Since I use M1 in everything and the cars have monitors, I run the oil down to 0% but replace the filter at 50%. M1 life analysis shows it lasts just about forever (yes a bit of an exaggeration) but I do want to ensure I am always getting good filtering. Since changing the filter is so easy, that is how I do it.

Then I don't worry about it. I do check the oil level and look for any suspicious color.

 

I don't know...I've been old school with my cars, (odd since I'm young), but I typically change the oil every 3-4 months, or 3,000 miles. I have never used Mobil 1 before my HHR, but I just started using it... I don't drive that far, so 3,000 doesn't come as often as the months, but I'm still pretty comfortable every 3,000 miles. I mean, I can't damage it from changing the oil too much...

 

Changing oil at 2000 to 3000 miles was originally set by the oil manufactures way back when. This was probably a good reference point on older cars. Oil and cars have gotten better over the years thus increasing the time and miles between oil changes. How much time or how many miles is still debatable. My theory is that the oil manufacturing companies selling oil are always going to try to sell more oil more often. Auto manufactures are going to want you to wear your car out so you get it repaired thus selling parts or replace the car with a new one. A happy medium between the two recommendations is your best bet.

 

I agree with the oil company part, but not sure I agree with the auto manufactures. If GM is willing to warranty the engine for 100,000 miles....
Also, on cars today, it's usually NOT the engine that causes a car to end up in the junk yard any more. It is rust or other major systems... When is the last time you heard of a late model daily driver needing an engine rebuild?

 

Before I started using M1 on various cars I would still change it at about 5000 miles. Changing it often certainly doesn't hurt anything.

On a low usage car I would at least change it once a year and make sure it gets driven at least once a month to burn off any moisture and keep the seals lubed. I have a buddy with a GTO that might put 2000 miles a year on it. He would never hit the change indicator.

But if your pocketbook can handle it, sure change it as often as you like. It doesn't hurt a thing. I have to admit that pure guilt gets to me at about 7500 miles.

 

Very good point. It doesn't hurt!
I can retate to the guilt thing.... Also, us car guys ( or girls) love to do stuff to our cars, and this is something that makes us feel good to do. There is nothing like pulling that dipstick and seeing that honey color instead of black.
Necessary... NO, makes you feel good...YES.

 

i did my first oil change at around 2000 miles. it was quite easy. i plan on doing my second at 5000 miles. after that, i will do them every 5000 miles. mobil1 and a wix oil filter. it is $30.20 including tax for a change. i am considering a mityvac oil extractor.

you will rarely find such an easy engine to change the oil on. i really enjoy changing my oil. i am using a decent oil, so i could probably go by the OLI. i know i probably never will, though. at least, until it is cost prohibitive.

a good website, to read about oil, is BITOG (bob is the oil guy).

 

I change to M1 when the DIC gets down to 10% or so. Right now I have 7000 miles on my last change and the DIC shows 56%. I'm going on a road trip next week probably 3000 miles and will change the oil when I get back.

I was even thinking of taking the jug of M1 to the dealer and have them do it. I keep getting emails saying they miss me. It give me an excuse to check out their inventories. The dealer wants $89 for a M1 oil change, but if I bring the oil, it knocks the price down to the cost of the filter. I have a 20% discount for routine maintenance too.

 

My luck they'd keep the M1 and put crappy oil in....

 

I do mine twice a year - just before winter and just after which is usually late April and late October).

OLM is usually between 16 and 20%.