Most miles between oil changes?

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Jul 17, 2008 | 09:28 PM

#41

Patman

Race Director

Joined: May 2001

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From: Guelph, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisMSGgood4me

That's what I want to know, but I'll rephrase to make the question clearer. What's SPECIAL about the one year time limit? What scientific proof is there that it needs to be done once a year if the OLM says there's still life remaining on the oil? Could this be like the change every 3000 miles myth? Just curious (but playing devil's advocate a little).

Flamesuit still on.

To be completely honest, the one year thing is really erring on the side of caution and isn't totally necessary and I have the proof to back it up. My mom only drives about 3-4k per year, so I've been changing her oil every two years, and running synthetic oil. (she's got a 2001 VW Golf) With each oil change I've done on her car I've done an oil analysis and in the two oil changes I've done so far the reports have come back showing that two years is safe and that the oil has life left in it and also has very little in the way of contamination. Her car is driven mostly on short trips too!

So anyone that tries to tell me that you absolutely need to change your oil after one year is up, I just show them those reports to prove it's not necessary.

Jul 18, 2008 | 01:01 AM

#42

Cobra4B

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

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From: Virginia Beach

CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran

I run Mobil 1 5w30 15,000 mile extended performance in my truck and change it every 10k w/ a mobil 1 extended drain interval filter.

In the Corvette I run Amsoil 5w40 with a K&N oil filter. I follow the DIC when Im not doing track events. I typically see 7000-8000 out of each change.

Jul 18, 2008 | 12:49 PM

#43

thisMSGgood4me

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Patman

Thanks Patman, that's what I thought, more cautionary than anything, and easier for owners to remember, but not truly necessary (although I wouldn't go much longer than you do on your mom's car, two years would seem to be a reasonable limit).

Jul 18, 2008 | 04:23 PM

#44

PETE O.

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Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,283

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From: Eureka California

Most miles between oiol changes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mpwr

FYI moil 1 is one of the worst synthetic oils out there....i know i didnt believe it myself but if you really care which its seems like do check it out. I use royal purple in my car now its cost me 7.50 a quart from pepboys.

Hmmmmm, ya really think so? I've had very good luck with it for years and years. Some of my scooter tramp buddies run Royal Purple and some run Amsoil. I guess that's why there's so many different brands, so you can take yur pick. I have heard absolutely great things about Royal Purple. Maybe I'll give it a try in the scooters first, as they hold less. It is kinda spendy but the 20w50 Mobil isn't exactly cheap. I think it's actually more than Royal Purple???
Thanks for the comment. It's never too late to learn

Jul 19, 2008 | 10:34 PM

#45

versatile

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Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Qualicum Beach British Columbia

I change my oil every April. I only put about 1500 miles per year on it though. Keep in mind that it isn't just about whether or not the oil is worn out or dirty, but there is an element of condensation that accumulates in the crank case over the change of seasons, so if you put little mileage on the car the oil should still be changed every year or so......just to be safe

Jul 20, 2008 | 01:03 AM

#46

bgspot

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 936

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From: Shreveport Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom/99

I once went 2,800 miles between oil changes, and I thought that was excessive. I'm glad I don't buy used cars.

LOL!! Thats funny but i can't say anything, it's your ride...

Jul 20, 2008 | 07:15 AM

#47

Patman

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Joined: May 2001

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From: Guelph, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by versatile

Any condensation you get in your oil will be burned off the first time you take the car on a long drive and get the oil hot.

If you only drive 1500 per year you could easily go 2-3 years on an oil change and it wouldn't harm a thing. At only 1500 miles per year you'll never wear that engine out in your lifetime anyhow.

Sep 26, 2008 | 11:47 PM

#48

efranzen

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 982

Likes: 18

From: Seattle WA

Update to my thread. I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow and I just hit 8,000 miles since the last oil change. I could have made it about 500 miles further but I get tired of seeing the DIC warning every time I start the car now that I'm at 5%.