How do you know when to change your oil?

1500canoe · Sep 23, 2018

I'm curious to see whether people tend to rely on the EVIC oil life % (if you have this in your RAM) to know when to change their oil, or if they rely on mileage. I've always relied on mileage but I do assume the computer is probably a more accurate measure of oil life, as it's based on operating conditions.

mondo · Sep 23, 2018

I go by mileage usually every 5k. Thats just me, others will go longer and maybe shorter depending on oil they use. Some will send a sample of their oil to Blackstone labs to see if they can go longer.

RoadRamblerNJ · Sep 23, 2018

Mileage is a starting point for me. After about 4k I rely more on other inputs such as oil "feel", smell, color. Sometimes I change it right away if those things tell me to. Other times I wait, but never longer than 6k miles. This is based on PUP 0W-40 and RP filter. I do not use EVIC, I'm old school trained. I know somebody's gonna say that's not necessary or I'm wasting money. Well, it's my money. Oil is the lifeblood of my truck. I do what the oil tells me to, not what some ******** computer that can't even figure out how many mpg I'm getting tells me. If you still had 8% more ice melting to go before you crash through into the lake's freezing water, would you keep walking?
.

1500canoe said:
I'm curious to see whether people tend to rely on the EVIC oil life % (if you have this in your RAM) to know when to change their oil, or if they rely on mileage. I've always relied on mileage but I do assume the computer is probably a more accurate measure of oil life, as it's based on operating conditions.

SYKRAMMAN · Sep 23, 2018

RoadRamblerNJ said:
If you still had 8% more ice melting to go before you crash through into the lake's freezing water, would you keep walking?

That is an excellent example.

Neil E · Sep 23, 2018

First oil change at 4500 miles. I did full synthetic, just went 6500 miles. My plan is to do full synthetic every 6k to 7k miles.

By the way, the computer has been on pace to show that I do an oil change exactly at 10k miles. Doesn't seem to take driving style and conditions at all. So, no I don't trust the computer.

huntergreen · Sep 23, 2018

Neil E said:
First oil change at 4500 miles. I did full synthetic, just went 6500 miles. My plan is to do full synthetic every 6k to 7k miles.

By the way, the computer has been on pace to show that I do an oil change exactly at 10k miles. Doesn't seem to take driving style and conditions at all. So, no I don't trust the computer.

That's the same oci I follow.

SyN · Sep 23, 2018

I follow the OLM all the way down to at least 20%.
While at the same time taking into consideration my driving style/habits within the OCI. (Mainly Towing Adventures)

Then I begin in factor in my mileage.

Mind you: This is with my 6.7L CTD.

RoadRamblerNJ · Sep 23, 2018

SYKRAMMAN said:
That is an excellent example.

Glad you liked it!
I got plenty more folks,
I'm here all week!

ExpressRules · Sep 23, 2018

I do between 6 to 7K since new and last week passed the 70k mark.

grizzstang · Sep 26, 2018

6000 miles or 1 year.

My OLM was around 39% when I changed it last weekend just shy of 6000 miles on the oil.

Oil is cheap and my motor is not so why run it longer.

69GWC · Sep 26, 2018

I go by mileage plus thats based off what oil I use, the better the oil the further I feel it can go.
Redline 5w30 for 7 to 8k.

retep · Sep 26, 2018

5000 - 6000 mi (8000 - 10000 KM) 15w 40 Shell Rotella

huntergreen · Sep 26, 2018

I also go mileage or time. The owners manual states, never to exceed 10000 miles. Oil manufacturers also state never to exceed the car manufacturers recommendation.

RoadRamblerNJ · Sep 26, 2018

retep said:
5000 - 6000 mi (8000 - 10000 KM) 15w 40 Shell Rotella

You're running 15W-40 in Canada? Why?

huntergreen · Sep 26, 2018

RoadRamblerNJ said:
You're running 15W-40 in Canada? Why?

That's what the ecodiesel calls for.

69GWC · Sep 26, 2018

I would think a 5w40 would be better in that cold climate.

retep · Sep 26, 2018

RoadRamblerNJ said:
You're running 15W-40 in Canada? Why?

Oops 5w - 40 is what I run . Good catch!!

15w - 40 is what I run on my old Benz diesel.

huntergreen · Sep 26, 2018

That's ok, I read it as 5-40. Oops

HammerHead · Sep 26, 2018

How you use your truck and oil brand determines your oil change interval imo. Highway, high idle, towing, racing, stop and go traffic, lots of short trips, oil brand, oil weight, oils additive package, base oil profile all need to be considered. 5k miles with synthetic and 3k miles conventional is a good rule of thumb to cover most driving conditions. Not so short your wasting you money and not to long to risk premature wear.
The onboard computer does monitor multiple factors to determine your oil change, but it does Not know if your running conventional oil, synthetic oil or anything else about the oil. If you plan on running conventional oil and a paper oil filter 10k miles your setting yourself up for $$$$ spent imo.

RoadRamblerNJ · Sep 27, 2018

huntergreen said:
That's what the ecodiesel calls for.

Ahhhhh..didn't know. Ass - U - Me Gas engine. Never assume lol

How do you know when to change your oil?

How do you know when to change your oil?

By the EVIC/computer

By mileage

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