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Oil change interval?

Discussion in 'General Truck Info' started by Suzi-q, Nov 26, 2008.

  1. Suzi-q

    Suzi-q New Member

    I don't mean to open a can of worms here (who cans worms these days anyway?) but I'm looking for thoughts on oil change intervals.

    I don't live in a road legal state so my Suzuki doesn't get many miles. I've heard the traditional 3,000 miles or three months - I fall in the three months category.

    Should I change the filter every three months or just the oil every three months and the filter every six? How about synthetic oil - can it go longer? I know filters are not that expensive but why waste the money if it is not really helping?

    Thanks in advance for your input

    Cliff
     
  2. Subaru

    Subaru Member

    I make my living fixing vehicles,and an oil change is very cheap insurance.
    With every oil change comes a check-up/look over which more often than not will find any leaks and issues which will later develop into something costly if not repaired early.
    Regular oil changes is a good excuse to prevent stuff,and get to know your truck that much better:)
    I particularily need to change my wifes oil often just to see what she forgets to tell me is going on:frustration:
     
  3. Badgerland

    Badgerland Member

    Spot-on advice! I think MOST mini truck owners fall into the category of time interval versus mileage when it comes to routine maintenance. If your truck is stored outside in a colder climate and sits for longer periods of time in-between uses, I would also add that its important to run that engine periodically and make an excuse to spend a little time in your truck routinely.
    (make sure that antifreeze is up to snuff as Old Man Winter bears down)!

    As Subaru stated, check that engine over for any signs of an impending problem.
     
  4. John Canfield

    John Canfield Member

    My tractor is lucky to get an oil change once a year (note to self - change oil in tractor).

    Consumer's Reports did a test a few years ago comparing oil change intervals of 3K vs. 6K miles. They had one group of NYC taxis change oil at 3K, one group at 6K (all with identical engines.) After a few months they actually tore down each engine and examined them for wear. There was no discernible difference between the two groups of engines.

    I'll probably change the oil in the Carry once or twice a year (I'll shoot for 2X a year.)
     
  5. oldsnowman

    oldsnowman Member

    i will be changing the oil and filter in my truck every 2000k's...like subaru said its cheap insurance. i too am a auto mech. and i have heard of please telling people that don't have to change there oil filter every oil change...and people can go a long with this idea if they are hoping for engine failure. these are spinning a lest 2 times faster at road speed, then any other car or truck out there, so if you do the math 2000k's is pushing it. one more thing...use full synthic oil...most of all engine damage is caused at start up so you want oil to be in the top of your engine asap.
     
  6. Mini4WD

    Mini4WD Member

    I've only had mine long enough to give it one oil change...that was about 3 months and maybe 200 miles ago. I too was trying to figure out when and how regular to change my oil since my truck is mainly just driven around the farm. I came up with the idea of installing an Hour Meter just like what is on my mower and tractor. I plan on changing the oil and filter every 50 hours. Just an Idea for those people who mainly use their trucks for Off Road driving.
     
  7. udidwht

    udidwht Member

    Any decent dino oil today can easily go 5k - 7k and/or 1-2 years.
     

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