5,000 Mile Oil Changes Really Necessary?

I run 10k mile oil change intervals with extended performance synthetic and a toyota oil filter. Never a problem.

 

I just drain it right on to a stack of pancakes when it's time to change.

 

Let me ask you this:

If you were to look at 2 identical used trucks with 100,000 miles each - one with service records showing oil changes every 3,000 miles and the other every 7,500 miles - which would you prefer purchasing? Both trucks had used 5w-30 Mobil One Fully Synthetic oil for the entire life. Would it matter with 3,000 miles vs. 5,000 miles?

All things being equal I would chose the 3,000 miles between changes truck.

 

I don't think there would be any difference. Oil lab studies have shown that we change our oil too often. Today's oil has a longer life. If anything, changing the oil more frequently equates to more start ups with 0 oil pressure until the new oil pumps through the system. I think we over analyze this stuff.

 

If you took 4 showers on a daily basis instead of once daily, would you live longer? It may "feel better", but your life expectancy would be about the same.

Same analogy applies for frequent oil changes with today's modern lubricants. It may feel better changing the oil more often, but engine life is about the same when following manufacturers recommendations vs. more frequent oil changes.

 

went to my dealer and they said they will only change the oil every 10k miles. if i try and get it any sooner they said i would be billed. also thy said they charge for turning off the seat belt alarms and indicators.

 

So would YOU coin flip for 1 of the 2 hypothetically exact, except for oil change cycle, trucks?

(Or buy the one from the guy that showers more often).

 

I would go to a different dealership. If they charge you for the oil change I would pay them. Heck with the place you bought the truck from. If the seat belt alarms and indicators bother you then pay up to have them turned off.

 

I followed the maintenance schedule and my truck sold in 2 days for full NADA retail. 3 buyers lined up with cash. I'll follow the schedule.

 

On a 100k vehicle I prefer to send off an oil sample on both. And have a compression/wet/dry/leakdown test done.

This will be a much better health indicator than anyone's records. Which while they may be correct, says nothing about any abuse the motor may have lived through during it's 100k.

 

So remember that these 2 trucks hypothetical trucks are exactly the same with the same mileage and use. Which one would you put money on that scores better in a diagnostic test? Which one would be better with a complete tear down and wear measurements made?

 

Actually, in the hypothetical world it still depends on the life they lived.

If 'normal' duty, as most vehicles actually are, I'd go with a wager that the differences would be imperceptible. This would be because the 3k oil had at least another 7k of life when dumped. Meaning the 7.5k oil was also dumped too early, but it's protection for the additional 4.5k was equal to the new 3k oil.

Sorry man, but that's just what oil sampling proves.

IF there were some regular extreme duty, which is pretty darn hard to achieve for a full 100k, there might be a better result with the more frequent changes. BUT an extreme duty user should be even more incented to use an oil sampling as a guide, just to make sure they are on the right track.

Don't argue with hypothetical. Spend a few bucks and a few minutes and learn the health of your own motor. Then decide what to do, for your particular test results.

 

I agree but since you won't answer the original question as stated, I propose that frequency of oil changes is more attractive to buyers. The original question is multiple choice. Truck A, truck B, or flip the coin. Yes, there are no 2 exact trucks in the real world with the same type of miles and asking price.

The ONLY con to 3,000 mile oil change is a waste of resources (environmental/$$$). Maybe one more and that is an increased risk of screwing up the oil change.

 

Prove the benefit to increasing the OCI. It's called the law of diminishing returns. And don't say "less wear" because UOAs largely say otherwise on most engines.

If it was me in this situation, sure, I'd take the 3k mile OCI vehicle. But, I wouldn't think twice about buying the 7500 mile OCI vehicle from an engine standpoint.

 

I change my oil every 3 days. I save the "old" oil in the original container and rotate it with a series of 5 sets of oil. I change the filter once a week (obviously I use a completely new filter). While this process is labor intensive it provides me with the most peace of mind. I use 3 independent labs to test my oil and then meet quarterly with my Toyota mechanic to discuss the results. I use a double blind test with the results from my neighbors Tundra to keep everyone honest. We use the results to plan my driving for the next quarter.

I also rotate my tires weekly and change the coolant monthly.

While none of this is relevant or helpful... It's about a useful as any other post here.

You can change your oil at 1000, 3000, 7500, 10000, or whatever. Your truck will probably run just fine. If it doesn't... Blame it on the oxygen sensors.

 

That's fantastic. Your not getting it tested by an independent lab though... So your results don't matter.

 

I fill mine with 100% EXXXTRA virgin olive oil. That way I know for sure my engine is getting fucked by the purest most clean oil of all!!! My truck has a clean bill of health....not even a drip!

 

I just use hempseed oil because it really is just well you know awesome if it is used when it is you know just like.........wait.............what?
Oh yeah Star Wars is fucking awesome!

 

You, sir, have a promising future here. +1 DMB.

 

all you would do is pop the breaker