Vis: SLAPSHOT’s manufacturers oil change interval question. It got me thinking...
10,000 mile intervals are probably ok with high quality synthetic oil and filter and average driving conditions when the car is new. But I think you are asking for trouble, especially if you go off road, or tow, or otherwise drive in harsh conditions. I also think that could be trouble as the vehicle ages and develops possible oil leaks or oil burning.
So why would some manufacturers recommend 10k, rather than 7500 or 5000 to be on the safe side? My hunch is that a lot of dealers do specials offering “free oil changes for the first 2 years” or whatever. The longer the interval, the more “generous” they can be with the deal, so the dealers may be pushing for a longer recommended interval.
But what do I know? Maybe the engineers have evidence to be confident in the longer intervals.
FWIW: my 2018 WRX has a 6000 mile recommendation, which I think is more reasonable.
I am retired and barely drive 5k miles annually. Is it ok to change my oil annually or can I wait even longer than that?
Change it at least once a year. Moisture and contaminants still go into the oil and build up. Even moreso if you make short trips.
Once a year OR 5k miles.
Oil degrades over time once poured into your engine.
Hi Scotty
60 year old female here that started watching your channel a few years ago because you are wicked smart and entertaining..killer combo. I bought a 2020 Rav 4 new and need it to be my forever car! While my son is a gearhead, he wants to know why I think I should have the synthetic oil changed every 5000 miles. I told him it was because you said so...lol. Toyota does not want to change it until 10000 so thinking about going somewhere else and having it changed following your advice. So aside from the obvious, is there a specific reason to change at 5000? I only drive about 50 miles a week as I work from home. Thank you so much!
Lisa
Scotty answers your question (2:31)
https://youtu.be/3LA9Mxfyn-k?t=151
Good Oil and filters are inexpensive, a decent trolley jack and axle stands are relatively inexpensive, a basic mechanics socket set is inexpensive. The half hour or so it will take you to change your own oil every 5,000 miles is also inexpensive.
Engines cost a small fortune.
True if you do not want to keep your car for years. I bought a new Corolla in 2004... it has never been more than 3K between oil changes and has never burned a drop of oil. It runs perfectly.
So if you want to keep it a long long time, change it. If you want to keep giving car dealers your money every 5 years or so, go 10K.
A channel on Youtube was saying that another factor in a car engine's overall condition is the cycles its gone through in terms of reaching operating temperature and cooling down again.
I don't know how reliable this info is. But they were saying you might be better off with a car that has done 50,000 highway miles and only been turned on and off once a day rather than a car that has been driven short distances to shops, job, and schools multiple times a day that has half the mileage.
Just thought I'd mention that if it benefitted the OP doing 100 miles a month.
I would say start cycles are more relevant than temperature cycles. The most engine wear occurs when starting after the oil has drained into the pan.
Hi Scotty
60 year old female here that started watching your channel a few years ago because you are wicked smart and entertaining..killer combo. I bought a 2020 Rav 4 new and need it to be my forever car! While my son is a gearhead, he wants to know why I think I should have the synthetic oil changed every 5000 miles. I told him it was because you said so...lol. Toyota does not want to change it until 10000 so thinking about going somewhere else and having it changed following your advice. So aside from the obvious, is there a specific reason to change at 5000? I only drive about 50 miles a week as I work from home. Thank you so much!
Lisa
Welcome new member. While the oil itself can last quite a while, that won’t stop it from accumulating a small amount of unburned gas as well as dirt and contaminants. If you wait until the oil actually starts to break down and sludge, you have already allowed unnecessary engine damage. I’m not going to elaborate more here on this old thread, but take a look in the search bar above. There is a lot of info on this in the archives. Good luck with your car.
