Synthetic oil change every 10k?

Very true statement. Diesel engines will blacken the oil very quickly (within hours).
A large source for the dark color is oxidation. Most synthetic oils are highly resistant to oxidation. Their color usually comes from combustion byproducts, which should be very little in a mechanically sound engine. That being said... that carbon is actually an okay lube. Not that I want any of in my oil, but if it's there, I don't sweat it because it's not harmful. Big enough chunks will be taken out by the filter.

 

Was shocked to find that in my tdi, it was pitch black after taking it home from the first oil change. And it was fine on 10k mile oil changes until 500k miles or more

 

i prefer every 5k miles. regardless of the manual. my investment, so i want to keep the oil at its best.

 

You just don't want to be convinced. If someone were to post that data, by your own admission, you wouldn't understand the data well enough to make the determination if the changes really mean anything in relation to the longevity of the vehicle.

Anyways, I don't know that anyone said there is no difference, just that the difference really isn't going to have any significant impact to how long said vehicle lasts. At least that's the intent.

So, what vehicles in your opinion last?

 

You have no basis for saying it's significantly better at 5k than 10k either..... we have recommendations by people who have done testing and know what those numbers mean.....

Heck, I've had machines with constant use and 10 years between oil changes.

 

Don’t understand the 5K versus 10K argument when everyone knows you shouldn’t go a wheel revolution past 3K.

 

Nothing like an oil thread to stir things up .

 

I question the notion that the oil stays cleaner. Clarify.

Synthetics last, but contamination from internal combustion remains, resulting in that level of degradation.

 

But when you pull the dipstick and rub the oil between your fingers, and feel Grit, it's time to change the oil. Oil turns black because of dirt.

 

I think time plays a part of this. I drive tops 5000 a year, and lately less than that. It seems insane to me to go 24-36 months. I do it once a year and don't look at myself as wasteful, and I'm certainly not doing any harm to my engine. Ohers are putting 10,000-15,000 miles a year on their vehicle and think they are saving the planet by changing once a year.

 

One thing for sure, routinely check your oil level. Regardless if you change your oil every 5-10k miles.

 

How about;

Once a year whether it needs it or not might be a good rule;

Have had my truck two years have change the oil twice and have put less that 1000 miles on it

Random somewhat related thought, I wonder if i can hit 1000 post just responding to 10k oil threads.

 

I’m amazed a thread about oil changes is 13 pages long. Jumping in with save yourself the money and do it at 10k if you’re worried. Most foreign engines with forced air recommend 10k+. These engines also run much leaner and at a higher compression to meet eco and power goals and at higher RPM and are therefore hotter than our motors. You’ll be fine at 10k.

 

Thanks, Timmy. I feel better now.

 

Your manual states 10k for normal driving, 5k severe use or once a year.

 

turns black because of soot. there shouldn't be dirt in your oil either. that's what the filter is for.

 

Just follow the recommended oil change interval in the Owner's Manual (OM) for YOUR truck.

Example. My 2nd Gen with the 4.0L clearly states to change oil and filter every 5000 miles. The recommendation does not make a distinction between Syn or Dinosaur oil. Just a viscosity and API specification.

No mention of oil analysis or what lasts oil longer or what oil filter to use........

I don't see a need to follow internet "experts" about oil change interval or viscosity or API spec for my truck. The OM for my truck is clear about frequency and what to oil to use.

I don't see a reason to get my knickers in a twist over these "debates".

Good Luck y'all. Suggest to follow the OM.

 

The whole waste argument is just stupid. If you change it yourself, you can get a great quality oil and premium filter for $25.

 

You cant feel soot, but you can feel dirt. Anything that gets past the air cleaner can end up in the oil.

When I take a long trip and put 5k miles on in less than a month, the oil stays clean looking, even drains yellow.

If I put 5k miles in 6 months, oil is nearly black. I believe this is because where I live is 40% dirt roads.

 

You have no basis for your 5k oil changes. I made the statement that the manufacturers actually did and that's why 10k. You also have 3rd party people doing comparisons.... those people are using the data to see what typical wear..... as far as my testing, I do it to identify issues before they become big issues.

As far as my 2nd grade reading, you obviously think there is a significant difference because you make the effort to change the oil at 5k. Do you just do things for no reason? Is this some modern art project beyond my 2nd grade comprehension?

As far as my "ridiculously exaggerated anecdotes" that's actually real. No exaggeration. It's actually pretty common in the industry..... we do regular oil testing to ensure that the oil doesn't have significant issues and occasionally additives are added, but Gas and Steam Turbines don't frequently have oil changes.