Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Nickbat on 16 November 2008, 14:14:34

Title: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Nickbat on 16 November 2008, 14:14:34
Come rain or shine, I always change my oil at 6-month intervals. On that basis, today was the day. My neighbour asked me if I had a problem with the car. I said I was just changing the oil and that I always do it every 6 months. He said there was no need with modern oils and that he only ever changes the oil when the level falls and "then I change the filter as well" ( :o).

This last year, with fuel prices being so high, I have used SWMBO's Corsa quite often and noticed that I'd only done 6k miles (now on 24K). So that's a small mileage for 3 changes, but most of it has been shortish journeys and the oil was quite black.

Am I OTT in changing the oil that often? Is my neighbour right about modern oils not requiring the same frequent changes?  
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 16 November 2008, 14:22:17
definitely not..I'm the same ..I change miggy's and clit's oil at 4000 or 5000 km intervals meaning nearly 5-6 months and sometimes earlier..

As I use in city and for short runs, the oil quickly become donald..

and interestingly my friends who owns new honda or mondeo use service intervals 10000 or 15000 km and never listen me :-?
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: STMO123 on 16 November 2008, 14:23:22
It's not an expensive or time consuming job and it can't do any harm.
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Jay w on 16 November 2008, 14:23:29
no i don't think you are OTT, i do mine every 3K, the local mechanic now buys it off me for his own van  ;D ;D

Modern Oils are a lot better, but for engine longevity i would still stick to what you are doing
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: STMO123 on 16 November 2008, 14:25:10
Is this an oil thread? ::)
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 16 November 2008, 14:25:25
my mechanic friend said I will use your oil but when see the condition of it give up  ;D
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Nickbat on 16 November 2008, 14:28:43
Quote
Is this an oil thread? ::)

Nah, it's an oil change thread. Different animal entirely (I hope).  ;)
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Jay w on 16 November 2008, 14:29:15
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my mechanic friend said I will use your oil but when see the condition of it give up  ;D

Mine is still golden when it comes out  ;) ;)

I might change to 6K intervals now
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 16 November 2008, 14:32:01
Quote
Quote
my mechanic friend said I will use your oil but when see the condition of it give up  ;D

Mine is still golden when it comes out  ;) ;)

I might change to 6K intervals now

never see a golden one..most clean was dark brown :-/
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 16 November 2008, 16:57:14
Not OTT at all

I don't measure by time, but I always try and change my oil every 3k...
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: TheBoy on 16 November 2008, 17:04:44
In a petrol, I tend to change it when it starts to turn brown.

Diesel, turns black immediately, but can 'feel' when it needs doing (I'm sure other TD owners will know that feeling), which is about 3k.
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 November 2008, 17:08:36
Quote
Quote
my mechanic friend said I will use your oil but when see the condition of it give up  ;D

Mine is still golden when it comes out  ;) ;)

I might change to 6K intervals now


I'm thinking the same since going to LPG, but I've got some super synthetic oil to put in - which is nearly double the price anyway so I wonder why I'm bothering. :-/

Kevin
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Auto Addict on 16 November 2008, 18:35:06
Quote
In a petrol, I tend to change it when it starts to turn brown.

Diesel, turns black immediately, but can 'feel' when it needs doing (I'm sure other TD owners will know that feeling), which is about 3k.

You can 'feel' it on a petrol engine as well!

3/4 oil changes per year on both (low mileage) cars.
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Lazydocker on 16 November 2008, 18:49:14
Quote
Quote
Quote
my mechanic friend said I will use your oil but when see the condition of it give up  ;D

Mine is still golden when it comes out  ;) ;)

I might change to 6K intervals now


I'm thinking the same since going to LPG, but I've got some super synthetic oil to put in - which is nearly double the price anyway so I wonder why I'm bothering. :-/

Kevin

I agree... I've done 4k since my last change and the oil is just beginning to change from brand new colour to how it normally looks after about 1.5K!!! :y :y
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 November 2008, 19:00:45
Six month changes, especially if you do frequent short journeys, is very sensible.  What is the cost of 5 litres of oil compared to a well worn or completely shot engine! ::) ::)

I have always regularly changed my oil at those intervals as I do 12+k pa, and have always had my cars last to high mileage without any failures even when doing 2+k per week! 8-) 8-) 8-)  
Title: Re: Oil change - OTT or not?
Post by: ians on 16 November 2008, 19:01:44
If its black I would be changing it (preferably before then).   Likewise if you start to notice it,  get it changed.
Whilst the oil itelf may last longer it will still be picking up crap due to engine wear and combustion byproducts, along with moisure.  Changing oil cleans the engine of these toxins.  (I've had the same discussion with colleages who think the 20k miles is fine between changes)