Oil Life?

[broncobilly_69]

My Truck only gets driven about 3-4k miles a year, mostly towing and hauling. I've been changing the oil every six months because I've been told that even though it doesn't have that many miles on it the oil goes bad from sitting in the engine. Anybody know anything about this and if I can get away with only changing the oil once a year? I've been using Cheveron Delo 400. I might consider switching to Amsoil synthetic if that meant I could go a full year between changes.

 

[Ironman03R]

I wouldnt worry about it, I've always heard that too, but with the better oils these days I dont think its that big of an issue.
My Chevelle gets less than 1000 miles on it a year (mostly 1/4 mi at a time)and I changed the oil last spring for the first time in 2 years. I use Mobile 1. I always make sure its clean and full.

 

[Agnem]

If you are getting good oil sample reports back from Blackstone, you can let it go a year, provided that it is garage kept. Otherwise, I'd stick to the 6 month schedule. The risk is rusting out your oil pan otherwise.

 

[Exekiel69]

I say go for it but as Mel said not using it will start getting things rusty I've seen it before

 

[Ironman03R]

I say go for it but as Mel said not using it will start getting things rusty I've seen it before

Good point, I forgot about that since mine sits in the garage under a cover.

 

[broncobilly_69]

Thanks for the info guys. Since it not garaged I think I better stick with the 6 month oil change. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Compu Doc]

Thanks for the info guys. Since it not garaged I think I better stick with the 6 month oil change. Better safe than sorry.

Oil isnt that much so if you were to change it once a year you wouldn't save that much. If the oil pan rusted it would cost more.

 

[Agnem]

For sure. I'd also try to start it once a month at least.

 

[RLDSL]

I think the one year /amsoil idea is a good one. Aside from not having the degredation problems from sitting that the dino oil does, it leaves a fine film on the internals, and you'll have much less chance of rust or having rings stick from sitting.

---------Robert