Quote:
Originally Posted by tar21
I have a 2010 honda accord that I hardly drive, I have only put 6000 miles on it since buying it new in 2010. It uses synthetic oil that only has to be changed every 7000 miles, I already changed it once in 2011. How often do I have to change it? Does it break down over time or am I good to wait awile more. It has been about a year and a half since I last changed it at about 3500 miles.
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First off, I am not an engineer or a mechanic, my knowledge comes purely from obtaining information from reputable mechanic friends, web sites and my own experience.
That said, here is my $0.02's worth:
I drive maybe couple of hundred miles a month. At least 5 days out of a week, my truck sits on the street.
Even if I drove every day, much like you, my rides would be very short, local drives. What I do though, is to go two lane blacktop each weekend.
At least drive like 20 miles each way on the freeway (consistently 65+ mph). That helps burn off the junk the forms in the fluids and also moves the fluids around the components a bit.
I also use good quality synthetic and correct octane fuel. Plus, every other fill up, proper amount of
Lucas gas treatment keeps the top part of the engine clean and gas in good condition while minimizing contaminant formation at a minimum.
Use quality and correct octane gas. Also, once every 2 or 3 fill-ups, use Lucas or Seafoam.
Make sure to keep your battery and spark plugs in good working condition. Better the spark better the gas burns, more mpg and also much less (if any at all) unburned gas will be left in the engine which will mean less crap in the oil!
Infrequent or more so, seldom short rides are the worst. Neither your battery gets the sweet charging boost it needs nor does the oil get hot enough to burn off the moisture (water) and other contaminants that gradually forms in the oil/gas.
Much like DOT brake fluid, mineral oil attracts moisture (water) quite a bit, synthetic oil much like DOT 4 brake fluid does too but, to a much lesser degree. So, even by sitting, fluids can and will degrade over time. So, even though you hardly ever drive, because you hardly ever drive, the contaminants would substitute for mileage and it is a wash.
Starting with my first oil change, I switched to
Schaeffer Supreme 9000 5w-30. Zero complaints. Far superior to other brand name so-called full synthetic oils without the premium price tag (~$6 /quart).
I do my oil changes between 7000-8000 miles, regardless of time. The oil goes in bright green and comes out light brown, no smells and more importantly the integrity of the oil indicates that it is still good. Another overlooked thing is filter, say no to Fram. Use a good quality filter that will compliment the synthetic oil and more importantly less frequent and/or high mileage oil changes.
FYI: Color of the used oil is not a proper way to determine the integrity of the oil.
Ultimately, it is all up to you! Whatever you and your budget is comfortable with.
I'd personally not go cheap on my baby (truck) but if you are using high quality stuff, then there is no point in wasting money if the product is still in good condition. If you have any doubts, as someone else suggested, during an oil change, collect a cup of your old oil and send it in to be analyzed.
It could be a very worthy investment indeed.