Oil change intervals.

[Rockettman]

Ok, so I've read all kinds of different opinions on different mileage intervals to change oil. I've also read all kinds of different opinions on time interals to change oil.

I'll get to my question; but first let you know what I do.

I use synthetic in all three cars (no syno oil). I don't usually go by the time interval "thing". I only change the oil on the Marauder and the Mustang once a year when they come out of storage - this is also due to them having very little mileage put on them each season. The Daily Driver (the Mag), gets the change every 5000kms (3000 miles). I go by the 5000kms thing because it's easier to remember the oil change by the odometer reading. Every 5 = change.

So the questions are: is every 5000kms too much wasted money using synthetic? Is 10 000kms (6000 miles) more realistic?
Once a season on the "fun cars" is ok? (I don't think I even put on 2000kms each season).

[fastblackmerc]

Ok, so I've read all kinds of different opinions on different mileage intervals to change oil. I've also read all kinds of different opinions on time interals to change oil.

I'll get to my question; but first let you know what I do.

I use synthetic in all three cars (no syno oil). I don't usually go by the time interval "thing". I only change the oil on the Marauder and the Mustang once a year when they come out of storage - this is also due to them having very little mileage put on them each season. The Daily Driver (the Mag), gets the change every 5000kms (3000 miles). I go by the 5000kms thing because it's easier to remember the oil change by the odometer reading. Every 5 = change.

So the questions are: is every 5000kms too much wasted money using synthetic? Is 10 000kms (6000 miles) more realistic?
Once a season on the "fun cars" is ok? (I don't think I even put on 2000kms each season).

You'll get a hundred or more different answers....

The best thing to do is get the oil analyzed. I use Blackstone Labs. They will give you ta recommended oil change interval. The kits are free, I think the analysis is $25.00.

For example..... They recommended a 6k change interval (I used Mobile 1 full synthetic 0w30). I still change mine every 5k .... because it's easier to remember the 5k increments.

[ctrlraven]

I change mine every 5000 miles, have done since I bought the car and will continue to do so.

My 08 Taurus is every 7500 miles.

I use Mobil 1 5w20 in both vehicles.

[Chevyguy]

5000 KM/Change is a waste of money with good synthetic for a daily driver.

AS for the Marauder.. 3 -4 months per oil change is good so probably a second oil change in the middle of the driving season would suffice.

While you are driving during the summer and going through drive cycles this builds up mostly condensation and debris intrusion. This is one of the myths of a "Low mileage" car. If it's used every day but not driven much it can create just as much wear as a car with twice the miles. The oil change clock stops while the car is stored as nothing is happening to it so the oil is fine.

[Rockettman]

5000 KM/Change is a waste of money with good synthetic for a daily driver.

Ok...but what is a better change interval?
(I was thinking 5000kms was too soon, but as I mentioned, it's easier to remember when looking at the odometer).

[Shaijack]

You susposed to change the oil?

[CBT]

You susposed to change the oil?
Dibs on your floormats! :D

I change my oil and filter between 3 and 5 thousand miles. But it depends on the abuse during that time. For example, I will change it prior to as well as after a road trip. Runs to Louisville, Chicago, Charlotte, places like that where I know good and well I will be doing :burnout:and some :burn:an a lil bit of :drive:, the oil gets changed.

[Rockettman]

5000 miles converts to 8000kms.
So would it be unreasonable for me to go every 10 000kms (6214 miles) on synthetic for my Dalily Driver?
Do filters last that long?

[CBT]

5000 miles converts to 8000kms.
So would it be unreasonable for me to go every 10 000kms (6214 miles) on synthetic for my Dalily Driver?
Do filters last that long?
Do you abuse your car? I would think it will hold up waiting till 6214. Some filters can be re-used, AMSOIL filters are one brand.

[Rockettman]

Nah...I don't drive my DD like I drive my "toys".
Why do you mention a re-useable filter?

[CBT]

Nah...I don't drive my DD like I drive my "toys".
Why do you mention a re-useable filter?
You asked if filters last that long, yes they will, and some are even re-usable. :beer:

[Rockettman]

Thanks folks.
This will save me some good money in the end. (THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID - beat you to it CBT).
I know you can't change the oil too many times...but I think I've been doing it unnessarily.

[Billboard]

Change the oil before you put the toys away for the winter, that used oil will be acidic, fresh oil for storage would be better.

I agree 6,000 miles on synthetic should be no problem.

[RF Overlord]

I know you can't change the oil too many times...but I think I've been doing it unnessarily.Actually, you CAN change the oil too often, and yes, you've been doing it unnecessarily.

8,000 kms is right for conventional oil...16,000 is perfectly doable with synthetic. In fact, the new Mustangs are spec'd for 16,000 from the factory with Motorcraft semi-synthetic.

As for filters, the factory-recommended Motorcraft FL820S is the best value-for-money on the market and will easily last that long. WIX and NAPA Gold (same filter) are also an excellent choice. Mobil 1, K&N and AMSOIL are top-notch filters too, but massively over-priced.

[SC Cheesehead]

You'll get a hundred or more different answers....

The best thing to do is get the oil analyzed. I use Blackstone Labs. They will give you ta recommended oil change interval. The kits are free, I think the analysis is $25.00.

For example..... They recommended a 6k change interval (I used Mobile 1 full synthetic 0w30). I still change mine every 5k .... because it's easier to remember the 5k increments.

What he said.

[QWK SVT]

I strickly use the Motorcraft FL820S filters and Mobil 1 5W20. I change the oil in my Marauder every 5000km (with my driving the works out to about 3 times a year). It may be a little quick, but the oil is always jet black by the time the oil change rolls around.

As a note, I only change the oil in the Lightning at the beginning of the Spring (it's an '01 and only has 43,xxxxkm and hibernates over winter, so before the first drive of the year). Last year, I doubt it even went 3,000km.

[Ozark Marauder]

Change every 4,000, use the stock motorcraft syn blend, but after reading this think I'll switch to Amsoil..........

http://www.syntheticsbestoil.com/compare_oils.htm

[SC Cheesehead]

Change every 4,000, use the stock motorcraft syn blend, but after reading this think I'll switch to Amsoil..........

http://www.syntheticsbestoil.com/compare_oils.htm


Amsoil's great stuff, but the OEM syn blend works well in our cars and costs a lot less.

[slickster]

When ever the oil turns dark. You can do 6000 low rpm highway miles and the oil will be cleaner then 4000 stop and go traffic

[RF Overlord]

Colour is NOT an accurate way to judge an oil's condition.

[tbone]

I got a case (12 quarts) of Citgo synthetic blend today for $27.28, or $2.27 per quart. The next closest oil was $3.99/quart. Nice deal.

[LOWBUCKMM]

i change oil in my car befor winter storage and when i get it out of storage. befor and after long trips, and after a day at the track. i change oil more in my marauder then i do my daily driver.

[tbone]

i change oil in my car befor winter storage and when i get it out of storage. befor and after long trips, and after a day at the track. i change oil more in my marauder then i do my daily driver.

Worried that all that NOS is grinding your engine to a pulp?:burnout:

[BirchMarauder]

I went a whole year once before I changed the oil...

but typically I do 5000 miles cuz that's what I was told by a guy..

[Shaijack]

Kidding, change oil every 300 miles. No I will keep my mats.

[69marquis conv]

I've been running Castrol Edge full synthetic in my 04 MGM. I change it every 16,000 miles and have been running this way for the last 2 years/64k miles. Every lab report comes back suggesting that I run it for 18k or more miles between changes. Now at 160k on the odometer, I have never had to add a drop between changes either.
I would not do this on the 4V Marauder engine, but oil change frequency really depends on the engine, the oil, and your driving habits.

[SC Cheesehead]

I've been running Castrol Edge full synthetic in my 04 MGM. I change it every 16,000 miles and have been running this way for the last 2 years/64k miles. Every lab report comes back suggesting that I run it for 18k or more miles between changes. Now at 160k on the odometer, I have never had to add a drop between changes either.
I would not do this on the 4V Marauder engine, but oil change frequency really depends on the engine, the oil, and your driving habits.


Yup, that's why going the oil analysis route is a better way to determine frequency that basing it on time or mileage.

[tbone]

My fingers and nose have never failed me. It may look black but a quick sniff and feel between your fingers will tell the tail. It's pretty obvious when the oil is shot. The oil will still have some color when you smear it between your fingers if good, versus totally black and rather watery when shot, right before turning into sludge. I never let it get even close to that point on MY cars.
I've checked enough oil levels in my younger days while working at gas stations to know when people have let it go too far.......happened ALL the time. No wonder most cars didn't/don't make it to 100K.
I drilled it into my kids to always check and change their oil. My 24 year old daughter still managed to blow up her engine for lack of oil changes and my 19 year old son managed to get his car to only about 1 1/2 quarts of blackness before I saved the day. They don't live with me or else I would have intervened sooner.