Change my oil or not?

[oil_abuser]

I am going through a financial hardship and can not afford the oil and filter for my semi-annual OC. I usually purchase 6 quarts of PP 5W-30 and Napa Gold oil filter.

Here's my concern...

Current oil is PP with 3500 hard miles. Vehicle pulls trailer on a regular basis, off-road 4wd trails, dirt roads with city driving. Combine this is our hot Phoenix summers, this oil has seen it all.

Should I skip my OC and change it Next May 2016 or purchase something cheap this round?

Vehicle is a 2000 4Runner 3.4 (145K ODO) ALWAYS used synthetic oil (PP, PU, M1-EP

 

[bigt61]

It will be fine, keep it topped off.

 

[dave1251]

I go nearly 10K on conventional. I go camping, hiking, and live near you.

I think you can push it to 7K no problem.

 

[eljefino]

Let it ride. Watch for sales around Xmas time at autozone.

 

[Oregoonian]

I understand that the 4 Runner is pretty easy on oil.....so with that in mind, I feel you can extend you OCI to at least 6000 to 7000K.....since your on a quality synthetic.

At that time, switch over to PYB or QSGB, and a mid-tier filter.... and do 5K OCI's.

After your financial situation improves, you can go back to a quality synthetic.

 

[holdorf333]

My guess is that if you have a hardship that precludes you from purchasing a $30 oil change, you should 100% not be going off roading, as that is a hobby that is not in any way cheap. Forget the oil, what if you drop a half shaft or even slit a sidewall..?

 

[Kuato]

At LEAST 5k, 7500 easy and up to 10k should be no issue.

 

[toneydoc]

That oil has plenty of life left. Wait another 6 months

 

[HTSS_TR]

PP and other synthetic oils can easily do 10k miles with your driving condition. NAPA gold oil filter is also good for 10kk miles.

 

[oil_abuser]

I see your point. My tires are all warrantied for any hazards.

 

[fdcg27]

You're using a known good synthetic oil and a quality oil filter in an engine of moderate performance in a warm climate.
A 3.5K OCI? Probably complete overkill.
You should be fine until next May.
I wish you luck with your financial situation and hope that things take a turn for the better.
Meanwhile, you've got the vehicle covered and have more important things to be concerned about.

 

[BrocLuno]

Yup, if you are running premium synthetic, go once a year OCI's with premium filter

 

[gallydif]

You're fine with that oil until May. Make sure you it stays topped off though.

 

[meborder]

Check your messages....

 

[Greasymechtech]

If you can put fuel in that truck, you can afford the oil change.

What would cause more hardship, an oil change or an engine failure?