OIl change intervals for low mileage

[wpurple]

I have a 97 Explorer that I keep garaged 360 days of the year and gets, most years less than 500 miles put on it. It is what my wife calls "garage furnature"
I used to change the oil every 3 to 4 months regardless, now I go about every 8 months....(trying to stretch a few dimes)

what would a recommended change interval be for a vehicle that is "stored" most of the time?

 

[BornintoFord]

I do mine when our clocks go forward or back. Thats 2 times a year or more depending on my driving habits. I never reach 3000 mile in 4 months.

 

[rhauf]

On my rarely driven vehicles (i have a 68 IH truck that's been out of the garage once this year... same with rarely used farm equipment), i change the oil once a year. IMO that is probably more than enough.

That's with dyno oil. if you run synthetic you could probably go much longer.
I think it's more important that you start the stored vehicle at least once a month, and let it run for a few minutes (with a/c on). just to keep things moving, lubricated, battery charged, etc.

 

[unclemeat]

The most important thingto do is to run the vehicle for at least 15-minutes after it has reached operating temperature. If the vehicle is used for short trips, fuel will accumulate in the crank case and comprimise the oil. Allowing the engine to run at aoperating temperature will evaporate the fuel, restoring the lubricating properties of the oil. If you are really concerned, run a synthetic oil and change it yearly.