Short trip OCI mileage vs. time

[Chimay]

I do almost all short trips, its 6.5 miles to work 11-13 minutes average time 5 days a week. Oil does not get up to temp most likely. Most weekends are not much different. I drive a 2003 V8 4Runner useing Mobil 1 5w30 with about 18,300 total miles and will do a used oil analysis soon (next oil change)any day now before it gets to cold. So should I let my used oil analysis decide when to change my oil after that? I am thinking of just changing twice a year every six months.

 

[pitzel]

If the used oil analysis comes back without fuel contamination and without any abnormal wear, I don't see why you couldn't run the full 15k mile/1 year as recommended by Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30.

The oil should get hot enough to get rid of any stuff that manages to ingress during 10+ minute trips, and on a new engine, the overall ring seal should be fairly good, leading to very little ingress at all.

Post the used oil analysis as soon as you get it, and further comments should flow in.

 

[texasproud]

I would concur with Pitzels comments that your driving conditions and style wuld allow you an annual filter/oil change without too much to worry about. The used oil analysis will dictate future OICs.

 

[like a rock]

Well you should not ignore any site sponsor amsoil members. They all will point out benefits of their product and will sometimes say that another product is as good or may be better only because it costs less. Amsoil is an excellent product. I have used it will good luck and so have others.

 

[The Critic]

Stick with 6 month/5K intervals while under warranty to prevent any hassles with the manufacturer in the event of a warranty claim.

Mike

 

[04SpecV]

Twice a year using a quality oil is a good safe plan. Doing a used oil analysis is a good idea ever now and then. But if you do one every oil change, it gets expensive. You could probably go longer intervals, but if its under warranty I wouldn't.

 

[Chimay]

Thanks, for all of the advise, it is still under warrenty till september 06. I still haven't made up my mind as to when to change the oil. I may try to sample and do UOA without changing the oil first.

Dennis