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While there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing oil on a sooner-than-needed interval, most cars can go slightly longer than the popular 3K miles that is generally toted.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing oil on a sooner-than-needed interval, most cars can go slightly longer than the popular 3K miles that is generally toted.
Google search "Blackstone labs analysis" to see more sample reports.
I did a test just recently. Honda V6 with 108K miles. Mobil1 5W20 at 6500-7000 mile intervals (when the Honda oil life indicator says 0 or 5%). Wear elements below (better) averages for that engine.
I did a test just recently. Honda V6 with 108K miles. Mobil1 5W20 at 6500-7000 mile intervals (when the Honda oil life indicator says 0 or 5%). Wear elements below (better) averages for that engine.
But if you change it at 3K, wear elements will be way way way way way way way below average.
Or maybe you would just be wasting money doing that.
LOL, some of you are still living in 1975 with API-SE oils and your 3k change intervals. Who the heck still thinks that conventional oils have to be changed at 3k? 5000mi is the standard now, with 7.5k to 10k+ for synthetic oils. But hey, if you love wasting money then keep changing your oil while it's still got plenty of life in it. Your mechanic will love you forever
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing oil on a sooner-than-needed interval, most cars can go slightly longer than the popular 3K miles that is generally toted.
Google search "Blackstone labs analysis" to see more sample reports.
I use another lab, but I agree....money well spent.
Not for my cars, but for my vintage pleasure boat which is powered by two 12V-71TI Detroit Diesels. These twelve cylinder engines are getting rare and are very expensive....not to mention that I would have to cut the cabin roof off to get them out of there. So I baby them. Over the years the analysis picked up a few problems early enough to avoid major damage.
Speaking of expensive oil changes...these twelve bangers hold nine gallons (not quarts!) EACH. Plus two huge oil filters on each engine. Then there are the two diesel generators....8 quarts in the main and 6 in the back-up, plus one oil filter on each genny.
Five 5 gallon buckets of oil does it with a bit left over....I could save money getting it in a 55 gallon, but I'm getting too old to horse one of them down the dock! LOL
I've never paid $3 a quart to start off with, it's usually been closer to $5-7 for the cars and $10+ for the bike. Then again, I buy nothing but synthetic, ESPECIALLY for the bike. The oil also lubes the transmission.
Synthetic's about $4-5/quart typically. It hasn't really fluctuated as much as dino oil has.
Oil ratings keep climbing, making them more costly. The latest service category rating for gasoline engines is SN for 2011 and newer model year vehicles. This replaces the previous SM rating that was introduced in November 2004 for 2005 and newer engines. SN-rated oils along with the previous SM, SL and SJ ratings, are all backwards compatible and can be safely used in older engines. But the opposite is not true. Older obsolete service classifications (SH, SG, SF, etc.) may not meet OEM lubrication requirements for newer engines. Likewise, API SL oils should not be used in 2005 and later vehicles, and SJ oils should not be used in 2001 and newer vehicles.
LOL, some of you are still living in 1975 with API-SE oils and your 3k change intervals. Who the heck still thinks that conventional oils have to be changed at 3k? 5000mi is the standard now, with 7.5k to 10k+ for synthetic oils. But hey, if you love wasting money then keep changing your oil while it's still got plenty of life in it. Your mechanic will love you forever
The only thing limiting me to 7500 on my Focus is the warranty. Ford says it can go 7500 on oils that meet it's spec (a good number of conventional oils do). I don't see a reason that I can't (with oil analysis to bakc it up) go 10K + on synthetic ...
There have been people who have run numerous UOAs on conventional oils and found even 5000 miles to be too conservative.
Just came across this thread. Commenting on the price of oil, yes dino oil in my are is currently selling for the same price as synthetic - $5.00+ dollars a quart. Far too much considering the current cost of a barrel of oil. Gouging indeed.
I try to buy when on sale. Get ahead a couple of changes. No need to stockpile, but when it's a good deal and I'll use it...
In the end it's a smaller price of the puzzle, compared to vehicle depreciation and gas.
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