Should I get a TBN?

[Rico567]

I'm about to send in my first sample to Blackstone for a UOA. What will an extra cost TBN (additive) test tell me that the regular test won't?

 

[lipadj46]

Total base number tells you how much life is left in your oil. So it depends what info you want. Do you want to know if your oil is still good to go, then yes get a TBN. If you are just looking for wear numbers or for coolant then no.

 

[Rico567]

Thanks. That clears things up; going for the TBN test.....

 

[tig1]

If you change oil at 3-5000 miles a TBN is not necessary, but if you plan to go 8-12,000 miles then a TBN may be helpful.

 

[Rico567]

It's been a little over a year since the change, and I've put 5500 miles on the truck. I'm more concerned about the year than the miles, but I guess the time wouldn't necessarily affect TBN that much. I'm using M1 5w30 in a 3.9L V-6 in my '02 Dakota.

 

[tig1]

With M1 the year isn't a problem.

 

[Corvette Owner]

I wouldn't get a TBN with 5500 miles on M1. That oil can do 7500 miles easy in most cars.

If you are going to stick to 5500-7500miles you are okay. If you want to go for longer than 7500 miles, then get a TBN, it will tell you where you are at 5500 and how much longer you should try next time. I agree with tig1 above, "If you change oil at 3-5000 miles a TBN is not necessary, but if you plan to go 8-12,000 miles then a TBN may be helpful."