Oil Change Frequency

devin1229 · May 30, 2015

Hi Jeeple,

I'm a bit of a car dunce and have been reading conflicting arguments about when to get your oil changed.

Technically, my Jeep is due for a change in terms of time, but not mileage. I only drive about 5-7 miles per day so I have quite a ways to go until I reach the mileage that my sticker has listed.

I've heard that since my car is parked outside in the southern U.S. heat and the city traffic that I should get it changed even if I haven't reached the mileage.

Then I've read that most modern vehicles now can go much longer without a regular change. A post I've found here even says to rely on the oil life notices on the car's computer and that you should be OK - just don't exceed 10,000 miles or 12 months between changes.

So, what's the verdict? I don't have my manual handy, otherwise I'd see what that says. But my gut says that it might be skewed to get people into the service bays.

Thanks.

Gurgle · May 30, 2015

LOL, well, since I've been driving cars that said change in 5,000 km or 3 months having the time come up at 12 months seems like a huge decrease in service bay time to me.

ups4 · May 30, 2015

You could SEARCH this forum for the MANY posts about this exact question.
That would give you the best information.:wink:

Rojhan · May 30, 2015

devin1229 said:
Hi Jeeple,
Technically, my Jeep is due for a change in terms of time, but not mileage. I only drive about 5-7 miles per day so I have quite a ways to go until I reach the mileage that my sticker has listed.

You should use the "harsh/extreme conditions" change interval specified in the manual.

Jeepster1 · May 30, 2015

Follow the oil life notices on the car's computer. That is per FCA. Not to exceed 1 year or 10,000 miles.
Now that said, I still consider that to long even with great quality oil out there.
Personally I change every 6 months at the dealer. That's my compromise.

Bruno · May 30, 2015

I asked this same question to three service guys at two different dealerships and the answer I got from all of them was to simply follow the oil life indicator on the EVIC. It has an algorithm that consider many factors, including mileage, temperature, cold starts and etc.

onefunkar · May 31, 2015

when you have actual olm system might as well use it. alot more accurate than just time or mileage. pick a percentage you are comfortable with and go by that. i do mine at about 50 percent which is twice whats recommended.

TedB · May 31, 2015

I've always changed oil spring and fall, regardless of mileage. It gives me peace of mind for the longer trips we make in the summer. Changed it to synthetic at 3,000 miles and then again, about 10 days ago, at 9,500 miles. Now I'm set until October. - Ted.
:smile:

homac · May 31, 2015

Oil Change Frequency... A couple of considerations when it comes to 'when' to change the oil...

The manual indicates the following:
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate.

This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as 5,600 km (3,500 miles) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 800 km (500 miles).

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” or “Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or twelve months, whichever comes first.

Severe Duty All Models: Change Engine Oil at 6,500 km (4000 miles) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.

Additional information if it helps...

The Oil Change Indicator system is not a "sensor" that interacts with the oil. In fact if you changed out your oil and put in water or apple juice, you would have serious issues, however it would not indicate you needed an oil change !

The Oil Change Indicator system uses the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to process a variety of inputs and then decides on an oil change interval. The factors which are measured include:
•Ambient Temperature (looking for low temperature operation)
•Average Vehicle Speed (indicate stop-and-go driving)
•Run Time / Prolonged Idling
•Trip lengths / Coolant Temperatures (indicate shorter trips)
•Engine RPM / Engine Load (indicate trailer tow usage)
•Fuel Indications / Ethanol Percentage

Based on those items the PCM can determine the type of use and then appropriately send out a message to change the oil in advance of the 16,000 km, sometimes well in advance. It is far from perfect, however better than someone not measuring anything and not being alerted at all to that they 'may' require an oil change service prior to the 16,000km / 12 month benchmark.

Similar to what has been mentioned by sciond I also strongly recommend the www.bobistheoilguy.com website. The type of oil can play a role. 5W20 by its very nature is at least a blended synthetic in all cases, however not all motor oil is created equally. What I have seen when it comes to used oil analysis (UOAs), brand names such as Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, and Amsoil are generally being mentioned more frequently than others allowing for a bit more buffer should you forget or draw out an oil change.

Here is another thread if you decide to change your own oil:

http://jeepcherokeeclub.com/33-engi...-technical-discussion/120474-first-oil-change-2015-jeep-cherokee-trailhawk.html

JohnAdam · May 31, 2015

I'm with the every 6 months regardless of mileage. We do all stop and go short trip driving and have 4 other cars at our disposal so it sits sometimes days at a time. I've heard that condensation forms in oil on engines that never get long runs breaking down the oil. It's peace of mind and a small price to pay on a 40k investment.

Oil Change Frequency

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