Hi. I have a short trip to work. I drive about a mile each way. Sometimes the temp. gauge just gets up to the normal reading before I shut the engine off. When not driving to work, I use my vehicles to run around town. it's a small town, about 8500 pop. I also run to a bigger town about 30 miles away, every once in a while. My vehicles are a 1993 Chevy Silverado, with a 350. And a 1999 Blazer with a 4.3. I use Quaker State High Mileage oil in them with quality filters. I was planning on doing a OCI twice a year - in April & October. What do you guys think?
Short trips - Oil & OCI
- Thread starter Bamboooo
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If it were my vehicle I would take it out about every 3rd or so and run it for about 45 minutes. You only drive 1 mile to work so it's not like you're going to be spending a bunch of money on fuel. The only problem with short trips is that you have more fuel getting past the rings on a cold engine and it never gets hot enough to evaporate it out so taking a long trip every 3 or 4 days will prevent any problems.
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
If it were my vehicle I would take it out about every 3rd or so and run it for about 45 minutes. You only drive 1 mile to work so it's not like you're going to be spending a bunch of money on fuel. The only problem with short trips is that you have more fuel getting past the rings on a cold engine and it never gets hot enough to evaporate it out so taking a long trip every 3 or 4 days will prevent any problems.
Good idea. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
If it were my vehicle I would take it out about every 3rd or so and run it for about 45 minutes. You only drive 1 mile to work so it's not like you're going to be spending a bunch of money on fuel. The only problem with short trips is that you have more fuel getting past the rings on a cold engine and it never gets hot enough to evaporate it out so taking a long trip every 3 or 4 days will prevent any problems.
Good idea. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.
Originally Posted By: Bamboooo
Originally Posted By: bepperb
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
The only way to know for certain is to pull a used oil analysis at the end of the OCI.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
The only way to know for certain is to pull a used oil analysis at the end of the OCI.
Originally Posted By: OldCowboy
Originally Posted By: Bamboooo
Originally Posted By: bepperb
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
The only way to know for certain is to pull a used oil analysis at the end of the OCI.
I don't necessarily know what the used oil analysis will show you about poss. sludge unless you get a VOA with oxidation and nitration. I understand you can look at TBN so I see that marker, I would say those are mighty short trips. My take is use the cheapest API SN major/name brand conventional even Peak brand and change every 4 months. 3 months if you really want to prevent it. I have seen cold sludgers on the 6mo that didn't look too good.
Originally Posted By: Bamboooo
Originally Posted By: bepperb
The recipe for short trips is short OCI's on cheap oils. I think you're doing well.
So you think 6 month OCI is short enough?
The only way to know for certain is to pull a used oil analysis at the end of the OCI.
I don't necessarily know what the used oil analysis will show you about poss. sludge unless you get a VOA with oxidation and nitration. I understand you can look at TBN so I see that marker, I would say those are mighty short trips. My take is use the cheapest API SN major/name brand conventional even Peak brand and change every 4 months. 3 months if you really want to prevent it. I have seen cold sludgers on the 6mo that didn't look too good.
I'm bringing this topic back up. I have a similar vehicle in a similar situation. Anyone care to comment? Thanks
Similar vehicle + similar situation = similar answer. Take it out every now and then for a long(er) drive to burn off the fuel, and shorten your OCI.
So, 6 month OCI's with mileage being below 4K miles? I will have anywhere between 1K & 4K miles on my vehicle when I hit 6 months. Lots of short trips.
I am assuming you are in sound physical condition and able to walk a mile easily otherwise ignore this post.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: virginoil
I am assuming you are in sound physical condition and able to walk a mile easily otherwise ignore this post.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
People who drive short distances aren't the problem. They are already conserving fuel by not driving as much. By not putting miles on their cars, their cars will last longer. You should be congratulating them for keeping their trips short and not driving excessively. How is reduced fuel consumption and prolonging the usable life of the vehicle bad for the environment?
If you want to be fair, every time someone posts about their thirty or forty mile daily commute, I want to see a post in response asking "why don't you just move closer to your job so you can walk?" Isn't that a greater problem? Instead you bash the people who are already doing the smart thing.
I am assuming you are in sound physical condition and able to walk a mile easily otherwise ignore this post.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
People who drive short distances aren't the problem. They are already conserving fuel by not driving as much. By not putting miles on their cars, their cars will last longer. You should be congratulating them for keeping their trips short and not driving excessively. How is reduced fuel consumption and prolonging the usable life of the vehicle bad for the environment?
If you want to be fair, every time someone posts about their thirty or forty mile daily commute, I want to see a post in response asking "why don't you just move closer to your job so you can walk?" Isn't that a greater problem? Instead you bash the people who are already doing the smart thing.
Originally Posted By: HappyLittlePony
Originally Posted By: virginoil
I am assuming you are in sound physical condition and able to walk a mile easily otherwise ignore this post.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
People who drive short distances aren't the problem. They are already conserving fuel by not driving as much. By not putting miles on their cars, their cars will last longer. You should be congratulating them for keeping their trips short and not driving excessively. How is reduced fuel consumption and prolonging the usable life of the vehicle bad for the environment?
If you want to be fair, every time someone posts about their thirty or forty mile daily commute, I want to see a post in response asking "why don't you just move closer to your job so you can walk?" Isn't that a greater problem? Instead you bash the people who are already doing the smart thing.
Reread the last part of my first sentence. It said ignore the post.
Obviously its has hit a nerve with you so you must be an offender.
Short trips are harsh conditions.
I believe my post did not bash the poster in question. That's your view and interpretation.
I still am of the view driving a mile everyday if that is case is not good for the vehicle or the environment.
You are probably right those that drive excessive miles when alternative transport is available probably need to reconsider it.
Reread my original post in the light is was intended without your bash intellect attached to it that was not there.
Originally Posted By: virginoil
I am assuming you are in sound physical condition and able to walk a mile easily otherwise ignore this post.
By the time take you warm up the car you should consider walking to work, unless weather is prohibiting this or you are dropping young children or some other reason unknown to this forum etc.
This is not about oil for short trips rather lifestyle issues, helping the environment and attitude to health.
I trust this post is seen as constructive and not judgmental.
People who drive short distances aren't the problem. They are already conserving fuel by not driving as much. By not putting miles on their cars, their cars will last longer. You should be congratulating them for keeping their trips short and not driving excessively. How is reduced fuel consumption and prolonging the usable life of the vehicle bad for the environment?
If you want to be fair, every time someone posts about their thirty or forty mile daily commute, I want to see a post in response asking "why don't you just move closer to your job so you can walk?" Isn't that a greater problem? Instead you bash the people who are already doing the smart thing.
Reread the last part of my first sentence. It said ignore the post.
Obviously its has hit a nerve with you so you must be an offender.
Short trips are harsh conditions.
I believe my post did not bash the poster in question. That's your view and interpretation.
I still am of the view driving a mile everyday if that is case is not good for the vehicle or the environment.
You are probably right those that drive excessive miles when alternative transport is available probably need to reconsider it.
Reread my original post in the light is was intended without your bash intellect attached to it that was not there.
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
So, 6 month OCI's with mileage being below 4K miles? I will have anywhere between 1K & 4K miles on my vehicle when I hit 6 months. Lots of short trips.
Yup, I do a 6 month OCI in my '91 Accord and it is right around 4k in 6 months.
So, 6 month OCI's with mileage being below 4K miles? I will have anywhere between 1K & 4K miles on my vehicle when I hit 6 months. Lots of short trips.
Yup, I do a 6 month OCI in my '91 Accord and it is right around 4k in 6 months.
I drive about 4k miles a year.
I drive 2-3 ~10 mi. trips a week plus a road trip once or twice a year.
I ride a bicycle to work each day, ~4 miles total.
Toyota says change oil every 5k or 6 months so I change it twice a year and the filter once a year.
I drive 2-3 ~10 mi. trips a week plus a road trip once or twice a year.
I ride a bicycle to work each day, ~4 miles total.
Toyota says change oil every 5k or 6 months so I change it twice a year and the filter once a year.
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
So, 6 month OCI's with mileage being below 4K miles? I will have anywhere between 1K & 4K miles on my vehicle when I hit 6 months. Lots of short trips.
if you state your vehicle someone here may have direct experience with it. You could do what you say, no prob, but if you have 1K at 6 months you could wait. Some here do annual oil changes on cars like that...but peace of mind and OCD can also be a good thing
So, 6 month OCI's with mileage being below 4K miles? I will have anywhere between 1K & 4K miles on my vehicle when I hit 6 months. Lots of short trips.
if you state your vehicle someone here may have direct experience with it. You could do what you say, no prob, but if you have 1K at 6 months you could wait. Some here do annual oil changes on cars like that...but peace of mind and OCD can also be a good thing
I would change the oil every 4 months with Pennzoil conventional. Use a good oil filter(Pureone, etc) and change it every other oil change...
All this assumes that you are only driving 1K-3K miles every 4 months. Sounds like that is being generous when looking at the mileage you drive on a daily basis.
All this assumes that you are only driving 1K-3K miles every 4 months. Sounds like that is being generous when looking at the mileage you drive on a daily basis.
Short distances, no problem what so ever. Just be ready to replace that battery sooner.
Other than that enjoy, I do a 1.5 mile to from work, my yearly OCI came back better than expected, modern day oils + modern day fuel management is unbelievable. TBN high, TAN low, wear metals were in the appropriate average range.
Drive it gently as you already know the difference between cold/hot oil.
On the weekend I have longer trips, once fully warmed up, take it all the way up to redline to move the rings, burn off any excess fuel/water.
I have 0 fuel dilution, 0 water, 4000mi/year.
I have a greater chance of the car being totaled/stolen/falling apart before the engine will show any signs of wear.
Other than that enjoy, I do a 1.5 mile to from work, my yearly OCI came back better than expected, modern day oils + modern day fuel management is unbelievable. TBN high, TAN low, wear metals were in the appropriate average range.
Drive it gently as you already know the difference between cold/hot oil.
On the weekend I have longer trips, once fully warmed up, take it all the way up to redline to move the rings, burn off any excess fuel/water.
I have 0 fuel dilution, 0 water, 4000mi/year.
I have a greater chance of the car being totaled/stolen/falling apart before the engine will show any signs of wear.
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