Extended 15k/1yr. OCIs---Losing My Nerve

[oil_spaz]

I put Castrol Edge 5w30 in each of my four vehicles this past March:

2000 Ford Ranger 3.0L
2001 Chevy Prizm 1.8L
2006 Chevy Malibu 3.5L
2008 Chevy Uplander 3.9L

All the vehicles are in good mechanical condition. I'm using Bosch Distance Plus filters.

I like the idea of a once a year oil changes for a variety of reasons. At this rate all but the Ranger will be at about 15k on this fill in next March at the one year mark. My driving habits are roughly 50/50 highway/city on each.

Looking at some of the Edge used oil analysis, I'm not sure I have the confidence to push the limit---oil warranty or not.

Should I bail out early?

 

[LS2JSTS]

I would......

Plus, if you change now, you'll be changing in the summer, not in March.....Brrrrrr.

 

[gathermewool]

The only way to know is by UOA. Making a one-time expense out of analyzing each car next year might give you the confidence to run yearly OCI's from now on, saving you money in the long run, depending on how often you used to change (and how much you used to spend on oil for those shorter intevals)

 

[d00df00d]

I guess I can't speak for most people here, but I love the idea of a long OCI.

Oil analysis can be a great tool IF you pick the right tests and the report is interpreted properly. You'll probably be fine without it, but you'll be flying blind.

If you want to rely on the warranty, make sure you read and understand the warranty terms fully and completely.

 

[sicko]

Take the one you think (or know) is most abusive on oil and change it, but take sample and send it for a used oil analysis. If it comes back good, then let the rest of them be until the 1 year mark.

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
I guess I can't speak for most people here, but I love the idea of a long OCI.

Oil analysis can be a great tool IF you pick the right tests and the report is interpreted properly. You'll probably be fine without it, but you'll be flying blind.

If you want to rely on the warranty, make sure you read and understand the warranty terms fully and completely.


I love the idea of an appropriately long OCI.

 

[beast3300]

Well for the late model GM's they tell you to follow the OLM and not to exceed 12 months. The Ranger can run 5w20 so if/when the 5w30 shears to a 20wt you will be good. And the Prism is a Toyota/Toyota motor and they don't break.

So you should be good.... Or used oil analysis

 

[Steve S]

What made you believe syn oil was worth using in the first place? I am stirring the pot here!!! Go 1 year or 10,000 to 12,000 miles .Is this the first run of syn oil? If so the next one will be better. Just do 1 used oil analysis All your vehicles are really good.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I would agree on an UOA for each vehicle. Then, purchase whatever syn oil you want, any price you want, to meet you needs. The filter is rarely an issue unless you go with an orange can that costs $5.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Do what Big Al told his granddaughter to do....pull the dip stick out, feel and look at the oil, smell it. If it is smooth, does not look black or smell like gas. Keep running it.

 

[Gary Allan]

While I'm not familiar with all of those engines, the 3.0 in the Ranger has no particular issues that I'm aware of and won't bite you over one OCI of a year in length.

I would have chosen Spring or Fall for the change out season.

 

[shpankey]

No way would I do 15k blindly. Do a used oil analysis and see how they're holding up and check the box that says you're interesting in long OCI's. The idea is, to see how the oil is holding up in each vehicle with your driving conditions and style. This is really where used oil analysis shine most... to learn what an oil can do in your car, conditions and driving habits. You slowly keep pushing it up till you find the limit. Then back it off just a hair and now you know what to run each time, no more used oil analysis are needed.

 

[dparm]

You could consider replacing the filter at the halfway point, if you're very nervous. 15k blindly isn't for me.

Pull a small sample at 7500 and see how it looks.

 

[Patman]

If you do decide to go with a one year OCI on all four vehicles, are you sure you want those oil changes all to be due at the exact same time? Wouldn't it be better if you staggered it so that you did one vehicle every 3 months instead? Or even just did two of them at a time every six months?

 

[oil_spaz]

Thanks for the responses. It appears that there isn't much faith in the 1 yr/15k miles guarantees.

Having a used oil analysis done might be a good plan. Would the TBN be the critical factor?

I was hoping this would work out for all of my vehicles. It would simplify life considerably--just take a Saturday and change them all. Done for the year. Also, I could take advantage of syn for about $140 per year.

I'm with LS2JSTS and I refuse to change oil in the middle of winter.

Actually I'm now thinking about going with a good dino three times a year--timed so that I avoid changing during the worst of the winter. Cost would be in the neighborhood of $200 per year. However, I like the idea of using synthetics.

 

[crazyoildude]

10,000 miles would be ok in my book...I prefer oil changes twice a year

 

[dparm]

I would look at the TBN for sure, as that'll tell you if you've depleted the add pack. Also check for shearing and any dilution.

 

[StevieC]

I wouldn't do year long runs without doing a used oil analysis first to make sure the oil can stand up to the conditions it faces in each engine.

Also to ensure you don't have a fuel dilution or coolant leakage problem you aren't aware of that is overly stressing the oil.

Small price to pay to ensure your pricey engine stays in good health.