Oil change time interval

[Amak]

I found myself in a unique situation and need guidance.

I know for my S-series, 3k mi is the general interval. But, I'll soon have a job that will have me driving in town (stoplights and all) for maybe 6mi max daily (home and back). My question is, since it'd take me 500 days or so to hit 3k, how often should I change?

I've hunted around and could not find an answer, and I know Satty likes to burn a bit, but over a year on even synthetic seems a bit much.

[GTS350]

Typically the interval will be listed as 3000 mi or 6 months (whichever comes first).

[onlinebiker]

That's going to be hard on any engine. Short haul kills.


Any other options? Bicycle? Public transport?

Electric would be a good option.

[OldNuc]

Originally Posted by Amak

I found myself in a unique situation and need guidance.

I know for my S-series, 3k mi is the general interval. But, I'll soon have a job that will have me driving in town (stoplights and all) for maybe 6mi max daily (home and back). My question is, since it'd take me 500 days or so to hit 3k, how often should I change?

I've hunted around and could not find an answer, and I know Satty likes to burn a bit, but over a year on even synthetic seems a bit much.

High quality full synthetic or you will have a monster oil burner. Be sure to run at least 45 minutes on the highway each week as well.

You need to monitor running time and not miles. The link below gives you an idea of why you want the synthetic oil.
https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2880.pdf Look at service life.

I would suggest that for those short trips look at a sample at 100 hours and go from there to come up with a good interval.

Not all synthetic oils are identical either.

[TomM96]

> Be sure to run at least 45 minutes on the highway each week as well.

Good advice. Do that AFTER running in rain. Moisture from combustion accumulates in short runs; 45minute drives dry out the innards.

[focusofheart]

Over the last 5 years my Saturn is only used during the week. Due to the 20 mile round trip I make twice a day, I get my oil changed every 3 months, regardless of mileage, per my father's advice.

Spending a small amount of money for an oil change, tire rotation and car inspection seems to keep her running well. I use Castrol® GTX® High Mileage Oil which is a synthetic blend motor oil. Being proactive curbs most mechanically problems for me as well.

During most of my daily route, I average 50 mile speed limits, with little traffic, so I hop onto the freeway once or twice a week for a 15 minute drive.

Additionally, since I am near 2 freeways, I tend to use them to cover some of the daily drive of about 5 miles each day, when possible.

So far this routine has kept my Saturn running well since my forte is tailoring/sewing rather than car repair.

[Amak]

I cannot get multi-reply to work....

Oldnuc, I will take that info into account for sure! I'll use 6mo as a rough guide and tweak from there.

As for other ways.... biking in that area is pretty dangerous and I can't afford another car so no to electric. Wondering if I should just use my 97 Sedan as a beater of sorts and baby my 01 Coupe.

[onlinebiker]

Here's my out of the box thinking option -

If only city driving - 35 mph and under - less than 10 miles per day -----

A one wheel drive unit. A 40v motor driving a cable drive to an engagement bendix to one rear wheel. The rear wheel would have a geared plate ( think a Saturn flywheel mounted between the rim and brake drum. The whole power unit could mount in the spare tire well.

Simply put the standard transmission in neutral - and hit the juice. Have a speed controller hooked to the gas pedal. For simplicity sake - no reverse. Use the gas engine if you must.


You'll be the first on your block to have an S series hybrid.