Forum Discussion

riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014

Would you change the oil?

I have a 2013 F150 ecoboost 4x4 CC. It now has 9900 miles on it. I always changed the oil in my 2004 F150, and other vehicles, at around 3000 miles. I know this is supposed to be a waste of money with todays oils and engines but it is a hard habit to break. Also, since I have never had a lot of major engine issues over the years I am thinking it is not all bad.

So here is my question. I had the dealer change my oil etc at about 4700 miles ( I am getting better :) ). There was a trip to the Keys in there, about 1800 miles towing.

Now I am at 9900 miles, truck says I have 39% left on oil before change. We are headed back to the Keys next month and will likely put on 2000 miles or so on the trip. I think I am going for peace of mind and getting the oil changed before the trip rather than after. Also, about time for tire rotation. Dealer sent me a coupon for 39.95 for oil change, rotation, and check up. I hate to waste oil and money but think I will go for it.

BTW truck has performed flawlessly so far.
Not trying to stir the pot just curious about any opinions?
Thanks TR
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    I would in a heartbeat. What's $40.00 (or whatever they charge) in the long run.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Not sure why you are having to debate this issue. Its $40.00 you will get more than that in peace of mind.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    ...I know this is supposed to be a waste of money with todays oils and engines...


    IMHO, JMHO I disagree with that theory. The best thing you can do to increase longevity of any engine is to change the oil and often. Don't care what magical oil you use they all get dirty and breakdown.

    A couple bucks for insurance? I sure wouldn't fore go it. I change oil on ALL my vehicles faithfully at 3,000. Extensive Towing with it and thru steep grades and high heat? If I am in a service bay at 2,000 I'll have them change it!
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    In my case, I'd wait until I reached 10% or less. Reason? My new truck came with free oil changes for quite a while. The catch is, the % needs to be 10% or less. But, if you are paying for the oil change yourself, and it's not part of your "sales" package, then yes ... go ahead and change it. It won't hurt a single thing.

    If you do have the service plan with oil changes, then plan on getting the oil changed while you are on the road. I've done this a few times in the last 30 years of camping when my vehicle was approaching or past due on an oil change.
  • Sluggo54's avatar
    Sluggo54
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Check the oil changer, too. I had a dealer put 10W-30 in my Duramax.
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Some people change oil by miles and some by months.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 10, 2014
    I wouldn't worry about it.

    Engines last longer than ever even with the long oil change recommendations.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Nov 10, 2014
    I'd change it before the trip..

    One side effect of the Direct Injected engine is that the oil can get contaminated with raw fuel.. Not a whole lot of course, but enough that you can smell gas in the oil..

    Over time, this will reduce the viscosity of the oil, so getting it changed with fresh oil before it becomes an issue is the best course to take..

    I've changed my oil in my Ecoboost a couple of times already.

    Planning on doing it again next weekend. I've got about 4000 miles on this current oil change. The truck has 10,500 miles on it now.

    I did the first change at around 2500 miles. The next change at around 6400 miles.

    I feel it can't hurt and I know I won't go over 5000 miles between changes.

    Just what works for me and I'm fine with it. :)

    Good luck!

    Mitch
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Nov 10, 2014
    I'm a believer in technology. Technology which includes chemistry has greatly improved both the oils we use as well as the devices we put them in. I will trust the engine electronics to tell me when it's time to change the oil in my cars. My next choice is to read the owners manual and follow their directions.

    I firmly believe the 3,000 mile interval is very much old school but if it makes you sleep better at night then go for it. Never having an engine failure due to oil does not validate that changing it at 3,000 miles is useful. Just preventative maintenance.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025