murphstang

Hi, I bought a 2008 Mustang GT (dark candy apple red, manual, leather parchment-colored interior, shaker 1000, GT appearance package)! I love the car and want to take great care of it. It currently has 2700 miles on it. When should I do the first oil change? After the first one, how often should I change it? The Ford website has the first one at 7500 miles but that seems like a lot. Also, then they say every 7500 miles. My rule of thumb has always been around 3000 miles.

I'd appreciate any advice!!!

Thanks,
Murphstang

Nuke

You know how to start a "battle" thread, don't you? You're going to get responses that range all over the board.

It all depends on your interpretation of all the oil analysis info out there. My rule of thumb, if using the Stang for "normal" street use:
[ul][*]If using dino oil: oil/filter change at 3-4k miles[*]If using synthetic blend: oil/filter change at 5-6k miles[*]If using full synthetic and "standard" filter (i.e., Motorcraft): oil change at 10-12k and filter change at 5-6k[*]If using full synthetic and Amsoil filter (as I do): oil/filter change at 10-12k[/ul]
For the first oil change, I'd do it at 3,000 miles, period.

I've had oil analysis training and have discussed this with "experts" (trained Tribologists) and I feel very comfortable with the above. Actually, I'd go longer on the Amsoil oil and filter but just can't bring myself to do it.

kcmarti

+1 on Nuke's comments. I use Amsoil oil and filters and change @ 15K with a Blackstone Labs oil analysis on each change.

Norm Peterson

7500 miles can't possibly be for the "severe driving" conditions - which actually represents the driving that many of us do as our normal driving. For example, lots of short trips is considered severe. 7500 miles is for mostly highway driving approximately at the posted speed limits, and not under dusty conditions.

I don't have my literature handy, so I'm not sure what the severe use interval is supposed to be (I'm guessing 3000-ish).

I know you're already past this point, but FWIW on any brand-new carI've always done a really early oil and filter change, at around 600 miles. I feel that it's best in the long run to get the greater portion of break-in debris (that happens during the first few hundred miles) completely out of your engine. Then Imostly follow the severe duty schedule due to my specific driving conditions. Worst case in terms of wasting oil - every 7 years or so I discard 4 - 6 quarts of still-usable oil.


Norm

murphstang

Thanks!!! Wasn't trying to start a battle! OK, I'll take it in for the first change at 3000.

murphstang

Oh, I only drive it around 6 miles every few days. I take road trips to really enjoy it.

Diabolical!

I change my oil every 6 months, which is about 2,000 miles for me. I use only Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w20 and K&N filters.

GidyupGo

I changed my oil the first time under 1000 miles and now do a 3000 miles interval.

Mudflap

When all else fails, just do what the manual suggests. Mine is a weekend toy so I've only put about 3800 miles on it over the course of a year. I just changed the oil for the second time last weekend. For me its never about mileage but time.

VistaGT

On full synthetic I change oil/filter every 5000 miles. I beleieve thats what it said on amsoil, that or 6k. Either way 5k is about as high as I feel comfortable with and have had zero problems