Hi everyone. This is my first post on a forum that I can honestly say is one of the most informative forums I've ever browsed. I never thought I'd read so much about oil but it's interesting.
I've researched a lot but would like opinions on how I should approach maintenance for my specific situation. I have a 2001 Camry with a 1MZ-FE "sludge" motor, live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where it's cold most of the year with frigid winters (-15 to 3x°F), and I short trip. I know these things aren't good together but it's what I have.
My drive to work is only about 1.5 miles or 3-4 minutes of driving. I'm not riding my bike and public transportation is not an option. I only live about 10-15 minutes from most of my stops in town when I'm running errands. Sometimes I go straight home from work and sometimes I have errands to run after in which case, the car gets up to full temp but there aren't any 60MPH stretches.
I bought the car last March with 101,xxx miles on it and it was a one owner car in excellent condition. I called a dealer and it sounds like the car was well maintained and saw it's scheduled maintenance.The first time I changed the oil it was with MC 5w-30 and I was nervous about going to full synthetic with 101,xxx miles. About 2,3xx miles later I changed the oil to PYB 5w-30 and I liked it a little better. The engine seemed smoother and a little quieter. The car didn't burn, leak or drip a single drop of oil with the MC or PYB. I replaced the PCV valve when I put the MC oil in but the the PCV valve that was in the car WAS NOT plugged. Recently I changed the oil to QSUD after feeling more confident that the car wasn't losing oil. So far it seems to run a lot like the PYB did, probably a touch better. So I like it. I haven't looked under a valve cover but I'm pretty confident that engine isn't all sludged up. Eventually I'll take a peek.
My plan is to change the oil and filter every 3k miles or every 3 months regardless of which oil I use. I'd like to stick with SOPUS since I like how they're running in the car and they are highly praised. I'm also just going to stick with a Denso "factory" filters since they are cheap and should do fine. I like the car, plan on keeping it and feel it can easily last 3xx,xxx miles if properly maintained. The price difference between a jug of PYB or QSUD is of no concern to me.
Given my variables and driving conditions, am I on the right track with 3k/3 month oil changes? If the car doesn't lose oil with QSUD I plan to go with it instead of the PYB but if the PYB proves to be better or is recommended more vs the QSUD, I'll happily go that route also. My thinking is that the QSUD might be better for my winter conditions and might resist sludge buildup better. Plus it's not the cheapest full syn nor is it the most expensive, middle of the road. I'm also planning to take the long way to gas stations when I fill up a couple times a month so the car guaranteed gets some highway time.
Any input is appreciated and thanks in advance!
I've researched a lot but would like opinions on how I should approach maintenance for my specific situation. I have a 2001 Camry with a 1MZ-FE "sludge" motor, live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where it's cold most of the year with frigid winters (-15 to 3x°F), and I short trip. I know these things aren't good together but it's what I have.
My drive to work is only about 1.5 miles or 3-4 minutes of driving. I'm not riding my bike and public transportation is not an option. I only live about 10-15 minutes from most of my stops in town when I'm running errands. Sometimes I go straight home from work and sometimes I have errands to run after in which case, the car gets up to full temp but there aren't any 60MPH stretches.
I bought the car last March with 101,xxx miles on it and it was a one owner car in excellent condition. I called a dealer and it sounds like the car was well maintained and saw it's scheduled maintenance.The first time I changed the oil it was with MC 5w-30 and I was nervous about going to full synthetic with 101,xxx miles. About 2,3xx miles later I changed the oil to PYB 5w-30 and I liked it a little better. The engine seemed smoother and a little quieter. The car didn't burn, leak or drip a single drop of oil with the MC or PYB. I replaced the PCV valve when I put the MC oil in but the the PCV valve that was in the car WAS NOT plugged. Recently I changed the oil to QSUD after feeling more confident that the car wasn't losing oil. So far it seems to run a lot like the PYB did, probably a touch better. So I like it. I haven't looked under a valve cover but I'm pretty confident that engine isn't all sludged up. Eventually I'll take a peek.
My plan is to change the oil and filter every 3k miles or every 3 months regardless of which oil I use. I'd like to stick with SOPUS since I like how they're running in the car and they are highly praised. I'm also just going to stick with a Denso "factory" filters since they are cheap and should do fine. I like the car, plan on keeping it and feel it can easily last 3xx,xxx miles if properly maintained. The price difference between a jug of PYB or QSUD is of no concern to me.
Given my variables and driving conditions, am I on the right track with 3k/3 month oil changes? If the car doesn't lose oil with QSUD I plan to go with it instead of the PYB but if the PYB proves to be better or is recommended more vs the QSUD, I'll happily go that route also. My thinking is that the QSUD might be better for my winter conditions and might resist sludge buildup better. Plus it's not the cheapest full syn nor is it the most expensive, middle of the road. I'm also planning to take the long way to gas stations when I fill up a couple times a month so the car guaranteed gets some highway time.
Any input is appreciated and thanks in advance!
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