I only drive my 2001 Toyota Solara on the weekends (I travel for work 100%, so get a ride to the airport, leaving my car at home).
On the weekends, it is primarily ‘in town’ driving, not highway. I was looking at my ‘next oil change’ sticker, and realized that while it was coming up on 3 months, I had driven less than 1000 miles.
So by what measure should I change the oil?
BILLIE
Comments
I would go my mileage as oil does not breakdown sitting in the oilpan.
Go by the three months. Oil can break down after a period of time. I know in the Army we changed oil every three months an so of the vehicle’s had never be moved.
You don’t need to change it after only three months, with that minimal mileage you described. “3 months or three thousand” is a great marketing ploy by the quickie lube guys, but it’s a crock.
If you’re only doing 300 miles/month, get the oil changed every six months…the engine will be fine, and you’ll save time and money, and not be wasting oil.
Army maintenance schedules don’t apply to civilian vehicle use, lol…they aren’t using the oil-analysis program anymore (to determine when to change oil)??
Oil does change over time, with condensation, acids, etc., even if the engine isn’t being operated, the oil is subject to deterioration. You could probably leave it in and change it once a year and be ok, but you’d be pushing it…six months will be the safe bet.
every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first…..you may not have 3,000 miles but over time the oil will break down due to contaminents……also cars that sit alot and don’t get driven will accumulate water in the oil due to condensation….spend the twenty bucks every three months and that solara will last you a very very long time!!!!!
go by the mileage usually every 2500 to 3000 miles change the oil.
the time limit can be pushed up to 6 months the milage point should always be around 3 thousand…If I was working for Mobil I’d say 3 months and alot of people believe it…
Toyota suggests 5,000 mile oil changes, however in your case short hop driving is a bear on these engines. Long extended drives gets the engine oil hot and heat drives off moisture and blow-by contamination. If I were you I’d do one of two things.
#1. If you are using conventional 5W-30 engine oil shorten the drain interval periods to 3,000 - 3,500 miles regardless of time, days or months.
#2. If you really want to put your mind to rest most Toyota dealers have Mobil1 full synthetic motor oil. You can very safely go to the Toyota factory recommended 5,000 mile oil change. If The Toyota Dealership does not happen to have it, any Walmart, NAPA, Advance Auto has this brand. Buy it there and have a Toyota dealer change it for you. Never on this green earth trust a “fast oil change joint” to change your oil, too many mistakes and horror stories.
I have a Toyota also and I do the Mobil1 motor oil. It’s so much superior to the regular oil and prevents the recent engine oil mess that Toyota is having.
Well, the oil companies would love to have you change your oil every 3 months, or 3,000 miles but it’s not necessary.
For as little as you drive the car, every 6 months should be fine. Check your owner’s manual.
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