• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Importance of chaning oil based on age and not miles?

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

NAC

Golden Member
I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 4 cylinder. I drive it probably less than 1000 miles a year - mostly short trips. The owner's manual says to replace the oil every X thousand miles (I think five), or every six months, whichever comes first. I last changed the oil about six months ago, and when I check the dipstick it still looks a nice clean brown.

Question is - how important is it to change it every six months? Are there some conditions which make it more or less important?
 
^ I'm no expert, but it sounds like what you're thinking of is the condensation that forms on the inside of the engine which doesn't evaporate if the engine doesn't get up to operating temperature. The result of this condensation cycle happening numerous times is water mixing with the oil.
 
Both of my cars see little miles a year so I run synthetic and change it once a year. They get driven on enough longer trips to burn off the fuel/water every now and again.
 
As long as you work in a few longer drives, you can probably go with yearly changes. You need to get the fluids up to full temp once in a while. Oil and trans and diff, etc.
 
Last edited:
LTC8K6 said:
As long as you work in a few longer drives, you can probably go with yearly changes. You need to get the fluids up to full temp once in a while. Oil and trans and diff, etc.
Click to expand...

Nice pointers.

I'm not sure if it's idiotic or not, but I like to take my motors up near redline after warming up once in a while for a couple gears.
 
I also have a ranger in a similar situation, 1-3k miles a year. I change the oil once per year, sometimes twice. I'm careful to never do short trips and always allow it to get up to temp. I try to drive it at least once every week or two.
 
Thanks guys - I'll aim to change it at least once a year, but not necessarily every six months. That is sort of what I figured. I do get it up to full temperature several times a year, but that is less likely in the winter. I should probably aim to change it in the early spring.
 
NAC said:
Thanks guys - I'll aim to change it at least once a year, but not necessarily every six months. That is sort of what I figured. I do get it up to full temperature several times a year, but that is less likely in the winter. I should probably aim to change it in the early spring.
Click to expand...

the second oil is 'used' it starts to break down. period. thats why the suggested time intervals exist

oil is cheap, 2 oil changes a year is what, 60 bucks tops in your ranger?
 
Same thing with my old Cavvy. Average of 3 oil changes every 2 years, only gets driven ~2k a year. Verified with UOA.
 
Arkaign said:
Nice pointers.

I'm not sure if it's idiotic or not, but I like to take my motors up near redline after warming up once in a while for a couple gears.
Click to expand...

As long as you make sure the engine is fully warmed up first, an occasional "Italian tuneup" is good for the engine.

As for oil age, if you don't see lots of short trips, dusty roads, or wide temperature swings, once a year should be OK.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top