Timely Oil Changes
With manufactures of gas engines upping the mileage between oil changes, ( use to be 3000 then it went to 7000 and I have heard as high as 10,000 miles) I am wondering if the rule of changing the oil ...
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Oil goes bad with time, assuming it has been run and then let sit. The soot that naturally builds up in the oil turns acidic over time, so you don't want to leave that in your engine. If you have an off season when you don't drive the RV much, you should change the oil right after your last trip, that way there isn't any soot in it to change state. Conversely, pure oil its self does not really have a shelf life, it is only the soot contaminant that causes it to have a shelf life.
As far as mileage, that really depends on the type of oil. You get longer time with synthetics. Conventional oil has an interval target of about 6 to 7000 miles, depending on how it is used and the condition of the engine. This assumes that you have a newer engine with a large capacity oil pan. Older engines that have smaller pans and flat tappet lifters not only should use additional additives, but should be changed more often.
As far as mileage, that really depends on the type of oil. You get longer time with synthetics. Conventional oil has an interval target of about 6 to 7000 miles, depending on how it is used and the condition of the engine. This assumes that you have a newer engine with a large capacity oil pan. Older engines that have smaller pans and flat tappet lifters not only should use additional additives, but should be changed more often.
