i have an 02 lexus es 300...the last time i had an oil change was in feb...it is almost august now...but my car has only driven around 2000 miles...so has my car suffered damage cuz of the long time since i last had an oil change?
2007-07-29 06:26:16 · 16 answers · asked by asadm 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No, I would change it every 6 months if you don't meet the required mileage. In Europe most Japanese cars recommend once a year if you don't drive it much. Oil does not spontaneously deteriorate if not used, it has enough water dispersants and rust inhibitors to put up with occasional use.
2007-07-29 06:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by cimra 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the Toyota manufactured Lexus has a 180 degree thermostat it naturally does not run as hot as most cars. Town driving over time is brutal on engine oil as fuel contamination, blow by and moisture can't be driven off as well as miles driven on the open road.
Your motor is not ruined but excess gum and varnish will form if you let things get out of hand. At a bare minimum an oil change at your Lexis or any new car dealer is a good rule of thumb.
You have a valuable car and you should avoid fast oil change shops. Too many horror stories and mistakes are made.
2007-07-29 13:48:55 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Valvoline website, they that collectible and classic cars (cars rarely used) can wait as long as 1 year between motor oil change.
Engine oil has 2 components. The first is lubricants. And that component is subject to breakdown (meaning they stop being lubricant). Modern oils are much better at resisting breakdown (thermal and sheer / mechanical breakdown) - especially the synthetic motor oil.
The second component is the anti-corrosive wear additive. They work by neutralizing acids that build up but eventually the additive become depleted.
The problem is that engine oil becomes slightly corrosive once they are used. So leaving even a slightly corrosive liquid in the engine may cause them to slowly rust away. So the less you use the engine, the fresher the oil will be and can be left in there longer.
You said you've driven about 2000 miles. It isn't that old but it isn't "fresh" either. My Civic is recommended for 7,500 miles or 6 months. So you it all depends your engine. But considering what the cheap Civic can take, you are not that far gone.
Just don't make it a habit of going long without oil change.
Good Luck
===
Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.
FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWER
2007-07-29 13:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by Lover not a Fighter 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No,here is how motor oil degrades.
Oil circulates through your engine picking up particles carbon and metal chips or shavings.Through condensation some water will be present in the oil. This is more common in winter.As you run the motor the oil circulates through an oil filter this will remove MOST particles but not water.
This is why short trips are harder on engine oil.The oil needs to heat up above 212 for the water to evaporate.Short trips cool weather change oil more often it is that simple.The filter will not capture everything that is why the oil needs to be changed.
Or take the car out on the highway and drive for a few miles.
If you are only driving 5,000 miles a year biannual oil changes are a good idea. just read the owners manual and follow the recommendations for type of oil to use and you will do fine.
If you have an owners manual read it!
If you don't get one!
You will get all kind of advice on this subject,but who do you believe? Joe Schmo or the people who designed tested and built your car?
2007-07-29 13:48:35 · answer #4 · answered by hotdogseeksbun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, technicaly, you should be able to drive atleast 6 or 7,000 miles before you change oil.
Every 3,000 miles to do an oil change is actually a myth, this was told to the american public so that the oil company's,would profit off of oil sales.
2007-07-29 13:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by whatchathinkin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the oil conventional oil is only good for 3,000 miles or 3 months. oil breaks down over time just as with mileage. so sure you have cuased excessive wear in the internal engine components. heck even gas breaks down in just a month. synthetic motor oil does last longer so it depends on the type of oil and the chemical make up of it.
2007-07-29 13:35:43 · answer #6 · answered by dj_lonewolf69 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As people would say, change it every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. I think the oil will break down after 3 months, so it's best to change the oil.
2007-07-29 13:31:32 · answer #7 · answered by mrhuangsta 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You should be fine, really. Mileage is what is usually key. Had the car sat idle for a year, I'd say change it right away (for other reasons). just don't go too much further without an oil change.
2007-07-29 13:31:07 · answer #8 · answered by dpilipis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most cars recommend 6000 miles or more these days. I just go every six months regardless of the mileage. It keeps things simple.
2007-07-29 13:30:14 · answer #9 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Oil changes are usually every 10,000 miles.
2007-07-29 13:29:33 · answer #10 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋