How often do you change your oil?

[Dime]

How often do you need to change your oil? I assume that a large majority of us change our oil every 3,000 miles, sticking to a "better safe than sorry approach" as far as mileage, even though the manual (as I recall, I don't have my manual sitting in front of me currently) and oil providers suggest larger intervals.

But what I always wondered was time. Some say every 3,000 miles or three months, which ever comes first. Others say every six months. Others every year. And, the manufacturer of the car and the manufacturers of the oil never mention a time you need to stick to as far as oil changes.

With the little amount of driving that I do in my car personally, and the fact that I allow the engine, oil, and everything to get up to temp, changing my oil every three months sounds to me like big time overkill.

So, what is the general consensus of the ZR-1 gods? That is with normal spirited driving conditions. Ever three months, every six months, every year?

[Paul Workman]

Once a season or 5k miles, whichever occurs first. I'm using the full synthetic, Amsoil AMO 10W-40 (with the zinc and phosphorous (ZDDP) in proportions required by our motors when they were in production.

[We Gone]

What Paul said...

[mike100]

I've been averaging 4500 miles (which is a year or so).

[BigJohn]

Mobil 1 15W-50!

[efnfast]

Amsoil recommends 25,000 (of coarse they don't recommend driving like I do). I do it annually, about 10,000. Plus I add 4 or 5 quarts thought out the driving season. I do it in the spring to start with fresh oil, but I'm not sure I want the old cruddy oil in there all winter.

[cvette98pacecar]

Every 5K or 2 seasons, Change the filter every May. When I change the oil I run it through a cheese cloth so if anything drains except oil I can inspect it.

[USAZR1]

Every 5K or 2 seasons, Change the filter every May.


I follow pretty much the same procedure.

[Paul Workman]

... I do it in the spring to start with fresh oil, but I'm not sure I want the old cruddy oil in there all winter.

Mine is in a un-heated garage and condensation (water) is my biggest concern.[-X

[efnfast]

Mine is in a un-heated garage and condensation (water) is my biggest concern.[-X
So in the spring to get all that condensation out?

[Paul Workman]

So in the spring to get all that condensation out?

Exactly!

[TheBlackPearl]

Once a year in spring, i've only put 500 miles on her this year so mileage isn't a concern.

[Harvie]

I use Redline or Gibbs oil 10W now 0w-20

[Roadster]

In my 82, 10,000 miles is the rule, as it is all highway driving, so twice a year. In the Z, which will only see 3-4K miles per year if that, I will probably change every year. I already out Mobil 1 5W-30 in it when purchased, but will probably change to the Amsoil 10W-40 soon. To avoid any condensation in the engine, I always start the engine once a week, sometimes once every two weeks and let the engine run to full operating temps even if I don't go for a ride, this way you boil off any condesation that may form thus eliminating that situation......

[Harvie]

In my 82, 10,000 miles is the rule, as it is all highway driving, so twice a year. In the Z, which will only see 3-4K miles per year if that, I will probably change every year. I already out Mobil 1 5W-30 in it when purchased, but will probably change to the Amsoil 10W-40 soon. To avoid any condensation in the engine, I always start the engine once a week, sometimes once every two weeks and let the engine run to full operating temps even if I don't go for a ride, this way you boil off any condesation that may form thus eliminating that situation......


Old computer tech trick:

Get "dry bags" and place one or two on and around the top of plenium and you will not get that condensation, same for gas tank put one under the gas door flap...

[Roadster]

Old computer tech trick:

Get "dry bags" and place one or two on and around the top of plenium and you will not get that condensation, same for gas tank put one under the gas door flap...

Harvie, good tip...might have heard that before but never paid any attention to that idea. Where is the best place to buy the "dry bags"?

[Harvie]

I never bought any they were always laying around the computer rooms when I was doing stuff.