How often should oil change be done? The manual said every 5K miles or 6 mos. What if I only drove 2k miles?

Question

I only drove 2K within 6 mos period. Do I still need oil change by the end of 6 mos? Or can I wait a little longer? Currenly, i am driving a 2001 RAV4 with 26,000 miles on it.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Is hard to say, as everyone will have their own opinion of when and how often to change oil. If your vehicle sits alot, and you barely go anywhere, like not more than 10miles on a drive, and is of course stop and go, then I would just recommend every 3k miles to be on the safe side.

Answer 2

Normally, you do what the manual says, but here in Phoenix, AZ, it is suggested that you change the oil every 3K or 3 mos because of the whether conditions. I would follow what the manual says, unless the mechanics in your area say otherwise.

Answer 3

change the oil by the end of 6 months, even if you drove only 2k miles. that is what the service manual says, right?

Answer 4

Every 5000 miles.

If you only drove 2k miles in 6 months, your filter and everything are still clean, so don´t waste your money and wait until you reach your 5000 miles.

Answer 5

I run Amsoil, so the change interval is 27,000 miles (TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND!!!) with a new filter, and a top up of the synthetic oil, at 13,500 miles.

Because it contains none of the parafin, and other additives, that make up 50% of a quart of oil, Amsoil doesn't break down under heat.

Answer 6

logic prevails. The lesser of every three months or 5k miles. Your oil gets dirty which effects engine performance. Recommended milage assumes combined highway and city driving. If you drive mainly city or under dirty conditions reduce milage between changes to 2,500-3,000 (or every three months).

Answer 7

Every 5k or six months whichever comes first. Even if you only drove it 20 miles its a good idea to change it every six months.

Answer 8

then you should still change it every 6 months. the longer the oil is in there the older it becomes. and that is not good for the car.

Answer 9

wow, i wish had that little miles on my car. but yeah you need to get your oil changed. notice it says "every 5k miles OR 6months". and since it has been 6months, you still need to change your oil.

Answer 10

Every 3,000 miles is the norm.