Oil Change Interval

proscroby · #1 01-20-2009, 06:22 PM

I normally change my oil approximately every three months or 5K. I had an oil change in October and the next is due at 86,000Km but the odometer is only reading 82K. Since it is regular Castrol GTX in the engine, should I still change it even though I have only driven 1500 Km?

lefty1120 · #2 01-20-2009, 06:47 PM

I always go by mileage...3000 miles. I've got it to where if my mileage is divisible by 3.....then it due a change....ie, 153,000....159,000 etc. This way I don't need that annoying sticker in my window corner. ...and that's on all 3 of my vehicles (the other Grand Prix and GMC)

But that's just my technique.

CrazyHorst · #3 01-20-2009, 09:21 PM

I change at 4k...but I use a 3x5 spiral notebook in each vehicle, mainly for recording and tracking fuel mileage over time...but the oil change data goes in there too. I also record the standard air and oil filter part numbers so a trip to the auto parts store goes a little quicker as well.

BNaylor · #4 01-20-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proscroby

should I still change it even though I have only driven 1500 Km?

1500 km is only 932 miles for us on the English versus Metric system.

Since you have driven only 1500 km or 932 miles to answer your question no.

proscroby · #5 01-21-2009, 09:59 PM

Thanks for the advice!

jr566 · #6 03-31-2009, 09:35 AM

IT'S UP TO YOU,BUT MY 98 GRAND PRIX GTP CHANGE OIL EVERY 2500 MILES,ANTIFREEZE, PLUGS, WIRES, AND SUPER CHARGER OIL YEARLY. CURRENTLY HAVE 186,000+ MILES HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. DURING SUMMER MONTHS DRAG EVERY WEEKEND. I DO THIS FOR ALL MY VEHICLES! GOOD LUCK!

richtazz · #7 03-31-2009, 10:17 AM

To the OP, I agree with Bob. Since your mileage is so low, I would say no.

Everyone has their preferences on oil change intervals. In todays OBD-II vehicles, unless all your mileage is short trip/stop and go or you're a lead footed hot rod, 3000 miles is way too early IMO. OEM's are suggesting 5k mile intervals now for severe service, and up to 7500 miles for normal use.

'97ventureowner · #8 03-31-2009, 10:36 AM

Add me to the growing list of Bob and Rich who agree that 3000miles is too early. Car manufacturers use higher mileage figures and with the improvement in oil technology over the past decade, these oils can go the distance. There are websites out there that suggest the 3000 mile oil change interval was the idea of quick change oil places that wanted a continual revenue stream so they started telling their customers and putting on their little stickers the 3000 mile figure. Bottom line is you can go further than 3000 miles between oil changes ( with regular driving *) because the oil additive packages in modern engine oils have improved. And use a good quality oil filter.

* If you don't put many miles on your vehicle (i.e. show car, seasonal vehicle,etc.) then I would change it at least yearly, and definitely before putting it into storage for any length of time.

richtazz · #9 03-31-2009, 11:11 AM

The 3000 mile interval was legit back in the days of carburetion. Carbs allowed much more raw fuel to get past the rings diluting the oil, especially during cold start up when you're pumping the pedal. It's definitely overkill with today's newer cars.

'97ventureowner · #10 03-31-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richtazz

The 3000 mile interval was legit back in the days of carburetion. Carbs allowed much more raw fuel to get past the rings diluting the oil, especially during cold start up when you're pumping the pedal. It's definitely overkill with today's newer cars.

Good point Rich, I think the oil change places saw the writing on the wall when carbureted vehicles declined in numbers and the newer vehicles didn't need as frequent changes as their predecessors did.So they continued the notion to their customers that they still needed to change their oil every 3000 miles, and many customers not knowing, believed it as truth.

doctorhrdware · #11 03-31-2009, 12:50 PM

How else would they make there money. Most consumer's are still being taken advantage of by the quick change places.

IMHO especially the elderly, but they fly under the radar. How else are they still hanging around. They hire these flunkies that have no clue most of the time. I quit going to those places.

richtazz · #12 03-31-2009, 01:34 PM

I agree Tom. The oil change places have continued to push the 3000 mile interval. Many people still abide by this, and I wouldn't say they're wrong, but over-cautious.

'97ventureowner · #13 03-31-2009, 01:42 PM

One "negative" (for the lack of a better term) of the 3000 mile oil change is that it in a way increases our dependency on oil. If more people were to adopt a slightly longer change interval could you imagine the collective total of all the barrels of oil we would save on a daily/yearly basis? By using synthetics, one could even conserve more oil. Also the less oil used also equates to less oil needing disposal/recycling which is also good for the environment.

kitchen sink · #14 03-31-2009, 01:43 PM

everthing i have read here makes good sense. but, i can't help but notice no one mentioned the cars' driver information center telling you, at what percentage your oil is at. that is what i have been using. is it wrong to trust it? ..thanks..

grandprixgtx00 · #15 03-31-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitchen sink

everthing i have read here makes good sense. but, i can't help but notice no one mentioned the cars' driver information center telling you, at what percentage your oil is at. that is what i have been using. is it wrong to trust it? ..thanks..

i would say so...that supposedly goes by "your driving habits". mine usually says to change the oil after 8 to 10K, and thats just horrible...in my eyes. guess i grew up around an ASE Certified tech that truly believes in the 3K or 3 month rule. I've never let any of my cars go past 3K on an oil change.

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