oil change intervals - full synthetic

[MikeHTally]

the manual states 7500, right? and that's on mineral oil, so it would seem it could last even longer on full synthetic. can somebody explain the need to change oil at shorter intervals then the manual specifies?

I think you'll find that is for the "light duty" interval. 5K is the real-world interval. Since the PP 5w-30 I use is pretty pricey at the place I have do the changes, I'm stickin' with 4K-5K. After the next change at 13K, I may start doing my own. It's faster and cheaper. On the other hand, if I have a "oil-related failure" that isn't a result of the oil changes, I may be screwed.

 

[BillTheCat]

Like most here, I stick to a 4-5k interval. If I am heading out for a road trip, I will get it changed early before hand, if it would be later than 5k when I return. And when I used to autocross, I'd get it done at 3k, no exceptions.

I'm also using Pennzoil Platinum, only because it's what my dealer offers. Always been a Mobil 1 guy, but that's gotten way too expensive. (Keep in mind, I am no longer doing my own oil changes due to bad back)

Had my oil changed about 4 weeks ago, just before I went to Deal's Gap. 4 weeks & 3k miles later, I am going in Friday for my next change. After running hard at the Tail of the Dragon for a week, I figure fresh oil is cheap insurance.

Previous post about deposits is one of the most obvious reasons not to increase the interval too awful much, just based on the oil you use.

 

[SwampAss]

the manual states 7500, right? and that's on mineral oil, so it would seem it could last even longer on full synthetic. can somebody explain the need to change oil at shorter intervals then the manual specifies?

Peace of mind. I think most of us are hard-grained into thinking 3000 miles is the limit for dino oil. We're ok at 5000 with a quality synthetic. I think it's purely mental. I'm the same way. I change mine every 5k. I'll let my wife's car go to 10k (even though BMW states 15k). I don't care about her car as much.

 

[jeff4880]

I have a hard time doing more than 3K on any oil in a performance based engine. But I agree that synthetic should go for 5K. I guess it all depends on your driving conditions.

I like to use a quality conventional oil and change every 3K.

 

[240ka]

I have a bmw too u know

haha, Sport6 OWNED

 

[Nliiitend1]

I've been sticking to between 3K and 4K miles...I will probably do my next one @ closer to 4K miles, since I've only had 1 autocross and no open-track events on this fill...

 

[79_Limited]

5k here with Penzoil Platinum.

 

[DaleNixon]

3k miles but I only put like 9000 or so a year on my car. I run PP. Fuel dilution keeps me paranoid and changing it at 3k. Plus I kind of like the whole oil change ritual.

 

[6SpeedTA95]

Some of you guys went 3500 miles before your first oil change? :nono:

 

[DaleNixon]

Turbo Turds.

 

[squidmotion]

Some of you guys went 3500 miles before your first oil change? :nono:

yes, i did... i didn't read about doing it sooner until i was at about 3000... i did know to leave it running for a bit after driving it, and to warm it up well before stepping on it too hard... can't win 'em all.

 

[6SpeedTA95]

yes, i did... i didn't read about doing it sooner until i was at about 3000... i did know to leave it running for a bit after driving it, and to warm it up well before stepping on it too hard... can't win 'em all.

Live and learn we definately can't win them all.

 

[Gmac03]

First oil change was after a few hundred hard miles on the car. I keep the interval between the 3k and 5k mark. I lean towards the 3k but if time doesn't permit i'm ok going extra due to using full syn.

Using valvoline full syn, but normally a stickler for Mobil 1.

Gmac