Dealer's claim on Engine/Trans oil

[OHale]

OHALE,



I know changing the oil more frequently than recommended is, certainly, not going to hurt your engine. And the "warm, fuzzy" feeling you get from overdueing maintainance has some value, also.



... ... entire quote not included

Joe F. (Buffalo)

Hi Joe,



Thanks for the advice. I run the synthetic only in the winter but don't leave it in over 7. 5K miles per Dodge maintenance requirements. I don't change the synthetic every 5K, it is only the dino I change out at 5K. I have a 7 year, 70,000 mile warranty (100,000 mile engine) and that is more valuable to me than the $5 here and there I might save by going the extended drain route. If I do have an engine or other problem and the service manager asks me what I've been doing for maintenance I can look him in the eye and tell him what I have done and demand warranty coverage. Dodge does not recognize extended drain intervals for warranty coverage unless your local shop chooses not to make an issue of it. Not to knock what you do, Joe, it's just not my cup o' tea (or cup o' Joe?) I have no doubt you take great care of your truck. Also, I only drive 15 to 20K per year so the cost of oil changes isn't that great (I spend a LOT more on fuel. ) You probably drive a lot more and save more with extended drain intervals.



I'm just a 'by the book' kind of guy on some things I suppose. Believe me, I am still having a tough time getting used to letting the oil go past 3K like on my old truck!



PS: the last time I had a warm fuzzy feeling was when the so-called assault rifle ban expired.

 

[RMalone]

I run 10k on synthetic oil changes, with a filter change at 5k. How does the dealer know you went 10k instead of 7. 5k??



In my truck the oil is pretty much black after you change it, start it, shut it down and check the level. Doesn't matter if it's a 5k change with dino or a 10k change with synth.



The 5-40 mobile is head and shoulders above the 15-40 stuff on cold starts.



If you insist on 5k changes I wouldn't even consider the expense of synthetic.

 

[machinemover]

On my previous trucks I used Rotella Synthetic. With my '06 I am using Valvoline Blue with a quart of Lucas additive oil extender. I'll run between 7,500-10,000 miles on a change. I run across country constently and it's a hassle to change oil on the road. But I find I do have to do it on occation. Last time at a motel 6 parking lot I spilled oil all over, glad I didn't get caught. I like Geno's quick release drain plug, I just haven't got one for this truck yet. I can just fit a 5 gal. gas can under there and open the drain right into the can.

I don't see anyone mentioning anything about the lucas oil extender, but I look at the little display they have in all the part stores with the little gears in the plastic crank and it just seems to make sence to me that this should be the way to go. The oil clings to the gears, less wear.

 

[OHale]

I run 10k on synthetic oil changes, with a filter change at 5k. How does the dealer know you went 10k instead of 7. 5k??



In my truck the oil is pretty much black after you change it, start it, shut it down and check the level. Doesn't matter if it's a 5k change with dino or a 10k change with synth.



The 5-40 mobile is head and shoulders above the 15-40 stuff on cold starts.



If you insist on 5k changes I wouldn't even consider the expense of synthetic.

OK, once last time, I don't change the synthetic at 5K. I only run it in the winter for cold starting. Then, I drain it out and pour the used synthetic on my cornflakes, OK?



Whether the oil is black or not has no effect on when you should change your oil. It will effect the taste of your cornflakes, however. A little sugar helps a lot.



How does the dealer know if I ran 10K or 7. 5K? I tell him the truth. That is how the dealer knows. Like I wrote earlier, my warranty is worth more to me than 2500 more miles on the oil. That is my choice and needless to say others may make their own choices for their trucks.

 

[RMalone]

OHale my comments were directed at JSHumate not you, he asked about the black oil... and the worth of synth-vs-dino and change intervals has been debated to death. How you handle the dealer and your warranty is your business, judging by recent threads, you take your warranty more seriously than most dealers and star.

 

[DPKetchum]

The Lucas oil extender is NOT much thought of. Do a search here about it. www.bobistheoilguy.com Basicly they say it srews up the oil additive package and does more harm then good. Wouldn't use it in my neighbors lawn mower.

 

[OHale]

OHale my comments were directed at JSHumate not you, he asked about the black oil... and the worth of synth-vs-dino and change intervals has been debated to death. How you handle the dealer and your warranty is your business, judging by recent threads, you take your warranty more seriously than most dealers and star.

Point well taken As to the warranty issue, if Dodge and the dealership decide to dishonor their commitment that is their dishonor. The last thing I want to do personally is join them on the low road.



I think my writing style makes me come off harsher than I mean to. I need to work on that.



By the way my dealer is great on warranty issues, but then again, I haven't had a huge repair (yet, knock on wood. )