Miles between oil change: A data point

[smokeythecat]

I see lots of threads about how often to change oil, but most posts seem to be based on gut feelings. As an experiment I decided to use the Jeep's oil monitor as my guide since I see a lot of scoffing at that metric. I didn't let it get all the way down to zero, but I did get it down to 1%. This meant an oil change after 8820 miles.

An oil sample was sent to Blackstone. It's nice having data to take the ambiguity out of a decision. I'm going to take the advice and go 10,000 miles next round. But I might be giving my Jeep calcium supplements.

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[azwjowner]

Which Mobil1 0w20 variety did you use?

 

[rk911]

IMO you can't change the oil too frequently. When I was still working I changed oil every 5000-mi, roughly every 50-days. These days it"s every 6-mos. roughly 1K-2K miles.

 

[Camaroboi13]

I get down to 5-8% on the dash, it’s between 8000-8500 miles. I’m not interested in doing it any sooner with 9 quarts and a 60 dollar filter

 

[smokeythecat]

Which Mobil1 0w20 variety did you use?

Truck and SUV. Also, if it matters, I was burning 87 octane.

 

[smokeythecat]

IMO you can't change the oil too frequently. When I was still working I changed oil every 5000-mi, roughly every 50-days. These days it"s every 6-mos. roughly 1K-2K miles.

It's hard to tell if you are joking or not. The whole idea was to be data driven and not just going with your gut.

 

[Dave K]

I see lots of threads about how often to change oil, but most posts seem to be based on gut feelings. As an experiment I decided to use the Jeep's oil monitor as my guide since I see a lot of scoffing at that metric. I didn't let it get all the way down to zero, but I did get it down to 1%. This meant an oil change after 8820 miles.

An oil sample was sent to Blackstone. It's nice having data to take the ambiguity out of a decision. I'm going to take the advice and go 10,000 miles next round. But I might be giving my Jeep calcium supplements.

Great idea, thanx for sharing

 

[Hard Rock Jeep]

Thank you for doing this. That is quite informative. Oils have changed a lot since the days of 3000 miles. By the way, how much did this test cost?

 

[58Willys]

Good data point. Next time have TBN & TAN ran, those points give a good picture of acid levels and if your oil is wearing out. Slight extra charge for this at Blackstone.

 

[NWJeepr]

I see no value in exceeding the manufacturer's oil life change recommendations while under warranty, and certainly not in paying for tests proving that I can do so. Each to their own...

Come to think of it, I've changed the oil in my Jeep 4 times in 6k since new. lol.

 

[Bandit59]

I see lots of threads about how often to change oil, but most posts seem to be based on gut feelings. As an experiment I decided to use the Jeep's oil monitor as my guide since I see a lot of scoffing at that metric. I didn't let it get all the way down to zero, but I did get it down to 1%. This meant an oil change after 8820 miles.

An oil sample was sent to Blackstone. It's nice having data to take the ambiguity out of a decision. I'm going to take the advice and go 10,000 miles next round. But I might be giving my Jeep calcium supplements.

Good info. But I will stay at 5-6k between changes. For me 4 changes a year

 

[YBABRAT]

I'm running Valvoline Restore & Protect 0w-20. I have watched a Valvoline plug video that explained a few pointers with any oil and the differences with their new product. Flash point and a ability to clean. Even though many oils claim above 5K miles, they recommend 5k. There is a balance higher flash point less stable breakdown linearity and visa versa.

So far with over 86k on odo, it has cleaned fairly well. Added roughly .5psi to oil pressure and probably helped with my MPG. There has been claims by independent users, that oil consumption is reduced because of it. I never seen any consumption since ownership with 82k on odo.

The key is oil changes at 5k... no matter how good your oil is. If you run 7k oil, think of it as a cushion to when you are able to perform an oil change.

 

[smokeythecat]

Thank you for doing this. That is quite informative. Oils have changed a lot since the days of 3000 miles. By the way, how much did this test cost?

I have forgotten the exact amount, but I think it was in the $36 range. It's $10 more if you want to test for any additives.

 

[Old Dogger]

It is nice to see some oil samples, and what they show. But I have always changed my engine oil, every six months. That use to average between 3000 to 5000 miles per change. Now that I am retired, I don't drive that many miles any more. So I am averaging about 2000 miles per six month change. As for me, engine oil is cheap, so I will stay on my schedule. But everybody to their own. I have also always used 5W30 viscosity in all of our 3.6 engines. I feel more comfortable doing this is hot as hell phoenix AZ.

 

[LDSSILLS]

I use this rule. And its based on breakdown of oil detergents and filter effectiveness.

Below 20,000 miles I like to change it every 3,000 miles. Reason is the engine is new and todays smaller filter needs to remove any left over metal from internal engine parts. Yes its expensive if you use a synthetics but you will be thankful because metal parts are getting caught and removed.

After 20,000 miles to warranty expiration I go to every 5,000 miles or 4 months. . Primarily, because I believe detergents start to breakdown around that mark. Those detergents are important as the remove carbon deposits which then go into the filter.

Once my warranty is expired I go to "non" synthetic oil and change every 3,000 miles again. Bottomline if you read the bottles of synthetic and non synthetic oils they all meet the same ASME standards. So why waste money on synthetic.

Trust me its a great feeling when you have more than 100,000 on that engine and you pull the dipstick to find its hard to read because your oil is as clear as it was from the bottle.

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