Can I go over a year between synthetic oil changes?

[enayes]

I have a 2016 Mazda3, which takes synthetic oil. I got my last oil change in June 2018. I only drive about 8 miles per day with the vehicle, with the occasional longer road trip.

I've only put about 3,000 miles on the car since the last oil change. Most sites say you can go 5000-7500 with synthetic.

Should I keep going? Or get an oil change?

**oil indicator light has never come on, checked oil today and the level is full (maybe looks a tad dark, not sure)**

[stalkerforlife]

8 miles a day?

Damn.

[highwhey]

i would change it. i

[dude77]

definitely change it .. especially since you're doing short trips

[warriorfan]

For sure. Especially if it

[highwhey]

[QUOTE=warriorfan]For sure. Especially if it

[DukeDelonte13]

baby your car!

[Derka]

A synthetic oil change for me is $60. Spending $120 a year to keep your engine fresh is money well spent. Take care of your car and it'll take care of you.

[Jasper]

I run two trucks and one gets 5k.
Spring oil change , autumn oil change.

My concern is rough winters , and most people for get about moisture in other
climates ... keep it dry , helps on resale.

[Meticode]

I would NOT do a yearly oil change personally. The very best way to keep your engine running well is keeping the oil fresh. Personally I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum from natural gas, costs like $24 per 5 quarts at Walmart here. I do that twice a year myself. Once in in April and once in October/November.

I wouldn't even use the yearly oils that are out there like Mobil1 or Amsoil.

Also just because the oil looks fine doesn't mean it is. Letting it sit for a year especially on short trips which you seem to make causes acid build up in the oil. If you run the car at operating temperatures regularly the acid will burn off and evaporate.

[Meticode]

As they say, oil is cheap. An engine is not.

[BigKobeFan]

Oil changes are the best, most cost effective way to maintain your car.

[Long Duck Dong]

I think people are overly cautious when it comes to oil. And for good reason, like stated, oil is relatively cheap so it doesn't hurt to do it. If your car is exposed to lots of moisture, dust or high temps changing it under 10k is a good idea, but in reality 100% synthetic will easily protect your engine up to 15k or one year in most instances.

[UK2K]

I use full synthetic and change the oil every 7500 miles just to be safe. Usually around 8k by the time I get to it.

You really shouldn't need to change it more than that.

But a year is a pretty long time to be recycling that shit through your engine over and over.

[Charlie Sheen]

This topic reminds me how people ask about some new diet and they're only looking for responses that agree with them to validate their own decisions. :lol

[enayes]

I went to go get it changed after work today but the line was too long :facepalm

Will try again tomorrow, thanks for the input :cheers:

Seems like over a year is pushing it...

[nathanjizzle]

if where you live experiences 4 seasons then you should.

[Rocket]

Oil changes should be done by total mileage, not based on a timeline. Synthetic oil is good for many more miles than regular oil. Synthetic oil does not break down with heat like conventional oil. The only reason you really need to change it is due to the combustion material that gets past the rings building up in it over time. I recommend either change oil and filter every 7500 miles or change the filter and add a quart at 5000 miles and due a complete (oil & filter) change at 10,000.

[Meticode]

Oil changes should be done by total mileage, not based on a timeline. Synthetic oil is good for many more miles than regular oil. Synthetic oil does not break down with heat like conventional oil. The only reason you really need to change it is due to the combustion material that gets past the rings building up in it over time. I recommend either change oil and filter every 7500 miles or change the filter and add a quart at 5000 miles and due a complete (oil & filter) change at 10,000.
You SHOULD pay attention to timeline. Oil will oxidize over time. Even if it's just sitting in your car not running. Even with low mileage,

If you're running a full synthetic (not a blend), and you're doing 5,000 miles a year. You should change it at about a year or less. Don't go over if you can.

I know those once a year oil changes claim 25,000 miles, but I don't trust them. But you should pay attention to timeline.

[enayes]

You SHOULD pay attention to timeline. Oil will oxidize over time. Even if it's just sitting in your car not running. Even with low mileage,

If you're running a full synthetic (not a blend), and you're doing 5,000 miles a year. You should change it at about a year or less. Don't go over if you can.

I know those once a year oil changes claim 25,000 miles, but I don't trust them. But you should pay attention to timeline.

Mechanic said my oil was very dirty. I had put about 5K miles on it since my last oil change in June 2018. Full synthetic. I'll prob look to get one every 6 months now to be safe.

:cheers: