change oil or wait

[Halwg]

I have always been a change the oil at 5000 (or less) miles guy on my previous Explorers. On the 2014 I had it generally showed about 52% remaining when I did the 5000 mile change. At the new company where I'm working, they have an 8,000 mile oil change rule on ALL company vehicles. I have been watching my 2016 which now has 5,900 miles and is showing 44% oil life remaining. If this holds true, it should still show around 23% remaining life at the 8,000 mile change. I really think the IOLM just counts down miles.

I asked them why so long between changes. They have a large fleet, unlike my last company that only had a few SUVs and trucks, and said they have done oil analysis and that 8,000 miles is still conservative. Most of the vehicles are driven around 2,000 miles a month, so it's around 3 oil changes a year. Doing it this way doesn't damage the vehicle and saves a lot of money.

I have to do this awhile before I pass judgement. In my personal vehicle I change oil 2X a year which is generally around 4,000 miles.

 

[TRWXXA]

The same argument can be had with fuel type, but you don't see drivers solely filling up with 91+.LOL

Noooooo!!! Not the dreaded discussion on fuel octane -- the single most misunderstood subject in automobile forums!

 

[lincolnlocker]

I like that idea too, Peter.

And I am not trying to just be argumentative. I just think the consumers' money is better spent simply changing their oil. Fresh oil is always better than old oil.

I saw that company also does aircraft oil analysis. That's great. But no matter how well that oil does in analysis, it is still required by regulation to be changed at every 50 hours of engine run time. Why? Because fresh oil is always better than old oil.

Now, if I was concerned about the condition of an engine (like I was purchasing an aircraft, or an investment vehicle) I would consider having the oil tested to see if there are any impending problems. But a simple, DIY way to see if your motor is "making metal" is to cut open the old filter and inspect the filter element.

If you are concerned about "saving the planet", then relax mercedes b7 service checklist pdf. It is silly to think that the used motor oil you turn in isn't recycled one way or another. And you can always buy recycled motor oil. I do believe some NASCAR teams are using it in their engines.

The oil light came on two days ago with a flashing stop sign. We did put 500ml oil in as it was needed. But still the oil light is on and stop sign still flashing. I did check the oil again yesterday and this morning antbits still laying on the full mark on the dip stick. What can the problem be and is it safe to drive the vehicle?

 

[Halwg]

My friend bought a Cadillac and it came with "free" oil changes. He is like me and likes to change the oil every 5,000 miles. At 5,000 he took the car in for an oil change. The dealer would not change it until the oil life monitor dropped below 25%. That put him over 7,000 miles. i suspect something like this is happening with the Ford.

 

[peterk9]

The oil light came on two days ago with a flashing stop sign. We did put 500ml oil in as it was needed. But still the oil light is on and stop sign still flashing. I did check the oil again yesterday and this morning antbits still laying on the full mark on the dip stick. What can the problem be and is it safe to drive the vehicle?

Unless you are referring to the Oil Life Monitor, it might be a bad oil pressure sensor.

Peter