Oil change interval

[jake760]

I'm wondering how long I should go between oil changes in my 1998 Chevy 1500 with a 305CI vortec v8. I mainly use it to drive 12 miles each way to work, although it does see occasional hauling, towing, and heavy footed use. I'm using Rotella T5 synthetic blend 10w30. I'm not looking to run as long as absolutely possible, just a nice safe interval. Thanks

 

[rclint]

I would look at the manufacture specified OCI, if a mixed use of severe, and normal driving conditions as you state occurs regular ( it looks like you use the vehicle mostly for a commute to work, seldom for anything else) I would follow the normal driving OCI. Using the Rotella T5 may extend your OCI beyond normal oil, however before I went past the manufacture recommendation I would look at a used oil analysis. Also you are lucky to find the Rotella 10w30

 

[Audi Junkie]

See if you can find a time-based interval that works for you, like every 6 months or 3 or 4 months works too.

 

[jake760]

I am very happy I found this Rotella, it is just what I've been looking for. I also use my truck for random trips and drives but mostly it is just driven to work. I was thinking 5,000 miles, does that sound good?

 

[rclint]

What does the owners manual recommend for normal service, also what is the severe service interval ?

 

[jake760]

I don't have an owners manual for it.

 

[Kuato]

5000 miles sounds like it would be within most factory recommendations, but I wouldn't go more than 6 months without changing, since the acids/impurities from your short drives might build up quickly.

With no owner's manual you can work from an oil analysis -- have it sampled by a lab to make sure it's still giving you the protection you want. I generally use Blackstone Labs. (www.blackstone-labs.com)

Once you've had it analyzed at the 5000 mile (or 6 month) mark, you'll know exactly where you stand.

 

[KW]

With the type driving you do with the odd trip here and there 5000 seems like a good place to start. Seeing that the T5 is a synthetic blend 7500 in likely doable.