To change or not to change

[MetalSlug]

Hi reason I ask if I need to change oil early or not. And how long til I need to change. Car is 97% is stop and go driving, im doing 20mile a day max speed is 50mph, and rarely get on high way. The car is 97 camaro z28 with 117k miles on it now. Oil is Quaker state ultimate durability 5w30 with K%N oil filter. on change in 8/14/10 and its 2,270miles. I check oil weekly and it does not loose a drop. I wonder should I change the oil and filter since I done only city driving. if not, how long til I need to change the oil ? ty.

 

[sciphi]

I'd wait until mid-February. That's based on 6-month oil changes, which would work out to be right around 3k miles plus or minus a few, based on your driving since the last OC.

 

[hate2work]

That's a pretty good oil/oil filter combo you're using. Under most conditions that would be good for an easy 5k interval, and I think you qualify in that range.

If possible, take your car out every two weeks and run it on the freeway for 30 or 40 minutes, that will help burn off any fuel that has accumulated from the stop and go driving you do.

 

[MetalSlug]

Thanks guys, TBH gas price here almost 3 dollar -_-. That why I dint drive much at all.

 

[Merkava_4]

Oil color is what I go by the most, along with time in service. My dipstick has 5 holes in it. Most of the time I've got to shine a flashlight through the back of the dipstick in order to see the oil covering the holes. When it starts turning a dark amber, then I know the oil is starting to take on some combustion byproducts and dirt. It's just now getting to the point where it's visible on the dipstick and I'm over 6 months out. It used to be that it would start looking dirty at 4 months out, but since I've taken the Fram AirHog filter off and went back to a regular paper air filter, the oil is staying much cleaner and is almost clear all the way up to 6 months out.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'd wait until mid-February. That's based on 6-month oil changes, which would work out to be right around 3k miles plus or minus a few, based on your driving since the last OC.



I agree with this more. That is harsh driving, I wouldn't push it to 5k unless you did it in 6mo. Do 6 month Oil changes with that kind of driving for sure. You can burn off all the fuel you want and it still has done its damage to the oil. It has to be replaced. Good choice of oil too IMO.

BTW. If it weren't driving a precious Camaro I would say use "Dino" oil for those short intervals but QSUD is a great choice.

 

[hardcore302]

You might have some fuel dillution, so I would change it at around 4k. IMO

 

[Astro14]

I am with the 6 month crowd on this. You're using good oil, but your service probably qualifies as severe...and the mileage isn't going to be the limiting factor, it's the time in service. 6 months is a good interval if you have to base the OCI on time...

 

[MrMeeks]

put 2 drops of the oil on a napkin and observe. If a large dark area forms with a lighter ring that's slightly larger than the inner dark ring ,then drain it

 

[Errtt]

Originally Posted By: MrMeeks
put 2 drops of the oil on a napkin and observe. If a large dark area forms with a lighter ring that's slightly larger than the inner dark ring ,then drain it

We used to use coffee filters at work. I don't know why nobody questioned the use of napkins or why use the coffee filters.
Guessing, probably stems from the days when we used to use a Simplex Oil Test Kit. A part of that was the solids check with the use of a paper disk checked against a chart. Come to think of it, the disk were like coffee filter material cut into disks about the size of a silver dollar.
The Simplex kit was used more often, generally looking at trends, between the lab analysis. It was like a basic field test kit for a few tests, and we had a simple test kit for coolant also.

 

[Virtuoso]

How many times is this car started/stopped during these 20 miles?

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: Virtuoso
How many times is this car started/stopped during these 20 miles?


In the morning, I turn onthe car, let it idle for 5 min, drive to work, turn it off, get off work, turn it on, idle for 5 min, drive home and turn it off.

 

[Jakegday]

idle for 5 minutes, then drive 20 miles?? if that were either of my cars, they'd be COMPLETELY wamred up after that... so guys, would the fuel dillution still be an issue if the car is getting up to operating temperature pretty much every time its driven?

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'd wait until mid-February. That's based on 6-month oil changes, which would work out to be right around 3k miles plus or minus a few, based on your driving since the last OC.



I was going to say the exact same thing.
I'd change it on Valentine's Day (or thereabout) regardless if it's over or under 3K.
QSUD can easily handle this.

 

[Eddie]

5 minutes idleing is too long. I would go easy after one minute. I too think a 5,000 mile oil change is more than sufficient here. A good 20 minute run at at highway speeds is good if you can do it.

 

[beast3300]

I would wait at least 6 months. I changed my oil at the same time you did (approx 8/10). Currently at almost 4,000 miles my OLM just clicked 10%. I know they aren't the same engine but you got good stuff in there.

 

[Virtuoso]

Why the five minute idle? It may not be doing your oil/engine much good..and if there is fuel in the oil, it's from that.

You're running a good synthetic oil and filter, and after 10 miles of even stop-and-go driving, my cars would be at operating temperature. Especially in your climate. At least the coolant would be... not 100% sure about the oil. How long does it take you to get home?

I would be [censored] tempted to run that oil a full year to 5,500 miles. But if you must change, do it at 9 months and 4,000. Get your money's worth out of that oil.

 

[demarpaint]

I'd get that car on two 6 month OCI's per year, with that kind of use.

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: Virtuoso
Why the five minute idle? It may not be doing your oil/engine much good..and if there is fuel in the oil, it's from that.

You're running a good synthetic oil and filter, and after 10 miles of even stop-and-go driving, my cars would be at operating temperature. Especially in your climate. At least the coolant would be... not 100% sure about the oil. How long does it take you to get home?

I would be [censored] tempted to run that oil a full year to 5,500 miles. But if you must change, do it at 9 months and 4,000. Get your money's worth out of that oil.


Take me about 10 min to get home

btw I alway let the car warm up at least 5 min, some time event longer 10 min at cold cold day. I been doing it for year. Why its bad and how long should I idle before drivin ? I like every part is lubricate before driving off.

 

[pavelow]

Originally Posted By: CamaroT56
Hi reason I ask if I need to change oil early or not. And how long til I need to change. Car is 97% is stop and go driving, im doing 20mile a day max speed is 50mph, and rarely get on high way. The car is 97 camaro z28 with 117k miles on it now. Oil is Quaker state ultimate durability 5w30 with K%N oil filter. on change in 8/14/10 and its 2,270miles. I check oil weekly and it does not loose a drop. I wonder should I change the oil and filter since I done only city driving. if not, how long til I need to change the oil ? ty.
Your car falls under severe service. Most all city driving is severe service by itself and you have short trips tossed in as well. A double whammy. Change it out every 3K max.