When does the oil for my car need to be changed?

Question

I have a 2004 Dodge Neon that I don't put many miles on. I had the oil changed March 8th earlier this year when it had 30,954 miles. It now has 33,142. So only 2,188 miles since the last oil change. I have heard all the standard answers from everyone.....every 3 months, 6 months or based on miles driven.

Answer 1

Every 3000 miles unless you drive in dusty, stop-'n-go conditions. otherwise, twice yearly. But hey, check 'ye 'ole manual.

And, how do you feel about letting it go too long?

Answer 2

well you should think of it like this the more its change the longer the motor last... so sooner the better but the norm is every 3000 miles which is about every few months four or five times a year.. so you have a bit of time to go yet

Answer 3

check the color of the oil in their right now to see if it's black or runny or anything, some engines run a little more lean than others, and oil is the last thing you want to take a chance with, trust me, I just scrapped my car because the previous owner hadn't taken care of the engine and the block cracked. But generally time doesn't matter, depending on the condition of the oil in the first place.

Cheers

Answer 4

Unless you are doing really hard driving - wait until the car reaches 6,000 miles between oil changes.

Oil doesn't go bad based on age.  So the whole time frame thing makes no sense at all.

Answer 5

every 3000 miles is good.if want hurt it if you wait to 3500 miles.as long as its not using oil.

Answer 6

they say every 3000 miles. look at the oil stick, if it looks dirty, change it and a new filter.

Answer 7

Depends on how your driving the car. If your making only short trips that do not allow the car to heat up real good then keep to the 3000,3 months rule. Why? Not allowing the engine to warm up allows moisture to build up in the oil which creates sludge. Thats bad.

If your truly a light duty driver who takes the car out for a 25 mile drive 2 or 3 times a week then stretch out the oil change to 6000 miles, 6 months, it won't hurt as long you make sure it stays full.

Answer 8

In my personal experience, use the miles driven as the rule for a change. A 3000 mi change is good for all vehicles, since most new cars recommend 5000 mi changes under normal driving conditions. 3000 mi changes are a safe practice, since changing your engine oil is the best and cheapest thing you can do to extend the life of your car.

Answer 9

Actually time has allot to do with oil going bad.  The "ingredients" begin to separate, and become far less effective over time.   The constant heating and cooling of the oil breaks down the compounds its made of.  This is what separates the cheap no name oil from the expensive brand name oil.

Ask any mechanic.  If there is only one thing you do for the maintenance of  you car, changing your oil on schedule is the most important thing you can ever do for it.  

I highly recommend changing your oil as required by your owners manual.  Changing your oil for $20 - $30 when scheduled is allot cheaper than an engine overhall/rebuild.