What is a good oil change interval for a car using non synthetic oil?

Question

I have a 2003 Mazda 6 with 32,000 miles on it. My last oil change was at 28,215. Before that it was about 25,500 or so. I see in the owners manual it recomends every 5,000 miles. I have read on the net of people extending the interval to 7,500 miles. I have even seen one article on "extend life" systems which adives intervals of up to 10,000 miles! I was brought up on the 3,000 mile oil change system and have been for the most part a fairly strict adherant to it. I was wondering what is the best oil change interval for non-synthetic (natural, fossil fuel based) oil? Should I stick with the 3,000, follow the manuals recomended 5,000, split the difference and go with 4,000? I plan to own this car for a very long time and want to get the most out of what to me is an investment. At the same time I don't want to needlessly throw money away. Any advise, tips, or suggestions would be more than welcome. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Very much depends on your driving conditions but for the most part every 3,000 miles is just a ploy to get your money and waste a presious resource only to but money in the quick lube oil change centers pockets it is a waste. I would follow the manufactures reccommendations 5,000 miles would be fine and also would keep the warrenty in effect if there is any left. Okay now for the tech stuff...... If you want to know how bad your oil is when you change it and find out a true mileage interval the next oil change save a small sample and send it to be tested (cost about 25.00 this will tell you everything you need to know about most important how clean is your engine running. You should do this with the miles on your car once a year after 50 or 60,000 miles 2 times a year it is the best indication of engine function and performance oil in itself never goes bad but carbon based oil will accumulate over time what is called sludge this is caused by th burning of fuel and it will mix with the oil causing a sludge to form the oil filter is the most important part in the oil system but it can only due so much therfore any particals bypassing the filter get mixed with the oil and that is why you change it if you were to remove the particals in the old oil the oil would be like new again and thats all I have to say about that. hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Go by your owner's manual. Many people change it every 3000 miles or 3 months because that is what mechanics in the past have recommended. Car technology is different these days so it is less frequent but going by your manual is best but do it religiously because going 25k miles without an oil change can potentially KILL your engine!
Your driving habits will play into it as well. Usually, car manuals have a regular driving oil change recommendation and a severe conditions schedule (lots of short trips where the engine doesn't reach operating temp long enough to burn off any water buildup, etc). My Acura says 5000 miles normal driving 10000 for severe.
Oil changes only cost like $20. It isn't worth risking long term engine damage

Answer 3

3000 miles for a good grade oil....(Like Castrol).. Folks that really love their cars change at 2000 miles!! A lot of stop and go, and hot weather driving can start to break down the oil prematurely. I go by the color and smell on the dipstick. I am not sold yet on the 'synthetics'...You want an engine that will last a long time, take good care of it, and change the oil often. After all, nowadays an oil change is a lot cheaper than a tank of gas!!

Answer 4

3000 miles for non synthetic and 5000 for a good synthetic like Mobil 1 if you want to keep the car a long time. I have 60 fords in my fleet and expect them to run 300000 with these oil changes

Answer 5

THE BEST RULE ON OIL CHANGES IS AT MINIMUM CHANGE YOUR OIL WHEN THE SEASONS CHANGE THE MOST. ONCE IN THE SPRING AND ONCE IN THE FALL. THE AIR TEMPERATURE EFFECTS THE OILS PERFORMANCE. IF YOU LIVE WHERE THE TEMP. IS HOT IN THE SUMMER, CHANGE THE OIL AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER. AND AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER. THAT MAKES 4 TIMES A YEAR OF EVERY 3 MONTHS. IF YOU DRIVE YOUR CAR 12000 MILES PER YEAR, THEN EVERY 3000 MILES.

Answer 6

Generally speaking, if you look at the oil on your dipstick and notice the color. Look at it right after an oil change. Notice the clarity and color. You do not need to change it again until this clarity and color begin to change. Becomes darker, less clear.

The safe move would be to change it every 3-5 thousand miles!

Answer 7

Castrol GTX or Valvoline Racing oil 20-50w :)

Answer 8

3 months or 3000 miles is a good interval to go by in my opinion.

Answer 9

my honda recomends the 7000 miles it tells me there on my oboard computer so when it tells me i change it

Answer 10

change your oil every 3500-3800 miles