Oil Change interval question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,220
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From: CA
Oil Change interval question
Hello team,
I have a silly situation, my truck averages around 3-4 K miles per year. I used to change oil just before summer every year but this year my truck has clocked less than 2 K miles since last change May 2012. Do you think I need to change the oil regardless? I use Rotella Synthetic every time.
I have a silly situation, my truck averages around 3-4 K miles per year. I used to change oil just before summer every year but this year my truck has clocked less than 2 K miles since last change May 2012. Do you think I need to change the oil regardless? I use Rotella Synthetic every time.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 11
From: Puyallup, WA
Acids can build up from the effects of internal combustion which in small amounts leak past the ring gaps - etc.
The base oil does not break down, but the additive package has a finite life span, both from a elapsed time and usage point. Some of these additives are designed to counter the acids that build up, although in very small amounts in a modern engine compared to a older engine.
Absolutely no need to change every three months like the oil change places proclaim. Makes them money though and that is what they are in business for, can't fault that as they are a for profit business and does it does no harm to the engine but does make ones pocket book lighter.
Once a year is a good number if you do not drive the truck enough to accumulate the requisite miles for a oil change.
David
The base oil does not break down, but the additive package has a finite life span, both from a elapsed time and usage point. Some of these additives are designed to counter the acids that build up, although in very small amounts in a modern engine compared to a older engine.
Absolutely no need to change every three months like the oil change places proclaim. Makes them money though and that is what they are in business for, can't fault that as they are a for profit business and does it does no harm to the engine but does make ones pocket book lighter.
Once a year is a good number if you do not drive the truck enough to accumulate the requisite miles for a oil change.
David
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
Hello team,
I have a silly situation, my truck averages around 3-4 K miles per year. I used to change oil just before summer every year but this year my truck has clocked less than 2 K miles since last change May 2012. Do you think I need to change the oil regardless? I use Rotella Synthetic every time.
I have a silly situation, my truck averages around 3-4 K miles per year. I used to change oil just before summer every year but this year my truck has clocked less than 2 K miles since last change May 2012. Do you think I need to change the oil regardless? I use Rotella Synthetic every time.
Instead of using the once a year approach, which by the way I agree with, they will analyze your oil and give you an answer based on true data.
No guessing then.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, KY
The last sample I sent to Black Stone Labs had been in my truck for over 13 months. Everything looked great. This was on a 2000 7.3 BTW.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
I am in the same boat as you and I always change mine every year. Every engine I own gets changed at least once a year if not more frequently because of use, miles or hours.
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