Does the motor oil need to be changed?

[angusbn]

Changed oil (AMSOIL synthetic) last April/08 but have driven only 5,500km (3,200mi) since then - since the car isn't driven in the winter is it still wise to change it this Spring perhaps due to some moisture build-up in the oil?

[Tiger]

No, don't change it. Use it for 7500 to 10,000 miles.

[repenttokyo]

I change my synthetic every 5,000 kilometers - but I don't use Amsoil, so YMMV.

[Ross]

If moisture is in the oil it contributes to corrosion of bearing surfaces.
Getting the engine up to temp for a long drive should boil any out.
The oil should be fine unless those miles are all short trips while the engine is cold and running rich, changing the filter wouldn't be a bad idea.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Changed oil (AMSOIL synthetic) last April/08 but have driven only 5,500km (3,200mi) since then - since the car isn't driven in the winter is it still wise to change it this Spring perhaps due to some moisture build-up in the oil?

No, I never change my oil...

[Rick L]

You need to change the oil! Don't let others tell you otherwise. Used oil sitting for long time and driving on it isn't good even though you haven't put a lot of miles. All newer oils have additives in them to clean your engine. All that stuff needs to be flushed out at regular bases.



Changed oil (AMSOIL synthetic) last April/08 but have driven only 5,500km (3,200mi) since then - since the car isn't driven in the winter is it still wise to change it this Spring perhaps due to some moisture build-up in the oil?

[ryan roopnarine]

a good rule of thumb for parked up cars is once every 6 months, and don't bother with the synthetic if you don't really need it. your additive packs might be fine, but there is moisture in there.

[BuckNaked]

Moisture is the enemy. Air and water can create corrosion inside the motor and debris which fouls the filter. I have amsoil 5w40 in my 4.0 liter. Since I have an eight quart sump, I am confident driving 10k on it, but I will change at 8k, only because it has been a miserable winter. Temps below zero F. My car is a daily driver, and my route is ideal. 5 minutes at 30 - 35, 15 miles at thruway speeds, 5 miles at 30-35. The car warms up at low rpms, then runs for 25 minutes. The longer a car sits the more crap builds up, regardless of how many miles on the oil.