I work from home, so put very few miles on my '04 TL. A relative who runs a muffler shop told me that it's still good to change oil frequently (at least every 4-6months) even if you only put a couple thousand miles on in that time, because given enough time oil will draw small amounts of water out of the air which get trapped in the crankcase.


Has anyone else heard this? True or not true? Could I let my oil sit for say a year or 18 months so long as the car's computer is telling me I'm not down to "0% oil life left"?

thx,
Ross

 

You should always change the oil at least yearly if your mileage is below the change interval. Water collects in the oil especially if the oil never gets up to full temp to vaporize the water. This is about the worst condition for the oil. You should take it on at least a 30 minute trip once a week or so. I drive 1.5 miles to work each day so I make one long trip every week or two to burn the crap off.

FWIW, starting it up for 10 minutes of idle and shutting it off is worse than not starting at all.

The MID will count down very quickly in your conditions, probably right past 3,000miles.

 

The MID is the computer? That's got alot to do with why I'm asking. I have about 1,000 mi in the last 6 months, the computer says 80% oil life. I wonder if the computer can be fully relied on for driving characteristics such as mine. I do go out 17mi out and back once a week to visit a relative. Maybe that's enough? Or maybe the computer is wrong....

 

MID stands for the Multi Information Display. Your owner's manual, page 199, states "If the message 'SERVICE DUE NOW' does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year."

 

As a few have stated the 1 year interval, the MID does not calculate idle time, therefore 1 year limit on an oil change. We have @ 3600 miles on the car, 1 year since the last oil change and the MID show 50%, so due for a change whenever I feel ambitious.

Short trips play havoc on the exhaust system also.

A big problem is condensation in the exhaust with short trips

 

Engine oil def. needs changing yearly, at least. Any moisture in the crankcase is not good at all. I agree, bring the engine to operating temp at least 2-3 times a month.

 

I had this happening to me once. My second job was only 5-10 min from my house and i noticed water drops in the crankcase. Not good! I changed the oil right away evn though the MID was showing 50% oil life. I never make the miles between oil changes and thats why i change it every 6 months. But u have to use good brand synthtic oil