How often should I have my oil changed?

Question

I own a 1989 Saab Turbo and the owner's manual says to have it changed every 7,500 miles; however, most suggest either every 3,000 or 5,000 miles. I realize that Jiffy Lube, etc. recommend every 3,000 miles (it used to be every 5,000 miles in the not too distant past) to increase business, but at the same time the car is 17 years old and in great shape - I don't want to play around with it. Any ideas?

Answer 1

You will get every anecdotal argument under the sun about this kind of question.

"Old Clem he drove his pick-up for 20 years using a toilert paper roll for a filter." "Never changed no earl."

And: The horror story of the guy who tried to make to 3500miles before, he "froze his engine like a pig in a frozen pond", and there was his mechanic tellin' the TV reporter, " I told 'em he better get that oil changed at 3000 miles but "no... He had to push it to 3500, jus' dummer than a rock. umm-ummm"

It really comes down to how you drive your car and where it is driven.

I keep my vehicles for 15-20 years, I currently have 3, I have 91 Jeep 121,000 miles and runs like new. I have 1999 Chevy that I bought new after giving my granddaughter my old 1980 BMW with over 200, 000 miles, she wanted the BMW and drives it at college. I still have a 1972 Chevy Nova 350 the odometer stopped at 230,000miles along while back. I bought it new when I came home from Vietnam, the original engine is in it. I have never had an oil related failure on one of my cars.
I use 5000 Miles as a good number, or every 4 months. If it has been more than usual short trips or dirty conditions I just go ahead and change it at the next convenient opportunity.

I don't think you can stick a number out there and it's the rule or the correct number. If you change too often your wasting money, if never pay attention to your oil you will most likely damage or shorten your engines life.
The balance is finding what is right for your conditions. My number is 50%- 66% what some manufacturers recommend but 180% of the 3000 miles every one barks out at the first mention of changing oil.
But it works for me.

Here is a really good article and argument for determining your oil service interval.

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles...



Yours: Grumpy

Answer 2

I remember the day when you didn't change your oil until it dripped off the dipstick like mud. Of course that was back when lube oil was nowhere near as technologically advanced as it is today, so you might have to adjust that recommendation somewhat. Also, the 3,000 mile (or 3 months) oil change is what the oil and auto companies recommend based on selling oil and making sure their cars have the best possible conditions. So take your pick. Me, I change my oil every 6 months which is probably way too often. I used to change it every 6,000 - 8,000 miles but now I'm retired and I'd wind up changing it every year if I did that.

In summary, if you change the oil before it gets really clumpy, considering today's advanced oil technology, I doubt that it would be a problem. The car brand shouldn't matter that much.

Answer 3

The automanufacturer tests the engine at the change interval listed in the owner's manual. If you follow the recommendations, and you don't abuse the car, then the engine will last as long as it was designed, about 150k miles.

Theoretically, you only need to change the oil when the TBN number and the TAN numbers are equal. You can find these numbers by having the oil chemically analyzed. This isn't practical, though.

Changing the oil at 3k miles will not hurt the engine, just your pocketbook. You may or may not increase the life of your engine.

Answer 4

7,500. is the number the feds came up with. Every car that is sold in the U.S. must be able to run at least 7500 miles without any maintenance. 7500 is fine if you do nothing but highway driving. most people don't. 3500to4000 is a good safety zone for the average driver. more if you you only drive a little bit.like 300miles a month. if you only drive a little bit the crankcase builds up with fuel wash contamination and it can thin out the oil, thus changing the oil keeps the viscosity (oil's liquid weight)correct. Remember to check your oil at least every 1000 miles. it's not unusual for today's engines to burn off up to 1 qt every 1000 miles depending on conditions

Answer 5

with a turbo I would change the oil every 3,000-3,500 miles plus oil filter. Use special oil that is resistant to high heat. The turbo spins very fast and generates heat. Use a slightly lighter grade like 10 or 15 to 30.

Answer 6

I agree that the stores tell you that you should have it changed every 3000 miles so they can make more money. I think that is ridiculous. I typically tend to have mine done when I can afford it, which means about 6-8000 miles. With your car being so old, I would suggest you keep it at the 3000 mile mark, just so you don't have to pour more money into it later. Preventative maintenance is the best!

Answer 7

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. change it regularly, The average oil change is around 3000 miles. depending on your driving habits, conditions where the vehicle is used also plays a major factor. If u keep it changed, your engine will last a long time. It is much better to spend the extra money to change the oil rather than have to pay to have the engine pulled and rebuilt or replaced.

Answer 8

My car is 13 years old and I have always had the oil changed every 2000 miles. I bought it new and have tried to keep it that
way. I have never had any trouble with it. It is worth spending money for an oil change to keep an engine in good condition. Don't you think so?

Answer 9

I would split the middle and change it every 4000 miles and if you notice any leaks or when you check the oil and see that it is dirty (say after 2000 miles) go back to changing it every 3000.

Answer 10

If they recomend every 4,000. Since it's an older car you don't want to wait till 5,000 just to be safe, but 3,000 is pushing the budget a little.