To change oil or not to change...

[mclasser]

Hi Everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

My brother needed a car for school so I gave him my 05 Elantra and drive my other car now. I usually handle the oil changes myself but got lazy and took it to a shop for its last oil change back in November. My brother basically uses the car for local city driving and has only put 2700 miles on it since the Nov. oil change. I would say the driving split is 95% city/5% highway, so taking this and the time into consideration (~5 mnths), should I just change out the oil? It is running Valvoline conv. 5w30 with I'm guessing some bulk brand, low-quality oil filter. I've heard about Valvoline conv. used oil analyses showing quick shearing and depletion of protective additives, which makes me want to change the oil even more. The engine overall is in good shape with 80k miles on the clock. What do you guys think? Also, what are some experiences people have had with fuel system cleaners like Gumout and Techron? I was a stickler about using Shell and BP when I had the car but my bro uses convenience store, cut rate gas to save money. To use the stuff, I know you wait til the tank is basically empty, pour it in, fill up with fresh gas and enjoy.

 

[dave1251]

Change your oil within a month. I only use techron concentrate for fuel system cleaning.

 

[abycat]

welcome man. Theonly way you could tell if the oil (needed) to be changed is from a used oil analysis. If you keep to a Valvoline conventional routine and use cheaper filters which the only difference in your situation is the cost you should be running a very money savy routine and still protecting your engine.

Valvoline conventional is a good conventional oil and in your engine should be more than enough protection. So do a used oil analysis with a change and go from there, just my opinion.

 

[Doog]

Change the oil and use techron or gumout with regane

 

[mclasser]

Should I do an oil change after the tank with the cleaner added is close to empty?

 

[salv]

Always add fuel system cleaner to a nearly empty tank when you are at the gas station ready to fill up. Then run to near empty again.
I use 4 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil at every fill up. For less than $6 per quart (32 oz.), I see it as a good way to keep the fuel system clean, and the upper engine lubricated.
If you feel you need a better cleaning due to age or mileage, find a shop that performs BG fuel induction services. Hyundai had a TSB out recommending the BG service to maintain a clean upper engine.
Valvoline conventional is a robust and trustworthy oil.

 

[jfking106]

Take a chill pill. You're seriously worried over using Valvoline conventional for under 3000 miles/6 months, and non Shell/BP gas? The car's fine. Oil companies love people like you.

"OMG! You ran it 3,127 miles over 6 months, 5 days, 13 hours, and 46 seconds?! You're going to ruin my... I mean your car!"

 

[gfh77665]

3000 miles is too often for many drivers, but in your case with all the stop & go city driving, 3000 mile intervals would be a good fit. If its at 2700 miles now, wait until its driven another 300 miles and change it at an even 3000.

Don't worry about the time interval. Just stick with regular 3000 mile changes, unless the driving habits change. Valvoline conventional is fine, as well as any other mainstream conventional, like Pennzoil conventional, Mobil, QS, etc.

 

[Kuato]

Valvoline conventional depletion of additives? I don't think so. I've run Valvoline to 5000 miles, and the used oil analysis showed it could have gone to around 7500 without an issue.

However since it's 95% city you may want to get a used oil analysis to be sure.

 

[147_Grain]

Change the oil and filter every 5 - 6 months for your severe driving conditions that are very hard on the oil.

 

[jorton]

Folks claim Valvoline Synpower is not an extended drain oil which would make it only as useful as Valvoline conventional which looks just as good as any other conventional oil.

Your brothers driving style may be severe service so you can either follow severe OCI, or you can get the used oil analysis and use it to choose schedule for future oil changes.

 

[JAM25]

I say change it now, then changeit again in 5-6 months. Valvoline conventional is a good oil but i would considet Quaker State Conventional with a Purolator Classic oil filter. Simplyause QS is known for its durability. Thats what i do, i live in the metro area of chicago so im all city miles. Im currently on Pennzoil Conventional and in the fall ima change it to QS my other cars are on the QS Defy.

 

[DirtRacer53]

I've been wondering about changing my oil too... Though I am running PP right now and have over 3200 miles on it and the oil was changed back in october. With 98% of my driving are short trips and stop and go traffic.

 

[147_Grain]

Originally Posted By: DirtRacer53
I've been wondering about changing my oil too... Though I am running PP right now and have over 3200 miles on it and the oil was changed back in october. With 98% of my driving are short trips and stop and go traffic.


I'd change this oil too.

 

[donnyj08]

The PP should last to at least 5k on short trips. The Valvoline conventional id dump at 3.5-4k