7 months 500 miles

[loudog2]

switched jobs a year ago, and they gave me a work vehicle. So now, I really only drive my 4runner once or twice a week. Since my last oil change(may 07), I've driven 500 miles. Should the 5k or 6 month change rule I have still apply? I use M1 and an OEM filter. If I could go longer, then how long?

 

[<<<<]

I'd go for longer periods such as 8 or even 12 monts on syntetic oil if you rarely drive. Do start the engine once in the while though.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think Ttime is the essence with motor oils and if my 4Runner was only getting 5-600 miles on it a year I'd change my regualr oil at least every 6 months or 1 year with synthetic.

If you live in a hot/cold environment a sitting engine will build up moisture and acidic buidup will start to form on top of the oil when just sitting especially with non-synthetics.

 

[loudog2]

Thnx guys. I do drive it once or twice a week. 15 mile there a back to my moms, and a few stores here and there. So it does get up to running temp. I'll just change it between 10-12 months and keep using Mobil 1 syn.

 

[simple]

This actually brings up a question for me...not to thread jack, but if you are not going to be using your vehicle for 7mo-1yr, is it best to sell it? Will not turning it on for that length of time ruin the vehicle?

 

[loudog2]

Depends. Do you own it? couple more payments? Big payment? You should always run it. But, people always store cars for a season or longer.

 

[simple]

I have payments, but nothing I can't handle... but I was thinking deployments. If the 4runner sits for that length of time...will there be any damage?

 

[RickyCRX]

If it sits more than a month or two, you'll likely come back to a dead battery if it's not started or put on a trickle/float charger. I've successfully had cars sit 3+ years before and crank right up as if they had been started 5 minutes before as long as they're kept in a controlled environment and not subjected to serious temperature fluctuations/moisture.

My S2000 has only had 400 miles put on it in the last year since I had my last state inspection done on it. Whenever I take it out, it gets fully up to normal operating temperature so all of the fuel dilution (if any) in the oil gets burned off... I change the oil about once every year or two in that car since I'm running M1. If you're not driving the vehicle, what's the difference if the oil sits in the crankcase or if it sits in a bottle on the shelf? Not really much difference, IMO.

Ricky