Time for oil change?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Time for oil change?
My last oil change was exactly a year ago, and I've put only about 1,200 miles on my 03 Coupe since then. And like many of you, it will spend most of the winter in the garage.
What's the consensus here on oil change intervals? Should I do it every year regardless of miles?
What's the consensus here on oil change intervals? Should I do it every year regardless of miles?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Newark DE
My last oil change was exactly a year ago, and I've put only about 1,200 miles on my 03 Coupe since then. And like many of you, it will spend most of the winter in the garage.
What's the consensus here on oil change intervals? Should I do it every year regardless of miles?
What's the consensus here on oil change intervals? Should I do it every year regardless of miles?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 63
From: Phoenix (Fall/winter/spring); Seattle (summer)
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Thanks for the replies. When is the best time to change it, just before it sits for much of the winter or in the spring when I'll be driving it more? Or does it matter?
Team Owner
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From: Blessed are the cracked. For they are the ones who let in the light.
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With that low mileage it should not be that dirty, so I would do it later.
But I am sure many here will disagree.
My thought process runs to having fresh oil and being under the car to make sure everything else is copacetic at the start of the season.
Of course I might catch hell that I should do that every time anyway..
Still I will not change.
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A Springtime oil change will work fine, but I would suggest running the engine just before the oil change for some time such as taking a 20-30 minute drive so that the oil temp gets up to the normal operating temp (180-200 degrees). That will help to burn off any condensation in the engine and the exhaust system.
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A Springtime oil change will work fine, but I would suggest running the engine just before the oil change for some time such as taking a 20-30 minute drive so that the oil temp gets up to the normal operating temp (180-200 degrees). That will help to burn off any condensation in the engine and the exhaust system.
That's how I was taught.
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The Owner's Manual says that if you do not drive the car enough miles for a normal oil change to be needed, then change the oil once a year. I too only put about 2-3K miles on mine each year and I change the oil as I put it in storage for the winter.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Shell Point (Crawfordville) Florida
If you're worried about acids and condensation sitting in the engine for a prolonged time, then why would you want to store the car with "dirty" oil in it for 6 months 'till you change it? It makes much more sense to change it before layaway and that's what most mechanics would recommend. That's also what is standard practice in all the boat yards when boats are hauled out and stored for the winter. And fill up the gas tank to minimize the air space inside to prevent that little bit of moisture from condensing on the cold surface and contaminating the fuel.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Wilmington Nc
Last year I changed oil and filter, its been sitting for this whole year and has accumulated under 30 miles, before I go take it out and drive it, i would highly recommend changing oil and filter, either every year or 5000 miles
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Drifting
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From: Portland OR
Wow, I can't even imagine. I'd be lucky if I hit 3 months before I hit 5k miles (have yet to hit the 3 month mark in 2 years). Well, maybe this interval since I haven't been driving it waiting for my new parts to show. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Commack NY
Some say that with synthetic oil it's more about miles driven on then time in the car. Most condensation will burn off at normal operating temps. But it's more for peace of mind and to look under the car while its up on the lift. Walmart sells 5/30 Mobil 1 for $22 5 quart jug.
Instructor
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From: Keego Harbor MI
I change mine a month or so before storage, and then in the spring when I do the once over maint for the summer. Prob overkill, but I don't like to run it with the oil after winter. Just my 2 cents.