I have a 97' nissan that I only really use to drive to the train station on the way to work or to stop at a local store. I never drive more than 3,000 miles in a year with this car. Is it okay to get an oil change just once a year? If not why not? Please give me a link or explain your answer either way. Thanks!
Is it okay to get an oil change for your car once a year if you drive about 2,500 miles a year?
Question. Does your driving ALWAYS get the oil and engine up to OPERATING temperatures for at LEAST 15 minutes? If yes, then should be ok, NO, change at LEAST every six months. Problem is that if the oil is not hot enough to boil off the condensation or water that WILL form, you will damage the engine due to water in the oil.
Check the repair cost of that foreign car engine you decide if oil is cheaper.
Good Luck
Is it okay to get an oil change for your car once a year if you drive about 2,500 miles a year?
If that is the case I would change it every 2000 miles It never hurt to change oil in a car or truck Take care of your car and it will take care of you, good luck
Johnny, Oil changes are sceduled according to time and mileage. The more short trips you take (just to train station and back each day) the more often an oil change is required. Condensation (water vapor) is the major culprit here. Your owners manual should explain the rules for your car regarding short trips and change intervals. I have two cars that each go less than 5,000 miles a year and I change the oil every 2 1/2 months.
My dad and I have a 85' Corolla that we use maybe under 1000 miles a year. He changes it once a year. The oil change is not really the issue, letting the car run and driving it a few miles per month is the key. As long as you drive it a few times a month your ok. Oil change stations say 3000miles or 6months just as their advisory. If your REALLY worried than, throw some synthetic oil in the car then. Consumer report did a test explaining that synthetic oil can run for 10,000 miles. Not sure what month for consumer report.
That depends on how far the train station is. If you're only driving a mile or two, it's really hard on the oil because you don't get it hot enough to burn off the water it's absorbed. It will also rot out your exhaust system. If you drive it far enough to get the engine and exhaust hot for a while, the oil will probably be OK for a year.
