Oil Change Intervals

[syugg]

With all the cars out there that run around 15K mi between oil changes, is that due to the advancement of oils over the years? If I switch my '96 D1 to full synthetic, would I be able to extend the oil change intervals to 15K mi? If so, is the oil filter good for 15K mi as well?

 

[fishEH]

It's recommended that if your vehicle has been running conventional for its life to NOT switch to synthentic later on. Conv oil can seal up some small leaks. By switching to syn now you run the risk of developing a leak,or rather unplugging a leak.
I also wouldn't recommend 15K between changes. Does anybody actually go that far between changes? For me, oil changes are cheep insurance. I'm sure some very knowledgable people will chime in on this too. A search should turn up quite a bit on oil.

 

[brianhoberg]

after Mobil1 came out with their Drive Around the World for 40k on the same oil, I'm doing the same with mine. So far, haven't had any issues after 18k. I figure I'm gonna add some sand in there to make sure it gets all the sludge kicked around.


















...every 3k for me. full synthetic Mobil1 10W40 Hi Mileage. May be expensive, but it's how often you change it that matters.

 

[rover4x4]

I change it when it starts to look dirty, usually about every 3k sometimes a little before.

 

[Timmy!!!!!!!]

Walmart has mobil one for 22 dollars for the 5 quart jug. I have been buying several of these and for the oil I keep in the rover when it leaks out I pour some of the mobil 1 from the jugs into quart bottles since they are 7 dollars a quart.

 

[Chris-St Louis]

Using a ACEA A3/b3 rated oit, 5-7,000 miles would be fine.

You have 7 quarts, where American cars have 5, and are getting that. ACEA oil is rated for extended service too.

 

[MarkP]

Advanced oil without advanced filtration = normal oil change interval

 

[Chris-St Louis]

What is normal? No one at this time recommends 3,000 off the showroom. The 3,000 mile oil is outdated. The oil filter is no where full at 5-7 on a healthy engine.

You can change it earlier, but its a waste of money.

 

[gmookher]

our oil gets too dirty to run for 15k.. I'd suggest 5 to 7 k max, tho most ols are fine to use up thru 9-10k..

 

[MarkP]

Advanced oil without advanced filtration = normal oil change interval

What is normal? No one at this time recommends 3,000 off the showroom. .....

I think we are in agreement. My point was that engines ingest contaminants and oil gets dirty no matter what the oil properties are, non-synthetic or synthetic. The amount of contaminants is a function of driving profile and environment. If you want to extend the oil change interval significantly you need to consider advanced filtration to complement the advanced oil.

 

[syugg]

... If you want to extend the oil change interval significantly you need to consider advanced filtration to complement the advanced oil.

So how do the newer cars like BMW, Mercedes etc,... extend their oil change intervals to around 15K mi? Do they have an advance filtration system? What does advance filtration consist of? I assume it's more than just a fancy oil filter.

Has anybody used the Intellistick (oil condition monitoring system)? See link below:

http://www.intellistick.com/home.php

 

[sven]

What is normal? No one at this time recommends 3,000 off the showroom. The 3,000 mile oil is outdated. The oil filter is no where full at 5-7 on a healthy engine.

You can change it earlier, but its a waste of money.

I agree on 3k being outdated. 5k is the new 3k.

I think subaru still recommends 3750 in the book.

 

[Rover_Hokie]

I use AMSOIL with their synthetic fiber oil filters and when running their oil and filter, they will recommend 25K or one year oil change intervals. AMSOIL has had extended drain intervals recommendations when using their oils for 27 years now.

I have used AMSOIL for 12 years now in all my vehicles with no problems, Two years now in my D2. Their old filters would only go 12,500 miles so you had to change the filter 1/2 way thru the recommend interval, but not the oil. If you use any other filter you need to change the filter as recommend by vehicle manufacturer. I do not usually run it 25k. but close sometimes. If you run in more severe conditions, then you should change it sooner. You can send them an oil sample and they can tell you the condition of your oil in regard to still having the protection you need or needing to be changed. I run their 5W-40 European Formula that meets all the specs required with the AMSOIL EA-096 oil filter, as well as their Severe Gear Lube in my diffs & transfer case and their ATF in my tranny.

They have a syn motor flush that you run thru before you change over to AMSOIL to clean out the carbon build-up and I run that with a clean filter to get as much crude as possible in the filter from the flush. I usually run my first oil interval shorter thinking there may still be more crude cleaning out during that first run of syn. Everybody has their own comfort level, and for me I have worked my way up from the 3K mile change in years past to feeling comfortable with full 25K now.

 

[ratboy]

dino every 3000
syn every 6000
when was the last time you heard that someone ruined an engine because they changed the oil too often?

 

[mbrummal]

when was the last time you heard that someone ruined an engine because they changed the oil too often?

Well, I was at Tractor supply last week and...

 

[Jupiter Rover]

With all the cars out there that run around 15K mi between oil changes, is that due to the advancement of oils over the years? If I switch my '96 D1 to full synthetic, would I be able to extend the oil change intervals to 15K mi? If so, is the oil filter good for 15K mi as well?

Reason for short OCIs in the rovers is the fuel dilution. It isn't because the engine is hard on oil or because the oil can't take it. It just gets too diluted with fuel. I suggest 3-5K.

 

[Jupiter Rover]

feeling comfortable with full 25K now.

No oil or filter should be ran for 25K miles. Yes I know Amsoil's outrageous claims. Still not a good reason. 15K max for synthetic in a engine that is easy on oil.

 

[MarkP]

So how do the newer cars like BMW, Mercedes etc,... extend their oil change intervals to around 15K mi? .....

With very tight manufacturing tolerances and clean burn high-efficiency technologies. On the extreme end is Nissan's 350Z engine which is built in a temperature controlled clean room under mechanical stress that equal the in-car environment. Contaminant ingestion is minimal so oil remains clean longer. Plus they don't use low end filters.

Reason for short OCIs in the rovers is the fuel dilution. It isn't because the engine is hard on oil or because the oil can't take it. It just gets too diluted with fuel. I suggest 3-5K.

Agreed. The Rover engines are really old technology with relatively large tolerances. The oil is contaminated relatively quickly.

 

[Cozy41EF]

The only people who advertise and reccommend a 3k inerval are the lube places. No, you won't do damage by changing your oil more often.

My VW TDi reccommended 10k changes, with VW approved syn oil. I did it every 5k.

My Boxster is a 15k interval with Mobil 1, I do it every 10k.

I do the rover every 5k. Two gallons of Rotella and filter costs about $45. How much does it cost to rebuild an engine?

With the exception of the Boxster, I change the oil in everything at 5k, and rotate tires every 10k, kind of like Mercedes A and B service.

 

[bribassguy]

Their old filters would only go 12,500 miles so you had to change the filter 1/2 way thru the recommend interval, but not the oil......

How excatly do you change the filter with out changing the oil? You just unscrew the filter and screw a new one on really fast before oil runs everywhere?