OC every 3k?

[heavyhitter]

I have always been one to change my oil every 3k. I always use conventional oil, havoline or vavloline. I have read alot to persuade me to go longer, for example my Honda recommends every 5k. I have no doubts that oil can handle 5k BUT Sometimes it takes me 5-6 months to hit 5k on my cars. I have 2 cars and a motocycle, between the 3 the mileage doent rack up on just one, its spread out. Since oil becomes acidic and the longer it sits, the crappier it gets. How long is too long for oil change even it it has low miles?

 

[pp_rp]

Get a UOA at 3000 miles and that will tell you if you can go longer. Go to Blackstone-labs.com.

 

[glenncof]

I would skip the UOA and do an oil change instead.

Even the 'extended' drain crowd seems to say 1 year max. On my most-used vehicles I look at 6 months. I have one that I let go 10 months since I did not make it to 3K.

I'm conservative with dino/blend/synth = 3K/4.5K/6K OCI but one idea is to determine approximate miles in 6 month and select an oil class that matches.

Motorcycles are special, consult user forums on your bike.

 

[MC5W20]

i would worry more about city driving and excessive idling then if the car sits. Maybe split the difference and go 4k.

If you do a lot of idling or all city drivingthen stick with 3k.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Quote:

---

I have no doubts that oil can handle 5k BUT Sometimes it takes me 5-6 months to hit 5k on my cars.

---

5-6 months is nothing. Most manufacturers recommend to change oil every X miles or once per year.

 

[tsmay51]

5k or 6 months on dino is my oci. Keep in mind though certain motors are harder on oil. Turbos seem to be harder on oil in general. Search on here about your car and motor. Get some input regarding your situation. Like, how much highway vs. city driving. Temps and etc. You have to take all these things in consideration.

 

[heavyhitter]

Thanks, for all the feed back everyone.
I have a 05 Element and a 07 Frontier, not too much stop and go, I live just out side the city limits.