I recently purchased an 09 FX4 and have almost 3,000 miles on it. what interval is everyone using for oil changes? Are people following the 7,500 mile interval? Just curious.

 

Some change oil at 3k mile intervals, others at 5k miles intervals while others want to get the maximum life at 7.5k miles intervals. Chose one that you like.

Personally, I like 5k mile intervals for oil changes. It's simple to remember, and offers fresh oil more often than 7.5k intervals. The way I see oil is that it's the garbage can of the engine. Changing oil sooner then every 7.5k miles is fine.

 

With today's engines, sticking to every 5k will be just fine if your using full synthetic, I would keep it at 3k if not using full synthetic.

 

I got my first oil change today at 4k. In the future, I plan on getting it changed every 5k.

 

My schedule will be about every 5k normally. If I'm towing a lot, maybe 3k-4k.

 

Every 3k religiously since new..........Why? cause its cheap insurance

 

Cheap insurance against what?

 

I have heard to many horror stories about people that don't change oil frequently enough and just leads to more problems down the road and besides it gives me a chance to get underneath the truck and check it out for leaks or loose parts or whatever and at under $20 i do it myself and don't have to worry about some moron at a quick lube place if he tightened the plug or did he even put the filter on like a gorilla. Is that enough reason for cheap insurance for you?

 

So its not worth doing every 2,000 miles, or perhaps 1,000 miles? Why do you choose 3,000 mile intervals?

 

Def not worth doing anymore than every 3k. That's been the industry standard since Jesus was a kid.

 

I think automotive oils have changed a lot since then. I always thought 4,000 miles was the old typical standard.

Anyway, I suppose its personal preference as long as its at least as frequent as the vehicle manufacturer recommends.

 

5k is about twice a year for me.

 

Since I am using full syn I will be doing it every 6k. I have RP in my Mustang and they suggest every 10k but that is no for me even though I don't put many miles on her.

 

Completely depends upon the oil and filter. I use AMSOIL synthetic and filters and can EASILY get 10K on it. Many I know do 12k or 1 year, whichever comes first. If you do it any more frequently, you'd just wasting $ IMO.

BTW, my wife's BMWs have 3 year free maintenance and they will ONLY change the oil when the oil change indicator says so. Its not strictly mileage based but it has NEVER been anything less than 10K.

I think the 3K thing is a left over from the 'old days', when we didn't have sophisticated synthetics and engines had a lot more shavings. In those days, you also have 5K break in periods.