OIL CHANGE INTERVAL
04-02-2009, 07:56 AM
#11
6th Gear Member
I was involved in oil sampling and analysis for years. Typical rule of thumb if you're not having your oil analyzed:
Dino: 3,000 miles or 6-8 months
Blend: 5,000-7,000 miles or 8-12 months
Full syn: 8,000-10,000+ miles or 1 year+
You can extend these frequencies by having your oil tested but IMO, testing is more hassle than it's worth. If I have to be under the car pulling a sample (which is a bit of a science in itself) I might as well reset the clock by changing the oil. Also, driving style (frequent short trips, racing, etc) will dictate modification to the rule-of-thumb.
I've owned 13 vehicles; 4 of which I sold with over 200,000 miles and 7 with well over 100,000 miles. The other 2, my Stang and my SUV, are fairly new. I've used dino and I've used full synthetic using the above "rule-of-thumb" and never had a vehicle that used oil or had any wear-related issues or problems. None. They all ran like a top.
Whether it's dino, blend or full synthetic, providing you perform oil changes at a frequency suited for that oil, they ALL PROVIDE AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF PROTECTION, period.
Dino: 3,000 miles or 6-8 months
Blend: 5,000-7,000 miles or 8-12 months
Full syn: 8,000-10,000+ miles or 1 year+
You can extend these frequencies by having your oil tested but IMO, testing is more hassle than it's worth. If I have to be under the car pulling a sample (which is a bit of a science in itself) I might as well reset the clock by changing the oil. Also, driving style (frequent short trips, racing, etc) will dictate modification to the rule-of-thumb.
I've owned 13 vehicles; 4 of which I sold with over 200,000 miles and 7 with well over 100,000 miles. The other 2, my Stang and my SUV, are fairly new. I've used dino and I've used full synthetic using the above "rule-of-thumb" and never had a vehicle that used oil or had any wear-related issues or problems. None. They all ran like a top.
Whether it's dino, blend or full synthetic, providing you perform oil changes at a frequency suited for that oil, they ALL PROVIDE AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF PROTECTION, period.
04-05-2009, 12:00 AM
#12
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 53
i do 5K miles on all my vehicles with mobil 1 synthetic. if you really are concerned, i'd suggest getting a sample tested through blackstone. i've used them off and on for years. i don't do it every time but a couple times a year i'll send in a sample. there's a separate test they do if you want that will tell you the life in your oil at the time you changed it. they then will make recommendations on mileage between changes. oil today whether it's synthetic or not does not have to be changed every 3K. it's just a waste of oil and money.
04-05-2009, 04:41 PM
#13
Deputy CatDog - To Purr'tect and Explode
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NM
Posts: 1,900
Well I'd figure those detergents and additives only break down when their in use; being juggled around, pushed, slammed, squeezed and heated in the engine. When the engine isn't running it's basically a sealed environment, so those ingredients won't be stressed.
04-06-2009, 03:40 PM
#14
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 734
I do mine every 5k miles with mobil 1 5W20. When I pull it out its usually not too bad. For says 5k miles on the synthetic blend... I wouldnt do it with the blend really but its not that big of a deal. With it costing about 30 dollars to change my oil with Mobil 1 its not worth it for me to go over 5k because 5k is usually 6 months on my car.
04-15-2009, 09:37 PM
#15
i do 5K miles on all my vehicles with mobil 1 synthetic. if you really are concerned, i'd suggest getting a sample tested through blackstone. i've used them off and on for years. i don't do it every time but a couple times a year i'll send in a sample. there's a separate test they do if you want that will tell you the life in your oil at the time you changed it. they then will make recommendations on mileage between changes. oil today whether it's synthetic or not does not have to be changed every 3K. it's just a waste of oil and money.
04-27-2009, 04:45 PM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NS ,Canada
Posts: 13
I have a case of Amsoil full synthetic for my 2004 GT it states 25,000 mile/one year oil changes (when used with amsoil EaO synthetic oil filters). I have mobil 1 synthetic in now but I will be switching to amsoil next oil change I will prob go 8000 miles or less between changes not 25000 though lol.
05-23-2009, 11:31 AM
#18
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location:
Posts: 178
I use petroleum-based oils and just go by the color of the oil. If the oil is pretty dark I'll change it. It's amazing how much carbon gets in there after only a few thousand miles considering how clear the oil started out being.
05-23-2009, 03:11 PM
#19
I've had my oil changed at the dealer since I've bought it, but I'm going to start doing my own now. I just ordered some Amsoil 0W-20 and a FRPP high-performance oil filter. My car is only a weekend/sunny day driver, so I plan on changing it once a year (around this time).
05-24-2009, 10:27 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NS ,Canada
Posts: 13
SERVICE LIFE
AMSOIL Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is recommended for extended drain intervals in unmodified(1), mechanically sound(2) gasoline-fueled vehicles as follows:
• Normal Service(3) – Up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
• Severe Service(4) – Up to 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
• Replace AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter at the time of oil change, up to 25,000 miles or one year service life, whichever comes first (other brands at standard OEM* intervals).
