OCI. Is time as important as miles?

[Sayjac]

Since coming to BITOG I've adopted a general rule of 5k/6month interval for my oil changes using dino.

Issue is this time it looks like a couple of vehicles won't reach much in excess of 3k in 6months. I wouldn't say I have had shorter trips, just less frequent use as a whole.

I feel like dumping the oil after 6 months with 3k miles is wasteful. I've had a used oil analysis done on the one vehicle before at 4K and 5k was recommended, which I did in 6 months. I'm not wanting to do another used oil analysis(s).

My question is, is there any harm in extending the interval at least another ~month or till say ~4k? Looking for some thoughts on the matter. TIA.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If you did not drive much and most trips were over 10 miles, then you don't need to adhere to the time limit as much as mileage. If most trips were under 5 miles the last 8 months then you should stay with time limit.

 

[JHZR2]

I've used a year roughly as a rule. I figure even if the tbn stays up, adds are not depleted, etc., the slow variation in temperature, humidity, slow oxidation, etc, takes it's toll.

I don't know that even uoa can tell degradation, water ingress/suspension, engine component corrosion, etc. Thus I figure 1yr is a good cross between mileage and time.

 

[crinkles]

i think a 5000 mile or one year whichever comes first is OK for dino especially in moderate climates (e.g. not super cold)

 

[JohnBrowning]

Some applications do not like say 9month OCI's reguardless of mileshe Tundra is one such beast that seldom does well with OCI well past 6 months.

 

[JohnBrowning]

IN fact one year I only had 1500 miles on my oil after 6 months. Most of my driving was .3 to 10 mile with lots of long idle time to keep kids warm while their Mother went shopping.

 

[Sayjac]

Thanks for the responses thus far. I feel better about stretching the OCI. I likely won't go a year, but based on the answers, up to 5k or couple more months shouldn't hurt.

I often wondered if the manufacturers also use months because the lower miles would, as mentioned above, imply short trip severe service.

JMO, but excluding daily/regular severe service, today's oils are made so well that going 3K in 6months doesn't seem to be getting the most from the oil.

 

[ryan2022]

Youre right sayjac,

I feel the same way when I drain our Amsoil XL at 6 months.

I drive roughly 4K miles in that period and it comes out as clean as it goes in. I'm not taxing the oil at all.

I know color isnt a good indication, but I barely see a visible change or even a change in texture in the oil.

I've been debating on stretching it to 1 year.

If youre hesitant, do a used oil analysis and check things out at 9 months.

 

[Sayjac]

Everyone has there own comfort level for OCI, but with Amsoil XL, I'd definitely think you could push beyond 4k/6months. I know I would feel like I wasn't getting the most from that oil at that OCI.

IMO, surely you could go 3-6, (closer to 6) months more with no issues.

EDIT. I'm running QS Horsepower in my Honda this time to 5-10% OLM or 1 year.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Since
I feel like dumping the oil after 6 months with 3k miles is wasteful. I've had a used oil analysis done on the one vehicle before at 4K and 5k was recommended, which I did in 6 months. I'm not wanting to do another used oil analysis(s).

My question is, is there any harm in extending the interval at least another ~month or till say ~4k? Looking for some thoughts on the matter. TIA.


I've been in that boat many times over the years, and extended intervals with dino. I'd think you could stretch the OCI another month or two or to 4000 miles. Since the trips aren't shorter, just less frequent as you mentioned, I think you'll be just fine. JMO

 

[labman]

20 years ago I got into a mess of sludge on 6 month intervals for a short tripper. I just coughed up $65 for 2 Blackstones on my last 3 month change running Pennzoil conventional. The car with about 5K was low in TBN. The Truck with many fewer miles was OK. I went with M1 in the truck planning on sampling again in June.

Today's oils should be better than the QS SF I was running.