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Oil change intervals

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by FasterIsBetter, Apr 10, 2008.

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  1. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,856
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    Steve W.
    #1 FasterIsBetter, Apr 10, 2008
    I happened upon one of those consumer info articles this afternoon with a long time mechanic talking about oil change intervals. He commented that for a long time, the recommended interval was 3 months or 3000 miles. But, with new engine technology, cleaner burning engines, and highly improved oils, many car companies are recommending oil changes at 7500 miles or more. His recommendation based on his experience? 4K to 5K for regular dino oil, and 5 to 7K for synthetics.

    I've been following the 5K to 7K rule for my modern daily drivers for many years, which I have always run on synthetics. My older cars, which generally run dino oil, I've always stuck with 3K to 4K, depending on how often I'm driving the car, and whether I'm taking longer trips with it (when I drive it more often, I change the oil less frequently, as it is not sitting for long periods of time in the crankcase).

    Anyone else follow that schedule? Any thoughts on oil change intervals?
     
  2. JCR

    JCR F1 World Champ
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    Mar 14, 2005
    11,021
    H-Town, Tejas
    #2 JCR, Apr 10, 2008
    I agree with your post regarding new cars that 3mo/3000 oil changes are a waste. It's probably good to use the shorter intervals for older carburator cars though because of fuel dilution of the engine oil. Not F-car related, but fuel dilution is a problem on the old MFI systems from Bosch (911S) and Lucas (Maserati I6, etc.)
     
  3. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #3 f355spider, Apr 10, 2008
    +1

    Though both my 2001 BMW 540 and 1997 Ferrari 355 Spider both recommend oil/filter change intervals of 15,000 miles/one year, using synthetic oil. I have changed the 540 at 7,500 mile intervals, and the 355 at 3,000 to 5,000 mile intervals based on my current whim... ;)
     
  4. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
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    NY/SC
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    David
    #4 ducowti, Apr 11, 2008
    I'm with you Faster. I don't go by age as much as whether a vehicle is running synthetic or dino though of course there's a correlation. From my digestion of the oil studies/examinations and mechanics' anecdotes I change anything (new or old) running dino every 3Kmi or as degree of fester indicates. I change the Mobil1 synthetic every 6-7Kmi. Esp for older and higher milage cars though I believe fresh oil is one of the single best things you can do for your engine.
     
  5. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
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    Paul
    #5 Artvonne, Apr 11, 2008
    I had a one owner late model MB I picked up with 165K miles. Service records from new showed oil changes between 7K to 7.5K its entire life. Now granted the dealership was putting 10W30 Pennzoil in it, but the motor was burning a quart every 400 miles. I flushed the engine and began 2500-3000 mile oil changes and oil consumption dropped to zero. I have seen many MB engines with over 500K miles on them when serviced properly, and many others than never made it to even 200K. And the primary factor is/was oil and oil changes. Period. Not spark plugs or air filters, but lubrication.

    On many of my cars I have seen progressive oil consumption rates when pushed beyond 4 to 5K miles, yet seen them immediately drop back to zero consumption rates to 3000 after an oil change. You dont need to be a PHD to realise the oil has become contaminated and is no longer working at 100%. It might be lubricating properly and oil analysis can show normal properties, but its dirty oil and it needs to come out.

    Read the fine print in ANY owners manual for ANY car and you will plainy see that the service guidlines change under harsh conditions. I dont think there is a place on the planet you could operate a car that wouldnt place it under harsh conditions. Actually, many pieces of industrial equipment like generators, welders, pumps, heavy construction equipment etc., use regular automotive engines with the same internal parts and same operating clearances, yet ALL require heavier grade motor oils and shorter service intervals. Ask yourself why. Car engines are the only piston engines in use where everyone is trying to water down the oil and run extended service intervals, and the results speak for themselves.
     

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