I used to drive 60 miles a day for work with an 04 Ranger 4.0L and run 10w30 M1. My new job for the last 6 months have been under 1 mile round trip and 0-25* outside. I'm using the same oil but I can tell its hurting it as the oil cap is alll white from condensation. Stick with the M1 or go to something else? Summer time is same trip, but I about max out my tow rating with the boat I have when we go to and from the lake.
Good Oil for short trips and cold weather.
- Thread starter Mkos1980
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I'd be tempted to just walk to work.
I would drive it a bit more on the weekends to get it up to operating temperature. As far as the oil goes, what you are using is fine. It gives you cold starting protection.
I would drive it a bit more on the weekends to get it up to operating temperature. As far as the oil goes, what you are using is fine. It gives you cold starting protection.
Strange coincidence...I currently drive 60 miles a day as well, However in March I am starting a new job that is only 3.2 miles away. I have the same concerns about the short drive. I think the key is to change the oil based on time and not miles driven. I will probably change oil every 6 months even if I don't have more than a few thousand miles since the last change.
My 3-4 mile direct drive to work has me taking a detour to get a coffee which gets the oil up to op.temp in the winter, otherwise the car sits or goes for odd-job duties, etc.
One of the older family vehicles would go but a few miles and quickly turned off. Needless to say it didn't take long for rust to develop on the dipstick in the winter. It now sees a little more TLC.
One of the older family vehicles would go but a few miles and quickly turned off. Needless to say it didn't take long for rust to develop on the dipstick in the winter. It now sees a little more TLC.
Either use a dino oil and change it more frequently [to get rid of contamination from short trips], or take it out on purpose and get her good and hot once a week. A highway blast is preferable.
I have the same issue...my commute went from 21-25 miles (depending on route) to 5.5-6 miles. My OLM goes to 10% at about 5000 miles. So I use PP which gives great cold start protection and Summer heavy traffic heat protection all at the Bogo price.
Same boat, daily commute from 62 miles round trip with 55 of those miles on the highway with the cruise set at 70, down to 6 miles round trip now. I will probably do the 6 month routine now as well.
I do get it on the highway once a week and go about 45 minutes with the cruise on 70, then 45 minutes back. I know the key thing is to get it up to operating temps and be able to keep it there for an extended period so the stuff can burn off.
I do get it on the highway once a week and go about 45 minutes with the cruise on 70, then 45 minutes back. I know the key thing is to get it up to operating temps and be able to keep it there for an extended period so the stuff can burn off.
I too have a short commute during the week, but i make up for it on the weekends with a couple of 100 mile round trips.
If the 04 ranger allows it i wonder if this would be an ideal situation for motorcraft 5w20?
Unfortunatly my car doesnt allow 5w20...
If the 04 ranger allows it i wonder if this would be an ideal situation for motorcraft 5w20?
Unfortunatly my car doesnt allow 5w20...
Originally Posted By: Mkos1980
I used to drive 60 miles a day for work with an 04 Ranger 4.0L and run 10w30 M1. My new job for the last 6 months have been under 1 mile round trip and 0-25* outside. I'm using the same oil but I can tell its hurting it as the oil cap is alll white from condensation. Stick with the M1 or go to something else? Summer time is same trip, but I about max out my tow rating with the boat I have when we go to and from the lake.
New driving conditions, and white residue under the cap! M1 is good, but maybe drop the viscosity to 5w30 or 5w20 if the manufacturer allows. Check the manual and let us know!
BTW - what OCI was workng before the new travel route? May have to alter that for winter.
I used to drive 60 miles a day for work with an 04 Ranger 4.0L and run 10w30 M1. My new job for the last 6 months have been under 1 mile round trip and 0-25* outside. I'm using the same oil but I can tell its hurting it as the oil cap is alll white from condensation. Stick with the M1 or go to something else? Summer time is same trip, but I about max out my tow rating with the boat I have when we go to and from the lake.
New driving conditions, and white residue under the cap! M1 is good, but maybe drop the viscosity to 5w30 or 5w20 if the manufacturer allows. Check the manual and let us know!
BTW - what OCI was workng before the new travel route? May have to alter that for winter.
Completely cover your radiator grille, and half of the lower openings near the bottom if you have them. This will make the engine, and transmission if its auto, warm up faster, and it'll even have more heat left over at the end of the day. It'll make the car more streamlined, too. And switch to 0w30 for sure.
I'm already beating my record for a half tank, since I covered up.
I'm already beating my record for a half tank, since I covered up.
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Go to a 5w-20. You're still at (probably) or above a 60-70 weight by the time you shut it off. I wouldn't even fret the occasional highway run at high speed. A 5w30 spec'd engine doesn't typically spec 40 weight for towing ..just a shortened OCI. Since you'll be doing shorter OCI's anyway ...
This is one of the few engines that Ford continues to spec 5w30 for. Try letting the engine warm up before you leave in the morning, or take the "long way home". 0w30 might be a good switch, but I'd stick with a 30 weight. I run Mobil 1 5w30 in mine.
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