if i don't drive the car over 3000 miles, do i still need to change the oil in 3 months?

Answer 1

OK....in spite of the variety of answers....let me share a bit of my past professional wisdom :)....

As quoted: Even though an engine isn't running, heat and cooling from sitting still attracts moisture into the crankcase. Moisture is acidic. If the engine isn't ran long enough to boil off this accumulated moisture, the acid compounds become damaging. So, the oil may need to be changed at the time interval rather than just the mileage interval.

If not, you are likely to be promoting the build up of sludge because contaminants blend together with your oil and oxidize....not a good thing.

So my answer is YES, you still need to change the oil to prevent sludge build up and contaminant oxidation.....especially if the car sits for long periods of time.

Answer 2

Here is a rule of thumb that I have come up with over the past 50 years. If the usage is longer highway trips you can run it up to 5,000 miles. The cold starts and stop and start driving are the roughest on the oil. If you are chugging back and forth to work for most of those 3,000 ,or however fewer you are driving in a three month time period, then change it. Pull the dipstick and wipe it on a white tissue; if it is going really dark and feels gritty change it. Light colored and smooth feel is okay.

Answer 3

Oil changes are usually based on mileage. Check with you local mechanic and see what they think. If you are in a bad climate, you may still need to do the oil changes by time, rather than miles.

Answer 4

No. I just brought a car and they told me it is better to use a car more than barely at all. It gets funny without oil changes, but you don't need it unless you drive 3,000 miles.

Answer 5

it depends oh where you live and what the climate is ,for example if you live in a dry dessert like state ,as often as you can afford it,up north depends on how cold it is as well quite often ,so i would at least every 3 months or 3000 miles will save the life of you car and cut down on costly repairs

Answer 6

I'd change it every 6 months, waste of oil every 3 months if not driving it much...... as long as it gets a good 20-30 minute run to get it up to temp.... that will burn off most of the fuel dilution, and the condensation inside the engine.

Answer 7

It depends on how old the car is and where you live. Most newer cars it is not necessary unless its the first old change. Older cars need changing every three months. If you live in a hot climate then yes every three months, if cooler not as necessary. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

The cars now are made to last 5,000 miles, but if you have a car that needs changing every 3,000 miles then, Yes.

Answer 9

you should, that's why they say 3000 miles or 3 months. It’s the cheapest thing you can do that will save the life of your car. I always do it religiously.

And please dont listen to these other girls, they have no idea what they are talking about.

Answer 10

not really. check the oil. if it's black, you know, not transparent, you should then.