I am requesting advice on which oil to run in preparation to my future situation. I will have my 2000 Ford Ranger 2.5L 4 cylinder 5 speed with me at college next year. I will try to give as much information as possible, so the proper oil recommendation can be given.
Currently...
Miles = 101,000
Oil = 5w-30 Dealer oil (Dodge dealer)
Oil Filter = Dealer filter (Dodge brand)
Current weather range = 50's to 80's
Location = Cleveland, OH
Driving style = 50% city and 50% highway. Mostly always allow engine to warm up. Drive easy until appropriate temperature is reached. Drive like a grandpa. Easy on cars. Early shifts. Cruise at 40 MPH in 4th gear in city. Always OD on highway.
Future...
Miles = 102,500 (approx)
Oil = ?
Oil filter = ?
Future weather range (that I will be experiencing) = 0 to 80's
Location = Erie, PA
Driving style = 90% city and 10% highway. Many short trips. Many start ups in various weather. Not allow engine to properly warm up. Driving around campus. Not too often engine will reach correct operating temperature. Highway driving is the same, always OD. Not many miles will be put on car, aside from hundreds of miles of highway driving to/from school/home. Not driven every day. Few days will be sitting outside.
OCI = Thinking about going by months rather than miles. September-May (9 months). Not many miles, however.
Questions...
1) Should I change to dealer oil now? I'm not sure what brand or viscosity is currently in the engine. I'm assuming 5w-30 (manual specs) dino. Manual calls for Motorcraft semi-synthetic. Only approx 1,500 miles will be put on the new oil and filter, however before I leave for school.
2) Anything wrong with keeping the same oil in the engine for 9 months over fall, winter, and spring? Not many miles will be put on.
3) What can I do to ensure I do not harm the engine in any way?
I appreciate your advice and time.
Currently...
Miles = 101,000
Oil = 5w-30 Dealer oil (Dodge dealer)
Oil Filter = Dealer filter (Dodge brand)
Current weather range = 50's to 80's
Location = Cleveland, OH
Driving style = 50% city and 50% highway. Mostly always allow engine to warm up. Drive easy until appropriate temperature is reached. Drive like a grandpa. Easy on cars. Early shifts. Cruise at 40 MPH in 4th gear in city. Always OD on highway.
Future...
Miles = 102,500 (approx)
Oil = ?
Oil filter = ?
Future weather range (that I will be experiencing) = 0 to 80's
Location = Erie, PA
Driving style = 90% city and 10% highway. Many short trips. Many start ups in various weather. Not allow engine to properly warm up. Driving around campus. Not too often engine will reach correct operating temperature. Highway driving is the same, always OD. Not many miles will be put on car, aside from hundreds of miles of highway driving to/from school/home. Not driven every day. Few days will be sitting outside.
OCI = Thinking about going by months rather than miles. September-May (9 months). Not many miles, however.
Questions...
1) Should I change to dealer oil now? I'm not sure what brand or viscosity is currently in the engine. I'm assuming 5w-30 (manual specs) dino. Manual calls for Motorcraft semi-synthetic. Only approx 1,500 miles will be put on the new oil and filter, however before I leave for school.
2) Anything wrong with keeping the same oil in the engine for 9 months over fall, winter, and spring? Not many miles will be put on.
3) What can I do to ensure I do not harm the engine in any way?
I appreciate your advice and time.