Oil change frequency?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 87
Likes: 13
Oil change frequency?
Just wondering...do you guys change oil according to mileage or the notification on the dash? If I change according to the dash it's a year between changes using high mileage synthetic oil. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 413
Most of us max out at 5k miles. Use the notification if you sit and idle (basically if it comes first). If you don't drive 5k per year, most change still at 1 year. Don't play the game, oil changes are cheap compared to potential oil issues, (ie cam phasers)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
^^ YUP!!! ^^
I tried the longer interval change but couldn't do it - too old school. I still change every 4k (full synthetic) miles and my dash says that's about 50% life.
You can do a lot of oil changes for the price of cam phaser replacement.
I tried the longer interval change but couldn't do it - too old school. I still change every 4k (full synthetic) miles and my dash says that's about 50% life.
You can do a lot of oil changes for the price of cam phaser replacement.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I'll go to a max od 5K on my oil/filter changes mostly because I've used the Blackstone oil analysis outfit to test a sample about once a year Those resluts tell me my routine is suitable without any need to be alarmed my Motorcraft 5w-20 synthetic blend has enough life left to be comfortable I'm not doing any harm to me Ford reman'd engine.
It's a process worth looking into if you have any concerns how your OCI if doing over time. I also use them to gauge my ATF condition when I do the Mark K full flush procedure between 30K to 35K interval. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/
It's a process worth looking into if you have any concerns how your OCI if doing over time. I also use them to gauge my ATF condition when I do the Mark K full flush procedure between 30K to 35K interval. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 87
Likes: 13
One issue I've noticed is my 2020 F150 uses oil between changes yet there is no smoke from the tailpipe or puddles underneath and everything underneath is dry. What gives?
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Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,518
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From: Home Base Nebraska
I used to be old school doing changes every 3K but with the new oil additives and the biggest thing is fuel injection that has eliminated gas delusion in the oil eliminating excessive engine wear plus newer motors have a lot closer tolerances so combustion gasses getting into the crankcase causing sludge buildup had been decreased or eliminated. On our 2020 2.7 (38K miles) I change every couple of years because it's only used in the summer and stored inside in the winter and if it gets maybe 2K miles a year. Our F350 6.2 (98K miles) goes 7 to 8K between changes pending on how many miles it gets put on it in the winter in the SW. I use Motocraft 5W-30 with Motocraft filters in both and never have to add between changes and the oil never looks dark or dirty.
Denny
Denny
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 126
Likes: 55
Is that a V-8? Many of them had an oil consumption problem. Very well known problem.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 863
From: Foothills of NC
GDI and high EGR flow is the worst thing to happen to gasoline engines. Watch the Youtube channel "I DO CARS". He tears down blown engines of all types and mileages. You can see what the intake ports, and particularly the oil rings, look like on GDI engines compared to port injection..
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
We don't put a lot of miles on so it's every year or if the Oil Life Monitor says time to change (usually due to Wife doing a lot of short tows to/from the local trail heads). Just changed O/F today, well short of a year because of the latter. Truck is under extended warranty...
I logged my oil change today into the spreadsheet I keep on the truck and have to take back what I said above - I didn't check what the OLM had for % remaining, it turns out we're right at a year since last oil change, so I bet it was telling us to change the oil based on time. Anyway, going back over the years we're averaging around a couple thousand miles/ 1 year on each interval - highest is 2800 miles and lowest 1700 miles... Truck has a tad under 12k on it...
I logged my oil change today into the spreadsheet I keep on the truck and have to take back what I said above - I didn't check what the OLM had for % remaining, it turns out we're right at a year since last oil change, so I bet it was telling us to change the oil based on time. Anyway, going back over the years we're averaging around a couple thousand miles/ 1 year on each interval - highest is 2800 miles and lowest 1700 miles... Truck has a tad under 12k on it...
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Joined: Jan 2025
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From: White Bear Lake
In our 2018 3.5EB, every 3500 miles. Not taking any chances with the phasers.
-Steve
-Steve
Tuned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 9
From: SE WI
I too put low miles on my truck. Consequently an annual oil change more than suffices to maintain the engine lubrication.
I do not know that oil goes bad sitting in the crankcase instead of a bottle?
Is not synthetic oil good for 10K between changes?
DuckDuckGo Search Assist Says:You should change synthetic oil every 6,500 to 7,500 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first, unless you are driving under severe conditions. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations.
bobistheoilguy.com
I do not know that oil goes bad sitting in the crankcase instead of a bottle?
Is not synthetic oil good for 10K between changes?
DuckDuckGo Search Assist Says:You should change synthetic oil every 6,500 to 7,500 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first, unless you are driving under severe conditions. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Recommended Miles Between Synthetic Oil Changes
General Guidelines
- Modern Vehicles: Typically, 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Full Synthetic Oil: Can extend up to 10,000 miles.
Factors Influencing Change Intervals
- Time-Based Changes: If not driven much, consider changing oil at least once a year.