So there's topics on type and weight of oil, including number of miles. My truck is no longer a daily driver. I changed my oil back in July before my Myrtle Beach trip. It is now December and I've only put on less than 3k miles since July. I checked my oil last weekend and it is still clean, it is a little low but that could have been from the Myrtle Beach trip. I can't imagine where the oil would go with the truck sitting most of the time.

My question is, should I change the oil every 5k miles or 6mos which ever comes first?

 

Yes, I would never go past 6 months on an oil change. That is what most maintenance plans call for and 6 months is a lot of hot and cold weather cycles, a lot of condensation happening and time for some new oil. Take care and remember just because something looks clean doesn't mean it is.

 

i would go maximum 6 months.

 

My truck is 6 months old and has 4300 (or so) miles on it. I've changed the oil & filter twice already and it's about due for another change.

 

My thoughts , when a truck is new change often. This is when most wear takes place and sets your engine up for its life and longevity. When truck is broken in and you feel you've worked it hard enough with many heat and cool cycles.You can beging to back off on the frequency of changes.
I don't believe in 5k oil changes 3k for me never had any engine problems in my 50 some yrs .
Even if you don't drive it every day,you should run it long enough to get the moisture out the crankcase area from outside temp changes. 1/2 times a week

Just my opinion
Rich

 

Thanks for the reply. I figured 6mos but just thought I'd check. BTW, I checked my local Wally world and know MC oil. There always out of stock in my oil at Autozone... Guess I'll try Advantage Autoparts. Someone here mentioned they sell it....

 

i believe the owners maual states 5k or 6 months. but most of us change it every 3k,
as a retired dealership mechanic. low milage use is the hardest on the motor and oil do it every 4 months and play safe, 5w20 motor craft and a ford oil filter. no walley store brand type.

 

Why is low mileage use hard on the motor? Is that due to sitting for long periods? Condensation in the motor? Are there any additives I should use if the truck is going to be parked for long periods? Should I drain the oil? Would it be better to drive a couple times a week? Maybe use the truck to pick up the kids from ball practice etc. I thought it would be harder on the engine for small runs like that.

 

Short trips where the motor doesn't warm up to operating temps create excessive contaminates to form and build up in the oil which attack the bearing faces. High engine operating temps burn out lots of bad stuff.
Oil never really looses it lubricity properties, but it does get contamination.

 

4wd
thanks for saying it for me.

 

Mine only gets 5,000 miles a year, so I change it once a year with synthetic. When I do run it, it's usually for 50 milesj or more so it reaches full temperature. 37,000 miles without even a whimper.

 

please reread your owners manual.
5k or 6 months which ever comes first. so in your case 2,500 miles or 6 months.

 

For the last 25 or so years, I have done oil/filter changes every 5K or 4 months on both high and low-mileage vehicles of several brands. No problems to date.
Dale