I just checked my records for the last time I changed the oil in my '98 Ford F150 W/4.6L. I usually change every 6 mo. but so far in just over 4 mo. I only have about 1300 mi on this change. Most of my driving is short trips in a small town with a 40-50 mi. trip approx. every 2 wks. I use Havoline 5w30 and a Pure One filter each time. The total miles on the truck is 70,300. Do you think I can run this until spring? I live in Tennessee, so it's not as if the weather was a big factor. I'll use it a few times when the temp. is below freezing but not often. Comments?
When Should I Change My Oil
- Thread starter Alamogunr
- Start date
- Status
Well, if you only put another 1300 miles on the truck in the next 4 months, that would only be 2600 miles you'd have on the oil in March.
IMO, you'll be fine if you wait til then to change it.
IMO, you'll be fine if you wait til then to change it.
My Tacoma sees the same use as your truck. In the last 6 months I've put exactly 2006 miles on it, going back and forth to work (5mi each way) and some other in-town trips, plus a few long trips 100mi+)
I change my oil and filter out every 6 months regardless of mileage. I also try to time it so that I do not have to change it during the winter while its cold outside, so I change it in the fall and spring.
I change my oil and filter out every 6 months regardless of mileage. I also try to time it so that I do not have to change it during the winter while its cold outside, so I change it in the fall and spring.
My Jeep sees low miles between oil changes, so I plan on doing my OC's in December and June. Before it the cold/hot extremes. Once the warranty is up I will consider 1 year OCI's.
I do put low mileage on it, but when driven its at least 20 highway miles each trip with an occasional short trip run. But most of the use is highway miles.
Frank D
I do put low mileage on it, but when driven its at least 20 highway miles each trip with an occasional short trip run. But most of the use is highway miles.
Frank D
If your car sees nothing but short trips, that counts for sever service. Most car makers call for a 3000 mile oil change.
Since you get a short "longer" trip sometimes, I would just say not go by month. Just change it every 4000-5000 miles. When ever that may be.
If you want to know exactly when you need to change it. When you change your oil, get a used oil analysis. That will tell you to shorten of prolong you changes. It may say to stay the same also.
Those ford Modular motors are bullet proof. You should see many more years of service from it.
Since you get a short "longer" trip sometimes, I would just say not go by month. Just change it every 4000-5000 miles. When ever that may be.
If you want to know exactly when you need to change it. When you change your oil, get a used oil analysis. That will tell you to shorten of prolong you changes. It may say to stay the same also.
Those ford Modular motors are bullet proof. You should see many more years of service from it.
Last edited:
Cold outside? You've got to be kidding.
Yeah, on second thought you're right. I try to avoid doing mine when it's below 0F.
Yeah, on second thought you're right. I try to avoid doing mine when it's below 0F.
Well, it looks as if I spoke too soon. I've got to drive the truck tomorrow for a 400 mi round trip (300 hwy, 100 city). That ought to warm up the oil. Given the responses, I think I will wait until spring to change the oil. It still shouldn't have over 4K on this change.
- Status
