Engine Oil

[WStrmiska]

Need some advice from you people that know. I have approximately 2500 miles on my oil and will be 1 year since I changed it. My question is it still ok far as the milage and age or should I change it. All answers appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jim W]

My opinion would be to change it now.

Jim W.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Need some advice from you people that know. I have approximately 2500 miles on my oil and will be 1 year since I changed it. My question is it still ok far as the milage and age or should I change it. All answers appreciated. Thanks

I too don't drive my truck much since it isn't a daily driver. It usually gets about 2,500 miles on it in a year. I have the oil and filter changed annually irregardless of the miles. It doesn't cost that much to drain the accumulated contaminants and "refresh" the additives.



Bill

 

[rscurtis]

I think a lot would depend on your duty cycle. If the 2500 miles is a lot of 5 mile trips, I would definitely change it. If it is two 1250 mile trips, that's a different story. Having an oil analysis done could answer your question.

 

[WStrmiska]

Thanks guys for your input. Don't drive it much during the year except to haul my horses around. I'll be changeing today. Thanks.

 

[CBari]

Ok here is my question on the subject I am sure someone will chime and line me out.



I know have read where it recommend to change after a year reguardless of miles of use. What is the difference in the oil sitting in an engine unused vs sitting in a container unused for a year or more.



Please educate me.

 

[RustyJC]

The heating and cooling of an engine during ambient temperature swings can lead to condensation and consequent weak acid formation (water, carbon and trace sulphur compounds are by-products of combustion found inside the engine). The additive package in the oil is depleted as it defends against these weak acids, and any free water winds up in the oil.



Conversely, oil sitting in a factory sealed container isn't subject to these factors.



I'd change the oil and filter annually - it's cheap insurance to protect a $15K engine.



Rusty

 

[Bill Stockard]

The heating and cooling of an engine during ambient temperature swings can lead to condensation and consequent weak acid formation (water, carbon and trace sulphur compounds are by-products of combustion found inside the engine). The additive package in the oil is depleted as it defends against these weak acids, and any free water winds up in the oil.

Rusty

That's the exact reason why I change mine every year even though it may only be driven 2-3K miles. Previously when I traveled more, I changed it at 5K mile intervals or one year, which ever came first.



Bill

 

[JMarketos]

I go along with the general consensus above. 5K miles or a year, whichever comes first. I think I only drove my truck about 600 miles last year. The oil still hasn't turned fully "black"! But it will get changed here soon, for the reasons mentioned above.

 

[CBari]

Thanks for the replies. That makes perfect sense.

 

[Mark31]

Pity you don't live near us. My wife could keep the condensation out of your engine. She loves to turn the wheels! You would be concerned about oil change mileage instead of time!! Your tires wouldn't get to dry rot either! LOL Mark