I am on a 5000 mile oil change interval - Page 2

superdave · 11-11-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyTitan

An oil analysis is a little over the top IMO....lol. Just change it at the required interval with the required oil and filter.

An oil analysis on a new vehicle may be over the top, but not on an old one. I was losing antifreeze in my 98 Tahoe, but could never determine where it was going. No leaks, No puddles, No visual sign of it in the oil (can look like chocolate milk). An oil analysis showed small levels of antifreeze in it. New intake manifold gasket did the trick. Two oil changes later, I had another oil analysis --- no antifreeze in the oil anymore.

Millions of discussions about oil/filter change intervals and brands, yet people still do what they feel comfortable with.

I change my oil every 3K miles... for ever! Mobil 1 + Nissan OEM filter ONLY!

BigA · 11-11-2006, 02:34 PM

I change my oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles, I know I could probally get more but oil changes are relatively cheap and I do a lot of idling in all the city driving that I do.

aztitan4x4 · 11-11-2006, 04:42 PM

Why do you think we have been taught from an early age to change oil every 3k. Because that's what "Big Oil" wants us to do...More $$ in their pocket..7500 miles suits me fine!!!!!

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 11-12-2006, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztitan4x4

Why do you think we have been taught from an early age to change oil every 3k. Because that's what "Big Oil" wants us to do...More $$ in their pocket..7500 miles suits me fine!!!!!

Depending on how old you are, you were told that because years ago, oil wasn't what it is today. Better additives, better filters, better synthetics, closer tolerance/cleaner running engines, lack of leaded fuels, better materials in general, all allow for longer change intervals than before.
3000 mile change intervals were probably needed at some point many years ago, but no longer. But yeah, we probably could have gone a little longer...even then.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 11-12-2006, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelawareDon

Huh? I think you missed the point.

You need to mention who you're talking to. It would help.

goval · 11-12-2006, 07:27 PM

Regardless of the car or truck you own, if you use regular or semi-synthetic oil, you should change it every 3,000 miles, both oil and filter. If you switch to Full synthetic like I did, you don't have to change it so often, but every 5-6,000 miles. It realy depends of the kind of environment and driving you do. The better you take care of your engine now, the longer it will last. Fully syntheitc is the way to go, on all oils that you can, the oil drains slower on the engine, it's more "sticky", making the engine run better, and less wear.

12glocks · 11-12-2006, 09:01 PM

I don't think oil analysis is over the top. It is after all an evidence based practice not just somebodies opinion, we all know what that can be worth.

Say your vehicle is about to go off warranty, I say take a look and see if there are any problems. Another example would be if you have an aftermarket airfilter/intake. I have seen some of them suck in dirt and tear up engines, sand/dirt is abrasive after all. If your losing coolant and the dealer says there is not a problem, do an oil analysis. If there is antifreeze in the oil that is $20 bucks well spent.

What I have learned at this point is that you can use the cheapest oil you want for 3k and it will not be worn out at that point.

I am looking forward to doing 5k oil change intervals though since it will be more convenient. I am obviously very particular. If I thought it would cause any harm or consituted any risk, I would never even consider it. Of course I will use a synthetic product whcih should easily go twice as long as conventional.

More and more companies are going to oil life montors in there vehicles and between 8 to 10 k is when they tend to indicate changing the oil. IMO, this is probably correct. If I ever made it to even 7500 miles on synthetics I would be surprised though because I am so cautious. I agree that it is cheap insurance.

Synthetics do offer some advantages over conventional oils. They withstand higher temps and higher shearing forces such as those exibited under heavy loads. I don't think there are to many members on this board who would argue against using a synthetic rear dif fluid for example.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 11-12-2006, 09:32 PM

I use mobil1 synthetic oil for really only one reason.....it doesn't gunk up due to heat so the engine stays clean. I still only go 5k miles on the oil and filter change....although you can go further if you like. I change my own oil (helps to have radiant heat in the garage floor) so it's easy and cheap to do. Wally world sells 5 qt bottles of Mobil1 for only $22. Purolator filters are about $4. I feel better changing it sooner than later.

cneary812 · 11-13-2006, 10:10 AM

Just remember that 3k oil changes will be here for a long time thanks to the "Jiffy Lubes" of the world. People are very resistant to change.

I myself haven't decided what I will do yet but will most likely follow my recommended 3750 for at least the first 3 years then 5k after that and yes Mobil 1 will be flowing through my titan.

**nmanley** · 11-13-2006, 01:34 PM

Didn't I say

Quote:

This is an old question that will prove people have a wide view of opinions

I tend to agree with DelawareDon and aztitan4x4. All though OTR trucks do turn a lot less RPM's per mile driven, hold about 8 gallons of oil and have 2 filters that hold a half gallon each.

Most people are still living in the past. Let's see we quit sending man to the moon over 30 years ago because it was too easy and nothing to gain. Now we have a reusable space ship that performs great when people with scruples don't let government cost cut the wrong programs. And oils are much better than they have ever been, so are filters.
Ain't debate grand

KERR · 11-13-2006, 01:51 PM

i do it ever 5K with filter change then figure its not going to hurt anything not to do it ever 3K and i dont like the fact that Mercedes does it ever 10K. so i change the oil and filter on it ever 5K as well.

Make it easy to remember.. ever 5k oil and tire rotation

DelawareDon · 11-13-2006, 02:54 PM

Want to feel really uncomfortable? I have been an avid motorcycle enthusiast and rider for over 40 years. In many of the newer Honda motorcycles, Goldwings and Silverwings included, the recommended oil-change interval is 8000 miles, with the engine running on regular dino, non-synthetic oil. Not on my watch, sports fans!

MuskyHunter · 11-13-2006, 05:50 PM

Quote:

For example: There are some over-the-road, long-distance trucks on the highway that have not had an oil change in over 400,000 miles. Yes....four hundred thousand miles. Filters are changed on a regular basis, and periodically, an oil analysis is performed to make sure the oil still possesses appropriate lubricating characteristics and viable additives.

Just a question but don't diesel engines tend to run cooler than gasoline engines and if so, is that not a factor in when the lubricant will finally break down?

For the cost of oil vs. the cost of the truck, I would rather err on the safe side with regular 3000 mile changes rather than chance anything.

frmrFORDman · 11-13-2006, 06:28 PM

i myself run a blended oil half dino half synthetic.i use a 4000 mile interval. a gentleman i work with comutes 130 miles round trip everyday. he uses the same oil and interval i do, (he basicly changes his oil once a month) his 97 ZX2 now has 290k on it. get this no blowby and less then 10%reduction of compression. in his previous vehicle he used a paraphin based dino (the big green Q ) the 94 esscort died with only 160k.the last 10k the oil light came on while the car idled. i bought the esscort and redone the motor in it. the bearings were a pretty copper color. for those of you who dont know bearings are normaly silver. (lead coated over copper) im sold on synthetics and when i get to the 10,000 mile mark thats what im gonna use. and im going to a 5k interval. it will be about $9 higher per change but ill go to twice a year interval instead of three. so the money is the same.

daschtick · 11-13-2006, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorsey

I'm with you on the oil change - Mobil 1 at 5000 mile intervals. Makes it easy to remember when to change it. I think the filter every 2500 miles is overkill. I change it with the oil every 5000 miles. I use the OEM filters from courtesy.

I follow this exact procedure, even down to where I buy my filters. For me, it is really easy and cheap insurance, plus considering that my truck only sees 8500 miles a year, my oil usually lasts 7 months between changes.