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Technical Oil Change Frequency with Low Mileage

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 53CHKustom, Aug 5, 2017.

  1. 53CHKustom
    Joined: Jun 24, 2014
    Posts: 1,433

    53CHKustom
    Member

    Hi All, it's been forever, been swamped and often gone with work for a long time with little free time however I just changed the oil in the 53' and looked at my log file and last time I changed it was August 2016 (exactly one year ago!) Since then I put only 228 miles on the car... pathetic huh? I can burn more miles on a half day visit to Los Angeles.

    I was wondering, if a car with a SBC 350 is driven very little, is it best to change the oil every 6 months, or just once a year? The oil that came out looked pretty clean overall. Just thought maybe some others on here put low mileage on their cars too and have a rule of thumb.

    On the upside I bought a house with a nice size garage so I will be able to keep it safe and drive it a bit more when my free time comes back.
     
  2. at least once a year has been my rule.
     
  3. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,020

    Budget36
    Member

    Todays oil is pretty good, assuming the approx 300miles on it in a year, an assuming it was actually driven and not just done in trips to the local convenience store, I'd have no issue letting it stay in there.

    Now if it was 5-10 minute jaunts for the past year, then yes, can it, as you never had the engine up and running at operating temp to burn/evap out the impurities from the combustion process.

    Look at it this way, say two years ago I changed the oil in my car...parked it, never drove it.

    Why would the oil need to be changed?

    Hell, I'm sure many on this site drug an old car out of a field, saw it had oil in it, and got it fired up and never had an issue.
     
  4. flatoz
    Joined: May 11, 2003
    Posts: 3,237

    flatoz
    Member

    Its a good question and one I wonder myself. As a golden rule ( for me ) I just go over the car once a year usually at the start of the season. plugs, oil, check the brake adjustment and fluid, grease the front end, check bolts are tight. Usually the car has been parked all winter so its time to check everything out. To be honest the oil is the least of my priorities for this, I an more concerned with brakes and steering / tierod ends etc. the stuff that if it doesn't work could cost you more than you're willing to pay.
     
  5. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 59,167

    squirrel
    Member

    I drug an old car out of a field, it had been sitting for several decades...didn't change the oil. I did drain a little water out of the pan though. Got it running, had fun with it, sold it.

    I would say once a year should be ok, longer if it's not a valuable engine.
     
    Montana1 likes this.
  6. Truck64
    Joined: Oct 18, 2015
    Posts: 5,325

    Truck64
    Member
    from Ioway

    I don't obsess about crankcase oil, though always get it to operating temperature before parking it. Best to get some highway speed on it if possible, it's more fun anyway. If not by mileage it gets changed somewhere between one and two years.
     
  7. 53CHKustom
    Joined: Jun 24, 2014
    Posts: 1,433

    53CHKustom
    Member

    Thanks, unfortunately this car has only been driven in 20-25 minute spurts. My general rule has been, if I can hear the beeping noise from the transmission (I have an old post on this issue that hasn't gone away yet and only happens after driving for 15-20 minutes) the engine and trans are warm enough and I've driven it enough haha. I generally try to drive it for 20 minutes every 2-3 weeks. Somehow that has totalled 228 miles in the last year.

    Pathetic.. however I will try to do more North County scenic coastal highway 101 drives later this year.
     
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2017
    jnaki likes this.
  8. mohead1
    Joined: Jan 18, 2013
    Posts: 599

    mohead1
    Member

    I use Mobil 1 syn in my hot rodded small block. So a few cruises here and there, maybe a couple thou miles a season. I change it once a year. Usually comes out just slightly darker than it went in....no issues. And im roller cammed, forged everything, 60 lbs oil press.......

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  9. My daily driver I average 2000-2200 miles a year. Been changing the oil ( non synthetic ) once a year for the past 7 years with no problems.
     
  10. Montana1
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 2,135

    Montana1
    Member

    I have a friend who has a Dodge Cummins that he only hauls to the race track in the summer (about 10 miles from home) and he goes about 300-400 mi. per year and 3-4 years between changes.

    Uses Valvoline Super Blue... doesn't even get dark. :eek::D:D

    We discuss this often. :cool:
     
  11. mohead1
    Joined: Jan 18, 2013
    Posts: 599

    mohead1
    Member

    Yep....use oil testing like indo on the Powerstroke w Amsoil, or once a year.....or more.....[emoji41]

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  12. Oil gets acidic after a few months.
    If you don't drive it at all it won't get contaminated. If you drive it only short distances it's actually worse. It depends greatly on the tune.

    I see this with motorcycles quite often. Folks will let the dirty oil set all winter long then change it in the spring. It's a whole lot better for the motorcycle to change the oil in the late fall and let it set with fresh oil. Then some folks let their bikes hibernate In the off season and others run them weekly. That usually causes problems.

    Here's what I've seen. The hibernation with fresh oil increases the longevity and lower maintenance problems. But it usually takes a bit to wake them up. The weekly runners hit the road without any effort but they need heavy engine maintenance much earlier.

    Your milage and experience may vary. Climate has a lot to do with this stuff.


    Anyway, an oil change on a Chevy is pretty cheap and easy. Especially if you catch a sale and stock up.
     
  13. woodiewagon46
    Joined: Mar 14, 2013
    Posts: 2,470

    woodiewagon46
    Member
    from New York

    I usually change my oil every 3000 to 4000 miles. I know, with modern oils, many will say it's overkill but I do it myself and it only costs less than $30. I just purchased a new car and asked when I was to bring it in for it's first service. I was shocked when the salesman said "see you in 10,000 miles". Sorry, I'm too old school, I'll bring it in at 5000.
     

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