Car Experts - I Have a Question..

[BoxsterCy]

What you guys really need is some vintage oil change stickers for your door jambs. Found a whole book of these in my dad's stuff, circa 1978.

 

[ricochet]

With synthetic oil and a modern engine you could probably go 10,000 miles over several years and be OK.

 

[cmjh10]

I run my truck to 30% or so on the oil reader before I change it. Often times, the oil (synthetic) isnt completely black. I would guess you are fine, but its your car.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

You’re fine to wait until your oil meter says it’s time to change. I never change oil until my oil life is below 10%.

 

[flycy]

The reason to change after a year is because he oil becomes acidic over time. Does that cause enough damage to justify changing, probably in a car you say you want to keep a long time. Because of this, you should change oil before your car, mower, etc. sit over the winter. I know this, but never do it.

 

[Old87]

You should change your oil soon. You stated that your driving is mostly short trips. Short trips do not allow the engine oil, transmission fluid, and cooling systems to reach full operating temperatures. Condensation can develop inside of the engine and transmission due to the lack of heat from the short trips. This can dilute the fluids causing them to be less effective. A yearly oil change is cheap insurance if you plan on keeping the car. It would be helpful if you would take your car on a good 30 minute drive every couple of weeks to keep all of the moving parts moving and all of the fluids fresh.

 

[swiacy]

For what it’s worth. Have lots of vehicles from semi’s, pick ups, cars etc. Changing fluids is the cheapest no brainer to avoid big repair bills. Vehicles that sit or have short trip usage actually are at as much risk as high mileage units. Oil goes bad if it sits. Condensation also is not good. Old V-8’s & 6’s needed changed at 2,000 miles. Modern engines 3,000 to 5,000. Some mfg’s say 10,000 miles but I find that hard to believe.

 

[CyCloned]

I really didn't know if synthetic oil lasted longer than conventional oil or not. Found this article that is interesting:

Synthetic Oil: Everything You Need To Know

Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds. Synthetic oils are typically created from chemically modified materials such as petroleum components, but the base material is almost always distilled crude oil.

www.caranddriver.com

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[dmclone]

I haven't watched this but this guy is the best

 

[cstrunk]

In my very unprofessional opinion you probably would be fine until April. Especially if you only make short trips. An issue would be more likely to arise on a long trip. I would still get the oil changed asap. If you are in ames just go through the LOF express by Walmart and be done in 5 minutes. When I was in school putting very few miles on my car that is what I used about every 8 months. Never had an issue with the service they provide.

This is not correct. See below:

You should change your oil soon. You stated that your driving is mostly short trips. Short trips do not allow the engine oil, transmission fluid, and cooling systems to reach full operating temperatures. Condensation can develop inside of the engine and transmission due to the lack of heat from the short trips. This can dilute the fluids causing them to be less effective. A yearly oil change is cheap insurance if you plan on keeping the car. It would be helpful if you would take your car on a good 30 minute drive every couple of weeks to keep all of the moving parts moving and all of the fluids fresh.

This. 100% this.

 

[NWICY]

You’re fine to wait until your oil meter says it’s time to change. I never change oil until my oil life is below 10%.

Yep my target is 10% also, sometimes though it'll get down to single digits. I'm amazed at how good it looks when I drain it.