Critique my oil change routine

[Coastal]

Cars are 01 Mustang GT with about 160k and a 03 Expedition with a hair under 100k. Not all of the miles are from me.

The Expedition goes about 10k in a year. I'm planning on changing the oil twice a year at 5k with Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra. The Mustang goes about 15k a year so I'm planning on changing the oil every 5k with the same. I realize that Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra could go longer, but my max threshold for an oil change is no longer than 6 months. Plus I like some consistency on the shelf in the garage. Especially now that I can use the same filter, MC 820S. I have used MC 5w20 in the past, but I do like how the PP maintains its color better than MC. I know that isn't the most technical way to tell if oil is used up but it makes me feel better. I also need about 3 quarts on the shelf for a change because I run 7 qts in the Mustang (turning over 6k sometimes) and 6 in the Expedition. I like the Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra in the Mustang for the added protection because I do race the car on occasion. It is daily driven and occasionally auto-crossed and taken to the drag strip.

I could use the MC 5w20 instead but the PU will only cost me about $50 extra for the year, which won't really break the bank. I've been using the MC 820S filters because I don't really know if there is anything better, although I would consider running a better filter if I knew of a proven one.

Comments, questions, insults?

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Purrrfect,

5K OCI's on engines with over 100K and Pennzoil Platnium with a decent filter will serve you well.

 

[tuckman]

Looks good to me, the oil and filters are good choices.
Yes you could easily extend the Ex as it does not see any racing, spend a couple bucks and get a used oil analysis off of it @ 5K. Then you will have a good idea on how much further you could go for some piece of mind.
The mustang 5k may be much depending on the frequency of track/racing, again get a used oil analysis to get an idea on what your next OCI should be.

 

[Coastal]

I left out that I would probably be changing out the oil in the Mustang with a higher frequency if it was raced hard, extended upper RPMs many times. If I go to the strip and make one pass, I'm not going to sweat it, or if I go to a pretty standard auto-cross I won't worry either. If I go to a full on lapping day or make 10 passes at the strip (done before) it will definitely be getting fresh oil.

 

[gathermewool]

Nay, I say. With such short intervals, I'd use MC. If both of your engines are mechanically sound, there's no reason not to extend. If you're worried, send out a sample for analysis. Beyond that, there's really nothing else we can say but GL.

Also, if you peruse the used oil analysis section and read a bit, you'll notice that driving style and mileage (on oil) far outweigh time when it comes to oil degradation.

 

[Coastal]

I've opened up the Mustang and there was absolutely no sludge anywhere to be found. Pan was nice and clean with nothing in the oil pickup screen either. There was a medium brown varnish on most everything.

I only need 33 qts to get through the year so I'm open to other oils if a deal comes around and I can stock up.

I'm semi flexible on the oil and OCI's on the Expedition as well but I would like to maintain some consistency in oils because I like BIG JUGS and the local Walmart has 5 jug quarts. The last time I changed oil in both vehicles at the same time I used MC in the Expy and PP in the Mustang, since I needed two extra quarts for the Mustang I got a second jug of PP and put two in the Mustang and one in the Expy. I'd rather use the same oil. Maybe I should consider extending the OCI on the Expedition, although it sees primarily city driving with short trips.

 

[Coastal]

I still haven't had the chance to change the oil in the Expy from the MC 5w20 as I still have about 2k before it it due for an oil change (5k OCI). The PP is making me a little nervous in the Mustang because I have a cold start rattle. I'm going to try and play with brands and viscosities to see if there is a difference before settling in on one brand.

 

[Coastal]

So I'm going to use MC in the expy from now on because its consuming about a quart per 3k. Since I'll be topping off with makeup oil, I feel that MC or Mobil super will go the 5k distance with ease. Still using the 820s there too.

Mustang is going to barely driven probably less than 3k now that I have a new DD.

07 Xterra will get Quaker State Ultimate Durability and pureone for 7500 oci unless it consumes, then ill probably go with Mobil super and 5k intervals.

 

[electrolover]

refering to the first post:

perfect ocis, great oil! and the best filter for the money!!!

they should stay nice and clean

 

[redsox1975]

I wouldn't put too much thought into it, I've used several different oils in my Fords, Full Synthetic, Dino...currently using Valvoline Maxlife.

Go with what makes you comfortable, that's the important thing..Peace of mind!

 

[keeganhmorgan]

Sounds good to me, make sure you are not just changing it around the miles though, weather is important also, where do you live? If it gets pretty cold in the winter then the Mustang would be something like January, May, September (unless it does not get driven during the winter) and the Expedition would be something like April and October. It depends on how the temperature is there. The whole reason most companies want you to change it at least every 6 months is because of the cold weather in winter, this is also why you keep new oil inside if you are stocking up.