When should I change the oil in a '91 Honda 146K miles? Last change 1 year ago. 4000 miles since that change

Question

Engine 4 cyl. Good condition. Added about 1/2 qt. oil last 4000. Any car affienodos? Thanks!

Answer 1

Many people tout "3k miles or 3 months" - whichever comes first - this has been beat into our heads by all of the quickie lube joints that have sprung up all over the nation.

Of course these quickie lube places make their money by getting people in and paying their $20-$50 to get their oil changed - depending upon the flavor they choose.

Now your owners manual will likely suggest you change your oil every 3k-10k miles (my book says 7,500).

Car manufacturers make their money by selling you a new car, and if your cars lifespan is lowered by not changing your oil often enough (i.e. engine trouble) they get to sell you a new car.

So what's the answer? Probably somewhere in between.

Here's a great report Consumer Reports put out about what happens to oil after a certain amount of time. They tested regular oils, synthetic oils, expensive ones and cheap -- the results were surprising, to me:

http://www.xs11.com/stories/croil96.htm

Keep in mind that your driving habits/style affect the breakdown of oil too. A lot of highway driving keeps your engine at a relatively stable RPM so your oil won't break down quite as quickly. A lot of stop and go driving will shorten the lifespan of your oil.

For a car that old ... I'd suggest between 3,500k - 5k miles. But it's your car ;)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Normal oil change intervals: Short trips, Less than 10 miles typical drive per engine warm up - Change Oil every 3000 miles or 3 months. Long trips, Over 10 miles average drive per engine warm up - Change Oil every 5000 miles or 3 months. Continuous extended driving, 100+ miles per warm up - Change Oil every 7000 miles or the maximum permitted oil change interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. A full synthetic oil is capable of at least doubling these intervals, but do not do it until your engine is out of warranty!

Answer 3

3000 miles or 3 months whichever first. the reason there is a time limit as well is because of the buildup of acids in the oil even if you don't put lots of miles on the oil will still break down and loose its lubricating properties because of the acids. You may only put 500 or 600 miles on the car but in three months you should still change the oil.

Answer 4

i own a repair shop,and if you want it to last a lot longer ,you need to change it at least every 3000 on it,,this will help you get a few more miles of driving out of it,,but going 4000 on an oil change on a high mileage car isn't good for it,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.

Answer 5

If your engine is not knocking like someone is hitting it with a hammer than the crankshaft may still last a while. On Monday morning go to your mechanic and get an oil change. You seriously need one. If that engine is knocking like someone slamming a hammer against it.....take the car to a junkyard.

Answer 6

use full synthetic it cost more but it has a longer life then regular oils if you let the car sit awhile

regular oil 3000 miles or 3 months\
synthetic 6000 miles or 6 months

A friend of mine his father is a mechanic for fORD and he does 10,000 miles with snythetic oils

Answer 7

Every 3,000 miles! You must do a lot of walking to only drive 4,000 miles in a year.

Answer 8

every 2000 months or 3 months whatever comes first!

Answer 9

do you have an owner's manual?
read it.
if you don't have an owner's manual, get one from your dealer, or ebay, and THEN read it.
go on, there's probably things in it you don't even know you don't know.

Answer 10

dude you need to CHANGE THE OIL!!!!!!!!!