LABulldog

I know the topic sounds like I don't know what the heck I'm doing but I started thinking that if you only drive your car from 1K to 3K a year (year round), can you get by on changing the oil once a year? Most, if not all, oil companies recommend you change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles (non synthetic oils) (also, I understand they're in the business to sell oil too!!), but if you only drive 3K miles a year (couple of hundred miles a weekend here and there) are you hurting your car but changing it once a year or so. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Larry B.

The reason the 3 month interval is recommended is condensation. If a car driven short tips only is the reason for low milage, the oil never gets hot enough to boil out any condensation that may occur. On sustained hi-way drives, oil temps will be over 212deg.F and boil the water out. Condensation leads to corrosion and other acids in the oil. Conditions vary for everyone but that's the rational.


[Modified by bluevetteman, 5:33 AM 11/1/2003]

OHSIXX

I have the same situation. Guess I am going to change it every six months or so. Very good points above. Mark

427V8

hearsay, guesswork and maybe.
there is only one way to know when to change your oil, and that is to have it tested. There are companies that analyse your oil and can tell you just how you engine is wearing and what shape your oil is in. They keep track of each vehicle and show you a chart of it's results.

For you engineers out there, realise this. You oil contains information about the wear and condition of your engine. If you throw out the oil without doing an oil analysis you are throwing out the only measure of the true condition of your engine.

Too much blowby? it shows up in the oil.
air filter letting dirt into the engine? it shows up in the oil.
a bearing going bad, it shows up in the oil.
carb leaking gas into the intake washing down the clyinderwalls? in the oil.

I get the oild analised on all three of my cars, you don't need to guess when to change your oil...

But if you do like to pay Exxon a few more buck, go ahead change it, but get the analysis done too...

Vmo

Owners manual says 5K unless driven in dusty and/or severe conditions.

69er

I use synthetic and do around 2000 miles a year.I change the oil and filter once a year when I put her away for the winter.Which was last week. :sad:

Paul L

I drive about 800-1000 miles each year. I change the oil before five months of winter storage (next week) and when the car comes out in April. The reason for the latter is that the car is started by the stoarge company once a month and run for about 15 minutes. That is OK to get the fluids moving and keep rubber seals supple but it is not a true warmed-up condition. Some condensation/contamination will occur. I use Castrol GTX 10W-30.

0Tpls 69

I agree with 427V8. Oil analysis is not expensive. Ten or fifteen bucks, or better. I read a testimonial from a guy who ran his synthetic for 200k miles, and had the oil tested at regular intervals. While I don't advocate this, it does make sense to have it tested. But the bottom line is, changing oil gives piece of mind, but analysis erases all doubt. [IMG][/IMG] :seeya

ared74

How do you find a reputable company to perform the oil analysis?

69er

I've used http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html
a couple of times. :cheers:

427V8

I get kits from my Amzoil dealer. Its a place called Oil Analyzers inc in Superior Wisconsin