dewilson58]

Just curious, what is wrong with Pennsylvania oil?

Creates sludge faster (than other oils) in engines.

Some say true, some say false.

And maybe they refine it better these days.

:thumbup:

[Topspinmo]

Creates sludge faster (than other oils) in engines.

Some say true, some say false.

And maybe they refine it better these days.

:thumbup:

Old penzoil formula 40 plus years ago would foam also. Had friend that used old formula and rarely changed oil. Had SBC and lifter rattle problems. When I took valve covers off I could not see one lifter due to slugging and coking buildup. Penzoil now nowhere near the old formula. Another thing older vehicles with primitive PVC systems and old formulated oils would not reduce internal condensation which in winter months would Cassie oil to get diluted and look milky.

[Topspinmo]

LOL, you might do the math on that one. A $69 oil change once a year x 10 years is $699 minimum. If you do more driving then it will be higher and don’t forget all the other “schedule maintenance” which may put you at that replacement battery cost. I heard for the Prius that is around $2K? I’m sure it’s more for a Tesla but how long do you actually keep your car anyhow?

I don’t care:wave:

[Topspinmo]

You're right about synthetic oil. When I was working I was in outside sales and drove over 50k a year. I had a new Toyota Tacoma at that time. I always ran Mobil 1 synthetic and went 12000 on an oil change. At 200k miles I sold it and it still ran like new and used no oil.


12K internals That was 3 oil changes in year on down road driving which puts around 80 to 90% or less wear on engine so, your Toyota actually had less than 100K wear on engine. Probably closer to 60K with oil change internals. Extreme conditions like start and go, stop and go driving, pulling heavy loads, or extreme dusty conditions like in desert states require different oil change internals. Not me saying this it’s the industry.

[jimbomaybe]

Ever hear of an oil related failure? Here's my opinion on oil change interval. I think many spend a lot more than necessary on unneeded maintenance.

Today's engines along with current oil formulations easily tolerate even the worst abuse from extended use of oil. As long as there is sufficient oil in the crankcase you are unlikely to see any type of failure from not changing oil regularly. Nothing wrong with changing oil frequently if you want to spend the money on unnecessary maintenance, but even manufacturers recommendations have greatly increased time / milage. Every 3,000 miles or 6 months has increased to every 7,500 or 1 yr for non synthetic and much longer for synthetic.
My understanding is that oil chemistry has increased the life of engine oil the biggest factor is the electronic engine controls burns the fuel so much better/cleaner the oil gets much less contaminated / dirty

[Shipping up to Boston]

Remember the Slant 6 engine (Dodge/Chrysler)?
So durable and indestructible it would run with no oil....or pancake syrup!

[Robbb]

Ever hear of an oil related failure? Here's my opinion on oil change interval. I think many spend a lot more than necessary on unneeded maintenance.

Today's engines along with current oil formulations easily tolerate even the worst abuse from extended use of oil. As long as there is sufficient oil in the crankcase you are unlikely to see any type of failure from not changing oil regularly. Nothing wrong with changing oil frequently if you want to spend the money on unnecessary maintenance, but even manufacturers recommendations have greatly increased time / milage. Every 3,000 miles or 6 months has increased to every 7,500 or 1 yr for non synthetic and much longer for synthetic.

I'm a very experianced car and motorcycle guy. The truth is IF you have a high quality car (toyota, Honda etc) and change the oil every 2,000 miles it will last forever.


Oh course if you have the same car and beat the hell out of it and change the oil only at the manufactures recomended mileage....your car will last forever...but I must admit there is something cathartic about changing way before it is really needed.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

LOL!

read a very interesting repair mechanic's post about changing oil about 1 particular car: the owner never changed oil once in the greater than 5 years of ownership. Never once!

instead he just changed the filter every 2,000 miles and added oil.

The car was traded into the same dealership, the mechanic went to check inside the engine, and the engine had very little wear.

The most important point is using the best filter you can buy, as that is what keeps the oil clean in the engine and keeps the engine wear to a minimum. For low mileage driving, change the filter every 6 months and add oil.

On the very small coastwise tanker I worked for about 5 years, it had twin GM locomotive 2 stroke diesel engines. The oil was changed every three years in the shipyard. The oil was kept clean with a centrifuge oil cleaner and filters. not sure how often the filters were changed, but we had to be in port for a significant period of time in order to take an engine offline, as ships need to ready to leave the dock at any time. .

So don't go all oil change crazy when regular simple maintenance of the most important part of the lubrication system is required.

YMMV

[NoMoSno]

LOL!

read a very interesting repair mechanic's post about changing oil about 1 particular car: the owner never changed oil once in the greater than 5 years of ownership. Never once!

instead he just changed the filter every 2,000 miles and added oil.

The car was traded into the same dealership, the mechanic went to check inside the engine, and the engine had very little wear.

The most important point is using the best filter you can buy, as that is what keeps the oil clean in the engine and keeps the engine wear to a minimum. For low mileage driving, change the filter every 6 months and add oil.

On the very small coastwise tanker I worked for about 5 years, it had twin GM locomotive 2 stroke diesel engines. The oil was changed every three years in the shipyard. The oil was kept clean with a centrifuge oil cleaner and filters. not sure how often the filters were changed, but we had to be in port for a significant period of time in order to take an engine offline, as ships need to ready to leave the dock at any time. .

So don't go all oil change crazy when regular simple maintenance of the most important part of the lubrication system is required.

YMMV
Might be possible with a top of engine oil filter.
Not possible to just change the filter without draining the oil if the filter is on the bottom.

[Two Bills]

My 2009 Volvo XC60 lux has the oil changed once a year. I have never topped it up, or needed too.
What type of oil or filter the garage uses, I have not a clue.
It runs and sounds fine, been all over UK and Europe, and gets us from A to B without problems.
Modern oils and filters do not need frequent changes. That's all oil company BS.
10-12,000 miles between changes is fine for family cars.
Sports and supers, have their own problems.

[biker1]

There might be some cars where this is true but I have never seen one. Every car that I have owned has had the filter on the bottom of the engine and could be changed without draining the oil. For convenience, I typically remove the filter first.

Might be possible with a top of engine oil filter.
Not possible to just change the filter without draining the oil if the filter is on the bottom.

[NoMoSno]

There might be some cars where this is true but I have never seen one. Every car that I have owned has had the filter on the bottom of the engine and could be changed without draining the oil.
Maybe.
I'll stick to my full synthetic with filter oil change for $30 once a year if I need it or not.

[biker1]

No "maybe" about it. Also, I never said I didn't change the oil when I changed the filter. Oil and filter change twice a year.

Maybe.
I'll stick to my full synthetic with filter oil change for $30 once a year if I need it or not.

[NoMoSno]

No "maybe" about it. Also, I never said I didn't change the oil when I changed the filter. Oil and filter change twice a year.
I was responding to CoachKandSportsguys post about not changing the oil with filter, which seems silly.
I only put on 5000mls yr so figure once a year is plenty.

[biker1]

I agree. The filters I use are about $10 and I can buy Mobil 1 after a rebate for about $16 for 5 quarts so I don't see a lot of savings if you are changing the filter every 2k miles. If the engine took 15 quarts of oil then that might be another issue.

I was responding to CoachKandSportsguys post about not changing the oil with filter, which seems silly.
I only put on 5000mls yr so figure once a year is plenty.

[JoelJohnson]

Can't hurt, low cost insurance.

The way to know for sure is to have a Blackstone oil analysis performed.

Thousands of people who have tested their oil shows data confirms manufactures recommendations are conservative and good enough for most people.

I have a 2024 Honda CRV I had Blackstone analyse my oil at 1,000 and 6,000 miles. I tried to copy the results but it didn't work. Anyway it showed there was crap in the oil from the factory.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I have a 2024 Honda CRV I had Blackstone analyse my oil at 1,000 and 6,000 miles. I tried to copy the results but it didn't work. Anyway it showed there was crap in the oil from the factory.

Common. Metal shavings from production can be found early on during break in period. Usually subsides over time

[Topspinmo]

LOL!

read a very interesting repair mechanic's post about changing oil about 1 particular car: the owner never changed oil once in the greater than 5 years of ownership. Never once!

instead he just changed the filter every 2,000 miles and added oil.

The car was traded into the same dealership, the mechanic went to check inside the engine, and the engine had very little wear.

The most important point is using the best filter you can buy, as that is what keeps the oil clean in the engine and keeps the engine wear to a minimum. For low mileage driving, change the filter every 6 months and add oil.

On the very small coastwise tanker I worked for about 5 years, it had twin GM locomotive 2 stroke diesel engines. The oil was changed every three years in the shipyard. The oil was kept clean with a centrifuge oil cleaner and filters. not sure how often the filters were changed, but we had to be in port for a significant period of time in order to take an engine offline, as ships need to ready to leave the dock at any time. .

So don't go all oil change crazy when regular simple maintenance of the most important part of the lubrication system is required.

YMMV

Yep, I’d follow that advice. You could probably do nothing and it would last 5 years? 90% don’t keep car than long anyway.

[Topspinmo]

There might be some cars where this is true but I have never seen one. Every car that I have owned has had the filter on the bottom of the engine and could be changed without draining the oil. For convenience, I typically remove the filter first.

Some manufacturers New engines has oil filter on top of intake manifold in cheap plastic housing with tiny canister filter and cheap plastic cap. Kia’s and their sister manufacturer for sure.

[MorTech]

Porsche has oil refineries?

I wouldn't if I were them.

Pennsylvania oil is made from spoiled dinosaurs.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Pennsylvania oil is made from spoiled dinosaurs.

OMG! another uninformed opinion. . .

Crude oil is NOT from dinosaurs. .

Scientifically Crude oil is the earth's lubrication fluid which separates the molten core from the mantle, which allows the earth to spin frictionlessly for days and nights.

once enough oil is pumped out of the subterranean reservoirs, the days and nights will become longer as the earth's rotation begins to slow.

[JMintzer]

Remember the Slant 6 engine (Dodge/Chrysler)?
So durable and indestructible it would run with no oil....or pancake syrup!

I had one of those (a '69 Dodge Dart) in my first car. It certainly was indestructible!

[JoelJohnson]

Common. Metal shavings from production can be found early on during break in period. Usually subsides over time
True, which is why I changed it at the first 1,000 miles. Every 5,000 miles is about 6 months for me, so twice a year is about right. BTW, I plan on changing the CVT oil at about 30,000 miles. Why? Because lifetime CVT oil is a myth. The car company wants to sell you a new car at about 60-100k.

[Topspinmo]

I had one of those (a '69 Dodge Dart) in my first car. It certainly was indestructible!

When I was young man I used work in junk (salvage yard) about every Saint six in junk yard had big hole in rear area of block at main bearing, when they did fail from LACK of maintenance they exploded. They along with ford 240/300 and Chevy blue flame was pretty much indestructible IF owners had sense to change/check oil?

[Topspinmo]

LOL, you might do the math on that one. A $69 oil change once a year x 10 years is $699 minimum. If you do more driving then it will be higher and don’t forget all the other “schedule maintenance” which may put you at that replacement battery cost. I heard for the Prius that is around $2K? I’m sure it’s more for a Tesla but how long do you actually keep your car anyhow?


Prius hybrid battery pack is smaller so naturally smaller pack in most cases cost less. But maybe not with sharpe rise in materials to make battery packs now?

[JMintzer]

When I was young man I used work in junk (salvage yard) about every Saint six in junk yard had big hole in rear area of block at main bearing, when they did fail from LACK of maintenance they exploded. They along with ford 240/300 and Chevy blue flame was pretty much indestructible IF owners had sense to change/check oil?

Never said I didn't change the oil...

[Shipping up to Boston]

Never said I didn't change the oil...

In that era people changed the oil over a sewer drain or dumped it in the yard. But then again, my teachers smoked in the building then too.

[Topspinmo]

Never said I didn't change the oil...

Never said you didn’t :boxing2:

[MorTech]

OMG! another uninformed opinion. . .

Crude oil is NOT from dinosaurs. .

Scientifically Crude oil is the earth's lubrication fluid which separates the molten core from the mantle, which allows the earth to spin frictionlessly for days and nights.

once enough oil is pumped out of the subterranean reservoirs, the days and nights will become longer as the earth's rotation begins to slow.

I Know! Right?

The high pitch squealing noise from drying earth bearings will be intolerable...Worse than Cicadas. The oceans will boil and we will all burn to death from heat caused by the higher friction within 12 years if we don't stop oil!

Yours, whether you like it or not,
- AOC

:)

[JMintzer]

Never said you didn’t :boxing2:

Responding to my post the way you did most certainly implied that....

[Keefelane66]

Talking from experience when in the Military we did fuel oil dilution daily, lub oil analysis weekly in the ship's lab. Oil was only changed when solids were found that were not removed sufficiently with oil strainers, filters and centrifugal purifier. When fuel oil dilution reached 10% oil was changed since it doesn't evaporate only changes viscosity of oil to a thinner grade. Transferred to a smaller patrol boat that had no space available except to check fuel oil dilution. Monthly samples were sent to company that would give anyalsys of oil condition, when we completed recommend oil change a sample of new oil was sent to set base line without that you don't know what's going in engine or additives in refining, old school straight 30w.
The worse you can do with diesel or gas engine is idling for extended periods.

[Keefelane66]

I have a 2024 Honda CRV I had Blackstone analyse my oil at 1,000 and 6,000 miles. I tried to copy the results but it didn't work. Anyway it showed there was crap in the oil from the factory.
Talking from experience when in the Military we did fuel oil dilution daily, lub oil analysis weekly in the ship's lab. Oil was only changed when solids were found that were not removed sufficiently with oil strainers, filters and centrifugal purifier. When fuel oil dilution reached 10% oil was changed since it doesn't evaporate only changes viscosity of oil to a thinner grade. Transferred to a smaller patrol boat that had no space available except to check fuel oil dilution. Monthly samples were sent to company that would give anyalsys of oil condition, when we completed recommend oil change a sample of new oil was sent to set base line without that you don't know what's going in engine or additives in refining, old school straight 30w.
The worse you can do with diesel or gas engine is idling for extended periods.