Question about oil change intervals.

[JulesMaximus]

I've been cycling to work quite a bit so my car gets little use now. I had my oil changed back in July but have driven less than 2k miles since then. I'm thinking every six months or 3k miles. The car sits outside overnight and gets driven once every other day or every couple days but I always drive it at least 10 miles or enough to get it up to normal operating temperature and every once in a while we drive it up to Los Angeles.

The manual says to change the oil every 3,750 miles but the dealership recommends I change the oil every 3k miles.

Since they don't recommend an interval based on time should I stick with the 3k mile interval (which is what I've been doing) or just have it changed every few months regardless of mileage?

 

[RagingBITCH]

Normally a question is posed with a ? at the end 😛 I don't see one in this thread.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Normally a question is posed with a ? at the end 😛 I don't see one in this thread.

Thank you for that valuable input.

 

[Gillbot]

Depends on the miles and time to accrue those miles, plus your driving style.

Most of the time, a 6 month or 5k mile OCI is sufficent. If you do more city/traffic stop and go, you may want to opt for the 3k miles.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Depends on the miles and time to accrue those miles, plus your driving style.

Most of the time, a 6 month or 5k mile OCI is sufficent. If you do more city/traffic stop and go, you may want to opt for the 3k miles.

It's all city driving basically and I've been changing it every 3k miles. I guess I'll go with 3k or 6 months whichever comes first.

 

[woodie1]

With the car outside 24/7 your 3k or 6 month schedule should provide good protection for the engine.

 

[jaedaliu]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Depends on the miles and time to accrue those miles, plus your driving style.

Most of the time, a 6 month or 5k mile OCI is sufficent. If you do more city/traffic stop and go, you may want to opt for the 3k miles.

It's all city driving basically and I've been changing it every 3k miles. I guess I'll go with 3k or 6 months whichever comes first.

I thought it was 3k or 3 months. But those are old numbers that people know from hearing that their whole life. Possibly originally from an ad campaign by a motor oil company. I wouldn't sweat the 6 months, but at $15-$45 a pop, 6 months versys 7 or 8 doesn't make a big difference in money or time.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: jaedaliu

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Depends on the miles and time to accrue those miles, plus your driving style.

Most of the time, a 6 month or 5k mile OCI is sufficent. If you do more city/traffic stop and go, you may want to opt for the 3k miles.

It's all city driving basically and I've been changing it every 3k miles. I guess I'll go with 3k or 6 months whichever comes first.

I thought it was 3k or 3 months. But those are old numbers that people know from hearing that their whole life. Possibly originally from an ad campaign by a motor oil company. I wouldn't sweat the 6 months, but at $15-$45 a pop, 6 months versys 7 or 8 doesn't make a big difference in money or time.

Would oil really break down in my engine enough to cause damage over the course of 3 months vs 6 months? This is part of the reason I'm asking the question.

BTW-The car in question is a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE.

 

[woodie1]

Todays oils will probably be good for 6-9 months under 'normal use. 3 month changes are way too frequent IMHO in your situation.

 

[alpineranger]

perhaps try a used oil analysis for a objective answer. if you do only longer 10+ mile trips as you indicate this should be easier on the oil. what model of car is it?

 

[ponyo]

I use 3k miles or 6 months for regular oil, whichever comes first.
5k miles or 1 year for synthetic.

 

[franksta]

I drive my car 20 miles every day and not much on weekends. At this rate it takes me about 7 months to reach my 3000 mile oil change interval. I've been using Catrol GTX since I got the car 7 years ago and my oil report from Blackstone Labs seems to indicate everything is OK.

 

[jaedaliu]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: jaedaliu

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Depends on the miles and time to accrue those miles, plus your driving style.

Most of the time, a 6 month or 5k mile OCI is sufficent. If you do more city/traffic stop and go, you may want to opt for the 3k miles.

It's all city driving basically and I've been changing it every 3k miles. I guess I'll go with 3k or 6 months whichever comes first.

I thought it was 3k or 3 months. But those are old numbers that people know from hearing that their whole life. Possibly originally from an ad campaign by a motor oil company. I wouldn't sweat the 6 months, but at $15-$45 a pop, 6 months versys 7 or 8 doesn't make a big difference in money or time.

Would oil really break down in my engine enough to cause damage over the course of 3 months vs 6 months? This is part of the reason I'm asking the question.

BTW-The car in question is a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE.

oh. I have one of those. well, one of those engines. 3750 miles is fine. 6 months at a time will be fine. www.maxima.org if you want more info. there's lots there.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Naustica
I use 3k miles or 6 months for regular oil, whichever comes first.
5k miles or 1 year for synthetic.

most modern conventional oils can handle 5k miles easily even with "aggressive" driving habits.