How long inbetwen oil changes?

[MorganMcCann]

I changed my oil today.
I recently started using Valvoline "Dura Bled" which is a semi synthetic blend.
I read somewhere online that 5-6,000 miles was about right for that oil.
I also added half a bottle of STP.
What sounds right for mileage in between oil changes?
Also, what oil do you use?

 

[triumphrider-1]

I'm just using "plain jane" Valvoline 5W-30. I change mine at 3,000miles (+/-500 miles lately), but the blended stuff should be good for more.

As far as when to change it, check it at 3,000 miles and see if it looks like the old oil did at 3,000 miles. If not, run it more till it looks about the same.

The only way to know 100% would be before (old oil) and after oil analysis. Then tweak in the "exact" mileage over subsequent changes and analysis.

 

[Rearanger]

The only way to know 100% would be before (old oil) and after oil analysis. Then tweak in the "exact" mileage over subsequent changes and analysis.

^^

3k way too short, but you'll get endless opinions. Go here:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ for more information and discussion than you need.

 

[Surrey]

Unless I am running full synthetic, I typically shoot for an oil change every 5-6k km (around 3500-4000 miles) in my caravan. My bronco II doesn't see a lot of time on the road, so it gets an oil change every 6 months regardless of miles (because it never sees more than like 1500 miles in 6 months.) My caravan owners manual says I can go as much as 12 000km between changes, but I deliver pizza so its a lot of short trips and a whole lot more starts than the average user.

There are a few factors that determine how often you should change your oil... Such as how long your typical trip is, or how often you use the truck. If you take lots of short trips, and only very few long trips, or you only use the truck once or twice a week then you need to change your oil more often. On the other hand, if you put 100 miles a day, all highway driving, your oil will last longer.

If your truck doesn't get up to full operating temperature on a regular basis, then condensation will settle in your oil which will foul it up quicker. If on the other hand you get it good and hot frequently, small amounts of moisture just evaporate.

 

[MorganMcCann]

I go ~5,000 miles on the Valvoline "High Mileage" blend in my Mustang, I will have to see how the durablend performs.