My car needs an oil change every 3000 miles and it's been 5000, do I have to worry real soon?

Question

It's a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE with 155,000 miles.

Answer 1

The manufacturer’s manual for your car specifies an oil change every 7500 miles. This is adequate if you drive normally and use a good quality of oil. But, this recommendation is the minimum needed to preserve the Warranty on the engine that expired a long, long time ago.

Cars that are driven mostly around town, in dusty areas (i.e. country roads), or hot environments should have the oil changed more often. This frequency used to be every 5000 miles but in the last few years experience has shown that better results are obtained with oil changing every 3000 miles.

The 3000 miles was initially a gimmick by the oil changing companies to sell more oil. It has since been shown that longer engine life is achieved with the lower interval. In fact, for some engines that had problems, like the 1998 Toyota 4-cyl, the manufacturer has changed their recommendation to 3000 miles to limit carbon build up in the valve area of the engine.

If you plan on keeping your car for any length of time, I recommend that you observe the 3000 mile oil change. As to should you worry about 5000 miles? Probably not. Older engines will last longer with more frequent oil changes but they do not die overnight or at a magic mileage. However, get your oil changed soon to improve the chance that it will still run the day after.

Answer 2

Why does it need to be changed every 3000 miles? Unless you use your car as a taxi or haul loads up mountains everyday the 3000 mile oil change myth is just that: a myth and a complete waste of money. Changing every 5000 miles (or whatever your owners manual reccommends) with a quality oil is more than enough. This has been proven time and time again -- even by consumer reports.

Answer 3

Lubricants are recommended to be changed after some period as it looses its properties of cooling, lubricating, dissipating the heat and removal of contaminants from the engine and its gear boxes. As per recommendations you should have changed the oil in 3000 miles so that all the properties of oil may be working efficiently without harming the engine and its part. The debris collected in the lubricant in this period may harm the part of the engine as well as load carraying capacity of the gears. Generally the viscosity of the lubricant is also effected due to heat and debris in the oil. It is proper to get it changed as recommended or you can option to take the sample of the oil and get it tested from authorised agency for its detailed analysis including it's viscocity, debris analysis and confirm that it has not detoriated. However in my view it is better to change it and follow the recommendations of the manufacturer as it will be a cheaper and better option.

Answer 4

Lordy I have gone past the 3000 miles/3 month deadline numerous times on many of my vehicles. They all have run fine. I sometimes think the 3000 mile thing is to get you into the oil change place more often, though it is a good idea to get it done at least twice a year or check your levels yourself.

Answer 5

It's ok to do that once in a great while as many synthetic motor oils used today can be safely used for 5500 miles or more, though it's not recommended to do so as not long after that carbon buildup will begin to reduce your automobile's performance (horsepower, gas mileage, etc.) Try to get it changed when you get the chance though!

Answer 6

Since your car has very high mileage you really really need to change it every 3000 miles. The higher the mileage of a vechile the more you need to follow the oil change rule. 3000 miles or every 3 to 4 months. You really need to change your oil pronto or you could have big problems with your car.

Answer 7

i am old school. I have '97 silverado w/v8(180,000) and a '99 malibu(130,000), change oil every 3000 mi. on the money. no problems mechanical. very sound. still get 16.5 mpg on truck and 28.5 mpg on car. you would save yourself some trouble by sticking with that reg maint schedule. although you will always run into the unusual circumstances.

Answer 8

YEs do it. Oil change is important, especially on an older vehicle. Its the blood of your car and changing it frequently can greatly increase the life of your car. Alot of people underestimate how important oil changes are

Answer 9

No worry. Just get the oil changed as soon as possible.

Answer 10

well u shouldent wait too much...but no... sumtimes i have waited 7000 miles and im still fine, but it depends if ur car burns the oil alot...but for now u shouldent worry much...just try to do it every 3k to 5k miles...happy new year