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Old 04-06-2012, 09:12 AM   #1
joker11
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Default Change oil on time or mileage?

I sometimes see stuff where you are suppose to change your oil every 4 months or 4000 miles, the manual says every 3750 miles or 3 and 3/4 months. Everyone on here seems to go by miles or when I look at a UOA its by mileage. I don't drive my car that much (I live close to work) and usually hit the 4 months before the 4000 miles. Is there something in the oil that breaks down over time no matter how much you drive? Or is the 4K/4month thing just another way for people to remember to change there oil.

I guess the proper way would be to get a UOA after the suggested mileage, no matter how long the oil was in the car to see if it is still good??
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Old 04-06-2012, 09:45 AM   #2
WRXSleeper
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I also live close to work too, 10 miles, and we drive my wife's car most of the time. I change my oil every 6 months which is about 3,500 miles for me. I have been driving less than 7,500 a year now for almost 4yrs.

What oil are you using? I use M1 0w-40 so I feel I am good for 6 months with that low of mileage.
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Old 04-06-2012, 10:26 AM   #3
bluesubie
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Usually it's fine to leave oil in for a year, but a uoa would be your best bet. I would run M1 0W-40 for a year if it took that long to reach 5-6k miles. If you bought a 2012 WRX that had been sitting on the lot since last August, I doubt the dealer would change the oil.

-Dennis
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Old 04-06-2012, 10:43 AM   #4
timmckee
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Additives in the oil (anti-wear and corrosion inhibitors) will actually settle out over time. As well the oil oxidizes forming sludge which can lead to varnish, however your filter should be taking most of that out. How quickly the additives settle out, I don't actually know. However this is probably where a time based replacement comes from.
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:34 PM   #5
krzyss
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How far do you drive in single travel?
Many short trips are worse than longer trips less often.
If oil does not reach operating temperature (10-15 minute drive) the water, fuel will stay suspended in oil and contaminate it.

Krzys
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Old 04-06-2012, 04:38 PM   #6
joker11
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I live about 5 miles from work, and put about 8-10K miles on my car a year. I'm using German castrol 0W30 with a Subaru filter on a stock WRX. My car gets up to temp, but only for about 5 minutes before I shut it off. Sounds like the 4 month change might be best for me, Ill have to send out a UOA after that time to see how my oil looks.
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Old 04-06-2012, 04:57 PM   #7
bluesubie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joker11
I live about 5 miles from work, and put about 8-10K miles on my car a year. I'm using German castrol 0W30 with a Subaru filter on a stock WRX. My car gets up to temp, but only for about 5 minutes before I shut it off. Sounds like the 4 month change might be best for me, Ill have to send out a UOA after that time to see how my oil looks.
Do a uoa with a TBN on GC at 4 months and you'll see that you can go much longer. I've done several on GC with 5 mile daily trips. High fuel sometimes but the oil always held up well. Keep in mind that the oil takes longer to warm up than coolant (if that's what you're referring to).

-Dennis
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Old 04-06-2012, 05:50 PM   #8
joker11
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Yeah, i figured the UOA would be the deciding factor. Thanks again for everyone's input!
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