Oil changes question..3000 miles or every 3 months???? What if...?

Question

I dont use my car that much.
I live in a small town and work 2 miles where I live.
It would take me about 9 months to go 3000 miles.

I have a 2005 Honda I bought new with only 7000 miles (because I drove from Las vegas to florida twice with it.

My question is what would happen if I waited until my next 3000 miles, which could be like 9 months from now?

Would I harm my car in any way?

Answer 1

Twice a year is good advice, I know people that change it once a year and never have any problems.
3000 miles is overkill in almost all instances, the only people really advocating this is the people selling oil changes.

Even the car manufacturers dont recommend this and it is in their best interest to have their vehicles last or you will not buy another one from them.

I change my oil at 5000 miles, all my vehicles run over 200,000 miles and I have never had an oil-related breakdown.

The environment does not need us changing oil more often than necessary, ev en if it is recycled, why use up more oil than is needed?

Answer 2

The car you are driving has been set certain manufacturer's recommendations and these are a guideline for your vehicle. I will however tell you that you should do a visual check of you oil at least once a week to see if you are burning oil and whether the oil is dirty or burnt looking. These are key indications of over use of the vehicle engine and can create abnormal wear on the engine parts which is always bad. Just by going by a manufacturer's recommendation isn't a good idea because if the vehicle develops a problem then the 3 month or 3000 miles could destroy the engine parts which can be more costly for repairs then just taking a quick oil reading yourself.

Answer 3

They (whoever "they" is) say 3 months or 3000 miles- whichever is first. There has been a lot of talk of the neccesity of this lately, so the standard may change. Anyhow, even with short trips, your oil is being heated and you are getting condensation in your crankcase and other areas. This water combines with other biproducts in your engine to form acids. These acids will eat at your engine parts. Also, with water, your oil loses its viscosity or lubricating effect. You will also pick up a lot of dirt. The dirt will mix and settle in your oil. If oil is not good and clean, it will cause unneeded wear on engine parts just from the grit. Starting is the hardest ime for an engine. The oil is cold, therefore less able to get in all the little cracks and crevices where it is needed. Also, the dirt and water seperate from the oil and settle in areas- dirt with dirt/ water with water and these pockets hitting engine parts can be rough. Something you may want to consider is your car's warranty. If you bought it new, it may still be under warranty and sometimes not changing the oil according to manufacturer's specs may void it.

Is it really neccesary to change your oil every 3 months? Probably not. It is a hotly contested debate. Conisder your warranty if you have one and go from there. Also, check your oil. If your oil appears clean and clear at the end of 3 months, you may choose to leave it alone. If it feels gritty, has white areas, or is dark, then it certainly needs to be changed.

Answer 4

No, not bad. timing depends on the vehicle and there is usually a recommended number of miles too. If you go that many miles in say 3 months, then you should get the oil changed at that time, but if it takes you 7 months to go that many miles, then get it changed at that time instead.

Answer 5

If you use a good quality Synthetic oil i would say you do not need to change it every 3 months you could definitely go every 6 months and i would probably wait and just do it every 3 or 4 thousand miles. the time is really just a recommendation the best way to tell is to check it and look at it to see if its dirty.

Answer 6

two or three time a yr is good if your not a hard driver or drive alot it will be ok.... its just a good thing to do it more offen that not it helps keep the car running really has long as there oil in it it will keep running its just not good on motor is all.... i drove a old car once for 4yrs without changing the oil i just added to it when it was low.... just get it done when ya can and try to change it more offen than not... and anyone can do it... it only cost like 20 bucks... so why not spend 20 buck and have it done

Answer 7

i wouldnt go over 4000 miles without an oil change. modern cars dont need every 3000. but if you've only driven the car 1000 miles in 9 months, get the oil changed. it sits and gets icky

Answer 8

The harm comes from sitting.
In all actuality, the short trips are harder on the oil because it runs a less percentage of the time at full operating temperature.
But the 3 month mark is because the oil will absorb (or emulsify) the humidity from the air which could cause corrosion or loss of lubrication.

Answer 9

Nothing.
As long as you keep the oil level up where it should be on the dipstick.

It's "recommended" that the engine oil be changed 3K miles or 3 mo.

I change mine once a year, or when it starts looking dirty.
215,000 miles on my Chevy.

ADDED:
I would recommend a drive of 30 minutes or more once a month to get the engine to operating temperature for a little while to remove any condensation in/on/around the engine.

Answer 10

Change your oil and filter once a year.,that will be more than sufficient due to the mileage you do