Do you still have to get a oilchange even though you barely drive and there is still alot of oil left?

Question

I used to work in the suburbs and used to drive everyday. I would get an oilchange when needed. But now I work downtown and take the train to work and only drive on the weekends if I need to. I last got an oilchange in Feb. Do I still need to get one when I'm supposed to? Or can I wait till the oil gets low???

Answer 1

I would say every 3000 miles, that's what I do. But when I get my oil change, the place gives me a sticker telling me when to come back....

Answer 2

Only your car manufacturer can give you the right answer. It might say in your owner's manual, but it's either time or mileage determined. So you would change it every 6 months or 12 months depending on what your manual says. Checking the oil level on the oil dipstick doesn't have anything to do with when you change the oil unless your trying to save the cost of one quart of oil that brings the level up from "add oil" to "full oil". Just make sure to keep the oil between the add and full marks with the engine off and it's best to measure it before you take the car out for the day. You might consider paying a little more to get a "synthetic blend" oil that will protect your engine better for the type of short trip driving you may do.

Answer 3

Check your owners manual in the section covering maintenance. It will probably say something like "change the oil every 3 months OR every 3000 miles. Whichever comes 1st" I understand that to mean that if you have only driven 10 miles in the 3 months since your last oil change, then you still need to have it changed after the end of the 3rd month.

The thing is that the oil will deteriorate, & not work as effectively in the engine. If it just sits there not being driven the oil can get gummy. It's good you are driving the car on the weekends at least. Cars are meant to be on the road, not in the garage.

Answer 4

You're asking two questions.

First, you change oil when it gets old, not when it gets low. When it gets low, you should add more, 'cuz if you let it get low enough, you'll need to change the entire engine, not just the oil! :-(

Second, oil ages based on the severity of service.

Severe service can consist of, for example, driving in very hot weather while pulling a travel trailer, or regularly driving short distances where the engine never reaches operating temperature. Both of those scenarios are hard on engine oil; hot service breaks down the oil molecules, cold service can leave fuel and combustion contaminants in the oil that aren't boiled off by reaching full operating temp.

So, if you drive until the engine warms up and don't race or pull trailers, you should be safe to follow the mileage specs for oil changes.

Answer 5

The oil will not go anywhere no matter how much you drive, but it will degrade and stop working properly, you should change your oil every 3000 miles, usually the person who changed your oil last will put a sticker on your windshield in the top left corner, this will tell you what type oil they have used and subsequently, at what time to change your oil (based on the type) but most all are 3000 miles, if you go to far without an oil change you might just kill your engine, especially if you live where temperature conditions are extreme.

Answer 6

When you drive your car part time, acid will form in your crank-
case and when you start it again you circulate the acid
throughout your engine. This will cause your car to smoke
before its time. Thats why the manufacturer typically advises
a 3-month oil change interval for light-duty cars. You don't
need the most expensive oil but you should stay with the
same grade, i.e. 5W30 or whatever your owner's manual
suggests. Any brand with an API rating of "SL" will do. Wait-
ing until the oil gets low seems convenient but it shouldn't be
used as a criterion. 3-4 months so its about time now. Oil is
the cheapest thing you can buy to extend the life of your
engine.

Answer 7

you are supposed to change the oil every 3000 miles or 6 months

in your case I would say the oil is gonna be good for an extra 2 months if you dont use all of its mileage up by then

I would not wait until the oil gets low ever stick by the numbers. Also you need to start a car once a week in order to keep parts from becoming "bone dry" of oil also to keep the battery charged

Answer 8

Regardless of if the oil level is low does not regulate when to change your engine oil. You should be changing your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months whichever comes first. Oil breaks down eventually and will no longer protect your engine. Short trips, stop and go traffic, etc will make the oil break down sooner. So its recommended that you change your oil/filter every 3months or 3,000 miles regardless of your oil level. If low on oil add oil until the level reaches the full mark on the dipstick. If you run your engine low on oil you'll be buying a new engine, so even if your a few hundred miles from an oil change and your low on oil add oil to the full mark.

Answer 9

You should never wait till your oil just gets low or burnt. The oil breaks down over time. It is probably recommended around every 3 months or 3,000 miles. You should change it accordingly with the mileage but even if you don't drive that many miles you should change it at least every 6 months to be safe.

Answer 10

Change to Mobil one and because it protects better you might space out your oil changes to 6 or 8 months. That is if you drive the car weekly until it fully warms up and put at least 10 miles driving around on after it warms up. Never let the oil level get low. Before you would have 3,000 miles in three months now your lucky to have 6,000 a year buy the best oil and change every 6 months.

Answer 11

the way of oil changes goes .......
5000 miles or 3 months whatever comes first.

in Your car's case will apply the three months rule.
(3 month ,due to heating and coolings cycles conditions the oil has the tendency to get moisture from the ambient)

I know You will strech the oil change timing,but be sure to make note of the last oil change,otherwise the moisture in the oil will turn RUST ,and rust in the oil is like sand paper rubbing the internal engine parts

mechanic by 42 years .