Oil Change Interval by Time, Not Mileage

eieio · Postby **eieio** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 8:40 am

Since moving from urban California to semi-rural Arizona, my driving mileage has been reduced to about 3,000 miles a year as opposed to approx 12,000 miles a year.

In these 3,000 miles, the engine gets up to full operating temperature every time the truck is driven, never less than 10-15 miles, so there are virtually no "short trips".
I've always used Mobil 1 w/OEM filters and changed both every 3,000 miles (i know - overkill

).
What might be considered a good time-based guideline to change oil & filter under the current circumstances.
I don't know if oil deteriorates or loses it's capabilities over long periods of time.
Also, because fuel fillups are sometimes 2 months apart, might a fuel treatment be a long-term benefit?
I've never been a fan of additives at all, but under the circumstances..........
Any Thoughts?

Postby **smj999smj** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 11:29 am

Sitting for 2 months @ a time shouldn't really affect the fuel, but if it concerns you, you can always add a little fuel stabilizer. As far as the oil, changing it once every 6 months should be fine with the mileage you are doing. It's more about getting rid of condensation buildup than the oil going stale.

Taavi · Postby **Taavi** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 11:33 am

Here basicly every dealer (doesn't matte what brand) states to change oil at least once a year if you don't get the milage limit.

If you refill fuel in few months anyway, there is no point to worry about the fuel paramters geting worse.

skinny2 · Postby **skinny2** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 4:51 am

Typically the standard has been once a year regardless of miles and that was conventional oils. Since you're not doing a ton of cold start trips I think that would be more than adequate. The good news is that even if it's wrong, it will probably take you 20 years to find out

deermjd · Postby **deermjd** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:21 am

Going a year between oil changes shouldn't be a problem especially with Mobil 1. I put about 3000 miles on my Jeep each year and change the oil in it annually. If your concerned about the gas I would add some Lucas fuel treatment. I currently use it once every month or so and haven't had any problems. I wish I only drove 3000 miles a year! I put about 25,000 on my Pathfinder each year.

matt4 · Postby **matt4** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:24 pm

Hi,I have an 08 Pathfinder with 44000miles and I have been changing my eng oil every 2000miles since I bought it 2 years ago with 18000miles. Where I live the winters are pretty extreme and my wife idles it alot and in our summer months I tow a camper trailer and work the eng pretty good.Being a mechanic I have seen lots of nasty things from people not changing their eng oil periodically.Changing eng oil and filters are the cheapest maintenence you could do to your vehicle and keeping the eng clean will will make it last forever.

skinny2 · Postby **skinny2** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:56 am

matt4 wrote:I have seen lots of nasty things from people not changing their eng oil periodically..

The key being periodically (and not obsessively). You spend your money on oil and I'll spend mine on more interesting things

Postby **disallow** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:39 am

matt4 wrote:Where I live the winters are pretty extreme.

Define extreme...

eieio · Postby **eieio** » Fri Sep 28, 2012 4:36 pm

thanks all for your input!
i'm gonna go with every 6 months.......

Oil Change Interval by Time, Not Mileage

Oil Change Interval by Time, Not Mileage

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