oil changes!?

Question

with gas prices the way they are my pick up truck sits in the garage most of the time(only taken out a few times a month a 100 or 200 miles a month) I've always changed the oil at 3000 miles or 3 months whatever came first. with money be tight(building a new house) is it safe to extend the oil servicing out to 5 or six months?

Answer 1

unless you live on dusty roads or take very short runs continously 5000 miles is perfectly fine.

Answer 2

I recommend every 4000 miles or 6 months. I have a lot of older customers that come in my shop and want an oil change I don't like to profile people but if they are a certain age I tend to look at the sticker to make sure how many miles and days have gone by. I turn people away all the time out of honesty. I will check the fluids and tires and make sure everything looks good and have them come back in a few months. They come in at 3 months and sometimes only have about 200 miles since the last oil change. I know that the oil companies say 3 months but that is way too early for only 200 miles even 1000 miles. I tell them to come back in 3 months and we will change it then. Most people appreciate this and continue to use me for their oil changes. I only had one or 2 customers that called bask later and complained about it. But I would rather hear someone complain that i am being honest than because I am taking their money when I shouldn't.

Answer 3

The type of oil is important to know so i will offer this. I change my truck every 5000 with synthetic regardless of time and I always change the filter with the oil. I change my motorcycle once a year in the fall before I put it up for the winter but I only average about 2500 miles a year on it.

Answer 4

I suggest you go with what the manufacturer recommends. You will find it to be a longer interval and mileage than the 3mo/3k that the oil change places say. More frequent oil changes are recommended if you are more abusive to the vehicle like towing or operating in high heat, extreme cold or extreme dirt and dusty conditions.

Answer 5

Still continue at 3 months. The oil still gets old. Car runs on oil and water, its lifeblood. Just like you run on blood and water. Has to circulate. Minor expense for a possible major problem.

Answer 6

I( understand that manoey may be tight, but the cost of an oil change (DIY) is under 20.00. Be safe, do the oil change.

Answer 7

NEVER ! ! go past 4000 miles

Answer 8

Maybe once in a while is alright..but not all the time