Oil Change?

[KawaiiKoneko]

I have a friend who wants to come and see me. But the trip here and back would require him going 500 miles over the recommended (assuming it's 3000) miles before a change. Not only that but he hasn't had it changed since January-Decemberish. It's a 2003 KIA RIO and he hardly ever drives it. When he does it's normally not in the day time unless it's a necessary trip. I've been trying to figure it out since 10am this morning but can't find any good sources that don't seem to have a liberal agenda or greedy companies wanting their money.

Why is it so important to change the oil often? What happens if you don't?

I'd really appreciate some sources as well. I'm skeptical to any claims about it. And I'm sure you'd be too if you've been reading nothing but empty answers all morning. u.u'

So if someone could help me out and try and explain the process of it all (why changing is necessary, what happens if it isn't, what process do the chemicals go through when left in certain temperatures and how it effects it, etc,) I'd really appreciate it.


Thanks <3

[Paul the Human]

I can tell you from personal experience that after only changing the oil in a car every 10 to 15 thousand miles... that car lasted me for nearly 20 years... after which I sold it. It still ran perfectly. If the oil isn't low... you can keep going for many many more miles than 3000. The oil companies don't want you to know that, though.

It should definitely be changed now and then, but every 3000 miles is far more often than necessary. Just check the levels to make sure it has enough.

[Darwinian]

500 miles is nothing! I try to change my oil every 3000 miles or so but sometime I forget and don't change it for maybe 6 or 7000 miles. As long as there is oil in the engine then it's not going to damage it.

And if, like me, he regularly tops it up as the level drops over time then there's always some fresh in there.

[Samson]

I'll make this simple...(Not saying you are simple, just there are many ways to explain petroleum composition/uses/etc.)

The oil is literally the bloodline of your vehicle...The oil will breakdown, lose it's properties over time. (Short period of time at that)...

The 3000 - 4000 miles to (3 months) is what has been shown to be the, so called, life cycle/shelf life of the oil within your engine.
The oil will coagulate and if this happens, your engine will lock up....

There are synthetic oils that you can purchase for your change that will last a little longer in your vehicle than most standard brands, but you will pay out the butt for them...

If you want your car to last, change the oil as recommended.....Unfortunately this is what we have today....Unless we can all go to solar or something else etc.

[Paul the Human]

The 3000 - 4000 miles to (3 months) is what has been shown to be the, so called, life cycle/shelf life of the oil within your engine.
The oil will coagulate and if this happens, your engine will lock up....

It takes way, WAY more than 3000 miles before something like that happens. It has been "shown to be the lifespan of oil in your engine" is not accurate. It has been "declared to be the lifespan of oil in your engine" is. I have never changed my oil more often than every 5 to 6 thousand miles and never had an issue. Ever.

[Samson]

P.S. If you are having to add oil back to your vehicle, without changing, then one of two things is happening...

a. you have a leak, it's pretty much like changing your oil if you are adding it back, hence it's leaking out...

b. it's already breaking down within your engine and becoming slush, which of course will show up on your dip stick as low.

Also keep in mind that your gas mileage will go down when oil starts to breakdown. You are having to push your engine harder, which of course will make you have to use more gas etc. etc. etc. Just as rotating your tires helps with raising your gas mileage..

Yes, every engine will be different, just as the type of oil will be different, but the one thing oil has in common is that it will thicken over time when in use, and even while sitting up.....

---

It takes way, WAY more than 3000 miles before something like that happens. It has been "shown to be the lifespan of oil in your engine" is not accurate. It has been "declared to be the lifespan of oil in your engine" is. I have never changed my oil more often than every 5 to 6 thousand miles and never had an issue. Ever.

I'm not saying you can't go 4 to 5 thousand miles at every oil change....But do that for a couple of years, open your engine up and take a peak....

All the black chunks and build up at the bottom of your pan will be the outcome....

[Paul the Human]

True enough. Every 3000 miles is probably optimal, but... the point is, KK... your friend's car will be just fine if he is 500 to 1000 miles tardy with an oil change. Heheh.

[Samson]

Yes, I agree with that....

Kk, your friend should be just fine....

Make sure he at least checks the tires before driving that long of a distance....

[KawaiiKoneko]

Thanks guys.