Synthetic Oil Change Interval

[sharky]

I'm getting competing answers when I search for this both on the internet and on this forum.

How often do I REALLY need to change my oil when I'm running full synthetic? I generally don't drive like an asshat, but I do love my boost. The poor car spends more time than I'd like in stop-and-go traffic.

Is it:

A) 3000 miles (I KNOW this is a myth perpetuated by the oil change places)
B) 5000 miles (what my somewhat trustworthy oil change place says)
C) 7500 miles (what AllData tells me for conventional oil)
D) 10k miles
E) 15k miles
F) 100k miles (change interval for Big Rigs w/ synthetic (CRAZY!))
G) other

OR

Does mileage mean less than time. Should I plan on changing it twice a year or so?


Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[zinger002]

I'm getting competing answers when I search for this both on the internet and on this forum.

How often do I REALLY need to change my oil when I'm running full synthetic? I generally don't drive like an asshat, but I do love my boost. The poor car spends more time than I'd like in stop-and-go traffic.

Is it:

A) 3000 miles (I KNOW this is a myth perpetuated by the oil change places)
B) 5000 miles (what my somewhat trustworthy oil change place says)
C) 7500 miles (what AllData tells me for conventional oil)
D) 10k miles
E) 15k miles
F) 100k miles (change interval for Big Rigs w/ synthetic (CRAZY!))
G) other

OR

Does mileage mean less than time. Should I plan on changing it twice a year or so?


Thanks in advance for your input.

from what i have seen with my own experiences, i do 5k miles. i just dont want to run the risk of breaking down the oil.

 

[hominemodi]

i don't ever change more often than the manual specifies and i don't understand why anybody would. the manufacturer designed and tested the car, they're not going the recommend anything sub-par. for our engines it is every 7500 miles on conventional and i'm sure if you stick with that on synthetic it'll be more than adequate.

 

[dougefresh_]

I use Mobile One, and would normally change it every 3-5,000 miles, but I drive infrequently (sometimes I won't drive for a few days to a week), so I don't like to go more than 6 months between changes. I think this is true for conventional oil as well. I'm due for a change now as it's been about 7 months since my last one, but only 2,500 miles or so. I do a lot of around town driving, and plenty o' boost.
Some may say that is too often and/or a waste, but with engine oil, you're better safe than sorry IMO.

 

[8.5MS3]

ur gonna get conflicting answers all day. everyone drives their car different and in different conditions. In NYC we get cold winters, and lots of traffic, so that falls into severe, where other locations it may not, I track the car in the summer months so that pretty much seals it for me. change your oil at 3k and get a used oil analysis. best way to know how to take care of YOUR car based on how YOU drive

 

[sharky]

What is a "Used Oil Analysis" and where do I get one?

 

[8.5MS3]

What is a "Used Oil Analysis" and where do I get one?

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

 

[Blendercloud]

During autocrossing and Spring/Summer seasons I change it every 4,000. During Fall/Winter seasons I change it every 5,000.

I'm sure I could stretch it out more, but why? Oil is cheap! I would rather be on the cautious side of things. However, I do agree that 3,000 miles for any oil change is entirely too conservative.