How often to get an oil change

[woodie1]

I go by the computer generated reminder or once a year whichever is shorter.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: exdeath
The old rule I learned was 3 months/3000 miles but most people would agree that is outdated and it depends on the engine, environment, etc.

I use synthetic and change it roughly every 5,000 miles, or just about when it starts to get dark, but that's being extremely pampering. I also live in Dustville, Arizona with hot summers and like to romp on it from time to time.

When going a long time with synthetics like 10-15,000 miles it's important you still change the filter at least once in between oil changes. Just because the oil doesn't break down easily doesn't mean it isn't getting saturated with crap and plugging up the filter.

Your oil doesn't get dark until 5000 miles? Now that is amazing.

If I go 3,000 miles it's clear amber in color, at 5,000 miles it's starting to turn at deep goldish orange but still translucent.

Engine is hand built with extremely tight piston to wall clearance with forged aluminum pistons in an iron block (.001" if I recall) and low 8.5:1 compression that doesn't see higher cylinder pressures when not under boost (ie: 90% of regular driving) so there is literally like zero blow by. The tight clearance is also why I use 5W-20 oil.

And I keep it changed meticulously so there isn't ever time for anything nasty to accumulate.

Car just rolled over 40k miles

One thou of clearance had better be at operating temp or I'm going to call you a liar.

 

[bruceb]

I run either Castrol Syntec or Mobil 1 Synthetic in my 1999 Grand Prix 3.8 NA engine
along with Fram or AC Delco filters. Usually goes about 8K between oil changes
before the Low Oil Life indicator pops on. No problems, other than some slight oil use
over that amount of time (about 1 qt total) which is within normal usage specs

 

[Kroze]

Honda has recommend 6k miles between oil changes since the mid 1990s

I use my maintenance minder on my 2006 civic and it consistently tell me to change my oil around 6500 miles.