Oil change frequency help

[Chadwilliam1]

I have an 03 Frontier 3.3 with just over 100k on the clock.

I started a new job a month and a half ago and it is half the distance of my old job only 6.5 miles. My truck is getting up to operating temperature on the ride but is this considered a short trip?

I am planning on changing my oil today. I am thinking every 4 months is good. Thats three oil changes a year. I am going to send a sample into Blackstone. Since I plan to have the job for a long time and I am not moving so my drive will stay the same for a while.

I have mobil 1 5w30 Synthetic in it now and I am planning on using up some of my Castrol Edge 10w30 and I always use Purolater filters if this helps.


Thanks
Chad

 

[demarpaint]

Your OCI sounds fine, see what the lab says to be sure, maybe you can adjust it based on that. You might be able to change it twice a year.

In 6.5 miles I doubt your engine is getting up to normal operating temps, and if it is its not long enough to burn off moisture etc. Just because the temp gauge says its in the normal zone doesn't mean the oil is up to temp. Have you checked oil temps? It takes most engines about 10 miles on the highway to reach normal operating temps, and about 20-30 minutes to burn off the moisture and excess fuel in the oil.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

3 oci a year is fine with todays oils. Dont need BlkStn - get a home TBN test kit.

 

[JohnSaints]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
3 oci a year is fine with todays oils. Dont need BlkStn - get a home TBN test kit.


3 oil changes a year with 5w30 synthetic? Isn't that just throwing away money?

 

[Ken2]

Why use synthetic? Conventional oil won't get slobbered up any faster than syn due to your short drives. I do agree with Blackstone or other tests occasionally to find out exactly what's happening to your oil.

 

[Capa]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
3 oci a year is fine with todays oils. Dont need BlkStn - get a home TBN test kit.


Arco,
Is there an in-home TBN test kit? I would love to get one if possible!

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I will go ahead and send the sample into Blackstone labs.

 

[D189379]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't you put just over 2000 miles on in 4 months?

If so, run synthetic for a full year.

 

[circuitsmith]

No way I would run any oil, synthetic or dino, for a full year of 6.5 mile drives.

I say 6 months or 5000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

[electrolover]

i vote super tech dino and 4 month intervals. dont waste your money.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: circuitsmith
No way I would run any oil, synthetic or dino, for a full year of 6.5 mile drives.

I say 6 months or 5000 miles, whichever comes first.


Meh. My trail rig get's beat on only a few times a year and the oil is fine. The OP could easily do yearly changes, especially on syn. Anything less is a waste, IMO.

 

[circuitsmith]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock
My trail rig get's beat on only a few times a year and the oil is fine.


Not the same as 2 short trips every week day.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: circuitsmith
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
My trail rig get's beat on only a few times a year and the oil is fine.


Not the same as 2 short trips every week day.


No, it's worse.

Start up, drive an obstacle, shut down, wait a 1/2 hour for the next few folks to try and make it, start up, do it again... After the trail ride, a nice long highway ride on the trailer. At home I use it as a tractor to pull wood and work. Past UOA's had shown slightly elevated fuel and lower flash point. Not a big deal.

My wife does a couple of errands a few miles a day, even in winter, in her Maxx. I just changed the oil to 9% OLM and 6300 miles. Short trips, extended idle, and start & drives.


To the OP: People over analyze a lot here. Take advantage of modern oils & modern fuel injection. Perform a UOA to make you feel better. If you must change every 4 months, run a decent conventional and rest easy.