how about this scenario?

[strombony]

My oil in the family van isn't due for another 1500 miles or 1.5 months and it would have 3k on it. I change my oil sooner in the winter. The oil is filthy and full of acid due to this extremely cold winter and many, and I mean MANY short trips. I have a 400 mile round road trip coming up in two weeks. Would some of you typically change the oil befor the trip given this situation, or will the long trip basically clean up the oil and burn off all the byproducts?

 

[Steve S]

You will feel better if you change it. Do a used oil analysis to see how the oil is holding up.

 

[rg200amp]

The long trip should burn up the fuel and water dilution, but I would change it if it made me feel better.

 

[tig1]

You must be getting some blow by around the rings for your oil to be that bad that quick. Hows the oil consumption? What oil are you using? What's the mileage on the vhicle?

 

[bustednutz]

I'd run it till after the trip. Then do a used oil analysis to see just how bad it may or may not be.
Get it out on a good long trip and burn off all the crud.
I'd bet you'd be just fine.

 

[strombony]

I have zero oil consumption and have been using Pennzoil 5w30 conventional