6 mo/3000 mi

[charbaby]

Since all of the kids are now gone, my wife and I don't put on our cars as many miles per year as we once did. We use to be on the go all of the time with travel sports, school events and family vacations. These days my wife and I are just using our cars for going to and from work, shopping and visiting friends/relatives. Although our cars get started just about everyday, all of our trips are short(5-7 miles with cooldowns in between startups). Needless to say we are only putting on about 3000 miles in 6 months(6000 miles per year on each vehicle). I've been using a variety of Group III synthetics with conventional oil(3qts syn/2qts conventional) per OCI. All oils are of the popular brands held in high reguard here at BITOG. The oil on both dipsticks look clean, (one looking a little darker than the other). The fuel smell seems about equal on both vehicles and no stronger than in the past when I traveled more miles in less time. Oil feels good between the fingers and the engines run fine(no startup noises/rattles). Some idling due to winter driving but, driven easily throughout this OCI with a little throttle tip in to pass other drivers. Oil change was done Nov 27th'07 and I getting a little itchy to do them again. Filters are Purolator Prem Plus and the oils are a combo of Havoline Dino & Havoline Syn along with some Valvoline Syn all 5W30. I do a bit of blending as you can see......... Vehicles are:

2001 Lexus RX-300-3.0 V6(2900 miles thus far--oil looks clean)
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S(3000 miles--oil looks a bit darker)

I know that a used oil analysis is the only way to tell the condition of the oil and the engine but, my real question is: Am I wasting the oil at 6mo/3000mi?

I know! I know! I can hear the sarcasim now! Simple answers please. I can give any other details if needed.

Thanks,
CB

 

[Drew99GT]

No, I don't think so, especially during winter. Short trips in cold weather just murder oil. IMO, your regimen is perfect!

 

[Steve S]

I would say you are doing the proper oil change schedule for the kind driving you do.

 

[FZ1]

You could stretch the oci out till fall. Puy some clean oil in for the winter. I would think you could go 6k on synthetic,but you need to be comfortable with the oci.

 

[Drivebelt]

3k miles/6 months is a short interval with modern SM Group II/II+ oils. Even 5k miles is on the conservative side with conventional SM rated oils such that a used oil analysis is not really needed (unless there is some really severe type of usage).

With synthetics being blended in, 6k miles/1 year OCI's should be fine (SM 5w30 conventional's are already Group II+ or Group II/III so could be considered synthetic blends). Just maintain good oil levels with tops ups if needed.

 

[charbaby]

Thanks All.
With the Nov'07 OCI, I have just finished up all of my SL/GF-3 oils(Syn/Dino). Although the Havoline Dino was GroupII(stated on the back label), all of the Syn's were GroupIII(everything being SL/GF-3 as I stated). Advice taked. I'll probably change the oil/filter this comming weekend, June 7th or 8th. Will be going to Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Conventional mix(SM/GF-4 with Purolator PP filters(purchaced recently from PepBoys with rebates). I will probably take this OCI into December'08. Because most of the driving will be during the summer/fall, there should be no long idling periods. Plus the fact that we will probably take some long summer trips/weekend getaways in one vehicle or the other. 6 mo/3-4000 miles maybe.

 

[Gary Allan]

I gravitate to a 6 month OCI for a general rule. Most fall into that realm. Then you're basically down to oil selection based on mileage and/or climate. That's for those who aren't into extended drains as a goal (but fits many of them too).

At this point time is taking more of a toll on your vehicles than mileage is.