Oil change question

[G35_TX]

I only drive about 2-3k miles every 6 months. I use GTX High Mileage 5w30. Should I still change it at 6 months or can I go longer safely?

My car is a 2000 Toyota Camry LE with the 5SFE 2.2L. Known for sludge issues. But mine doesn't have sludge at all. I have 225k miles on the car now.

 

[Olas]

If your journeys are short then keep on with the six month schedule, but if your driving is mainly highway then two yearly is fine

 

[G35_TX]

Work is only 3 miles from home. So its 6 miles a day. Rarely any highway other than on the weekend I may try to drive it more. Is that considered short I guess?

 

[Olas]

2x3 miles/day is severe service in the extreme, 6 monthly is perfect for you.

 

[G35_TX]

Yeah, figured that. Since I moved to Abilene, everything is so close here compared to San Antonio, so I don't hardly drive any more.

Originally Posted By: Olas
2x3 miles/day is severe service in the extreme, 6 monthly is perfect for you.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: G35_TX
Work is only 3 miles from home. So its 6 miles a day. Rarely any highway other than on the weekend I may try to drive it more. Is that considered short I guess?


Yeah, that would be short distance. I would stick to 6 month oil changes considering the engine and short distance. It would be good to get it on the highway for a good romp at least once a month.

 

[Gene K]

Given the application I would go with either 6 months or 3,000 mi. Its not going to hurt if it takes 8 months to put on 3,000 mi or you put on 3500 mi in 6 months. Just go with the one that's easiest for you deal with. IE Multiples of 3,000 on the odometer or every June and December.

 

[G35_TX]

Originally Posted By: Bgallagher
Originally Posted By: G35_TX
Work is only 3 miles from home. So its 6 miles a day. Rarely any highway other than on the weekend I may try to drive it more. Is that considered short I guess?


Yeah, that would be short distance. I would stick to 6 month oil changes considering the engine and short distance. It would be good to get it on the highway for a good romp at least once a month.


I definitely do get it on the highway actually a few times a month up to 75 for a bit. Usually the weekends. Going with the car club here this Sunday for a hill country cruise, so it will get around 100 miles put on it.

I just changed the oil now again, and took a sample to send to BlackStone Labs. Let's see what they say for the engine. I'll post it here when I get it.

 

[G35_TX]

Originally Posted By: Gene K
Given the application I would go with either 6 months or 3,000 mi. Its not going to hurt if it takes 8 months to put on 3,000 mi or you put on 3500 mi in 6 months. Just go with the one that's easiest for you deal with. IE Multiples of 3,000 on the odometer or every June and December.


Since it's been 6 months, I just changed it today. I only had 1714 miles on this oil change.

 

[Jim K]

I was thinking the Toyotas with sludge issues back then were the V 6`s not the 4 cylinders ?

 

[G35_TX]

Originally Posted By: Jimkobb
I was thinking the Toyotas with sludge issues back then were the V 6`s not the 4 cylinders ?


It was both models.

 

[FCD]

Your commute is very short, i think it's a good idea for you to change the oil every 6 months, or just go and give it a good blast down the highway every now and then

 

[Atesz792]

Ever consider riding a bicycle to work?

 

[Branson304]

With the short trips, I'd stick with what you are doing now.

 

[G35_TX]

Originally Posted By: Atesz792
Ever consider riding a bicycle to work?


Definitely not since sometimes I have to go to our other location unexpected to do some work. Also if family emergency happens, I would rather have the car.

 

[G35_TX]

Originally Posted By: Branson304
With the short trips, I'd stick with what you are doing now.


Thanks everyone!

 

[G35_TX]

Here is the BlackStone Labs report I finally got back. Let me know what you guys think! The Camry has 225k on it and 16 years old.

 

[G35_TX]

Anyone?

 

[Gene K]

Up it to 3,000 mi as long as it doesn't exceed 1 year.

 

[Merkava_4]

The UOA looks fantastic. Keep changing with GTX-HM every 6 months.