10,000 mile between oil changes

Sandra Dee

I just got a roadster-should I change the oil at 750 miles? The garage at the dealer said 3750 but if there are metal filings... ? help

Modshack

Yeah, but on the Mini that was partially influenced by them paying for routine services....A lot cheaper for the dealer to do it every 15K than it is every 5K.
I never subscribed to that Mini Maintenance schedule when I had mine. Just because the Reminder spaces services out doesn't mean it's right. Both my Honda and my Old '08 Vette had maintenance light algorythms that actually calculated usage style (not just time or miles) and called for changes between 6K and 7.5K which seemed about right. I'm going on a 5K schedule with my Z (on Synthetic)

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Lee123

Why is this? I had a used Z3 a few years back and was told the maintenance light wouldn't come on for about 10,000 driving mostly in town. I never let it go long enough to see it light up. Before buying the 370z a couple weeks ago, I looked at a used SLK55 AMG and it said in the book the oil change interval was something like 12,000 or once a year. What's the magic difference with German engines that allows them to go twice as long between changes as Japanese engines?

Frozenr6

There are two significant differences between your european cars and most others. While this is a generalization one or both have been true to me all the time


1) europeans typically use a higher quality filter in the oil systems

2) European cars tend t have larger oil capacities. both of these will allow extended oil drain intervals

nicknick

Agreed. I'd also consider lazy too as another alternative.

IDZRVIT

Yes, you could push it to 13000..........this time. I wouldn't make a habit of it though even though dino oil can last about 10000 miles if the vehicle is not driven under severe conditions. Anyway, still not sure why you would want to do this. I'd be far more concerned with your oil filter.

Use the 7500 mile maintenance schedule and I wouldn't pay any heed to the 6 month recommendation unless you store your car for years on end. Oil just doesn't go 'bad' in 6 months or even a year or more. Of course Nissan would like you to bring your car in at one of their dealer's every 3750 vice 7500 because that would double the profit for oil changes. I know there will be debate with my next statement but changing your oil every 3750 miles won't make your engine last significantly longer than if you change the oil at 7500 mile intervals. Why? Because oil won't break down under normal driving which includes some, not consistent, very hot weather and very cold weather driving. Now if you operate your vehicle in a lot of dusty conditions or on dirt roads, then I would consider changing the oil every 3750 miles. Me, it'll be every 7500 miles as per the maintenance schedule.

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"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

stormcrow

With the 3.7l motor running oil temps of 200-220 under normal driving conditions (due to lack of oil cooler) why would anyone say that "oil won't break down under normal driving conditions" and recommend 7500 mile change intervals?

IDZRVIT

Nows your chance - tell us why oil at temperatures of 200-220 F won't go the distance. Provide references also.

__________________
"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

stormcrow

Two words - viscosity breakdown. No references needed.

IDZRVIT

LOL, at 220 F? Are you an accountant?

__________________
"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

stormcrow

Have you ever bothered to look at an oil temperature viscosity chart? It is weight dependant, of course, but check out 0w40 or 5w40. If you think that it won't break down before 7500 miles at 220 degrees farenheit, then you should quietly excuse yourself from this thread.

370Zsteve

Quote:
Originally Posted by stormcrow
Two words - viscosity breakdown. No references needed.


No, he's a douchebag.

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ChrisSlicks

As I understand it 200-220 is the ideal operating temperature. If you spend a lot of time well above that then I would consider that harsh.

stormcrow

Actually, the rule of thumb is 10 degrees cooler than your coolant temperature is the optimum operating temperature. so, 200 is right on the cusp. I would say 180-190 would be optimum. Of course, below 180 is not really recommended.

jeffreyfranz

No oil cooler??? YIKES! Even my RX-8 had dual oil coolers. now I know what my first after-market addition is going to be.

BTW, how good (accurate, functional) are the gauges in our cars?