Oil question

[j2k4]

I park my car for the winter; I have been using Castrol GTX 5w30, and changing it each spring, which doesn't hurt the car, but makes my efforts with Blackstone labs kinda useless, given I haven't put more than 2500 miles on it in a season, yet.

I generally start it once or twice over the winter, which may or not make sense, but I wouldn't be averse to leaving the car alone, cuz I'm sure a few starts doesn't help the oil.

Anyway, I'm wondering whether or not I ought to start using synthetic, and going with the recommended/longer interval, based entirely on mileage, rather than yearly.

Thoughts?

[DocWalt]

Oh boy, an oil thread.

If you haven't been using synthetic you can give it a try, but you may end up having small leaks or weeping from seals. I see no reason to not change it every year, even with only 2500 miles.

[j2k4]

Sounds good to me, Doc.

Blackstone can go stroke...:wink:

[ItTricky]

Kev starting the car won't do anything with the oil, but it will save your top end as it sits the oil will leakdown so starting will help get oil back up there. As for changing it I agree with doc I'd definitely change it every spring just because of age, regardless of mileage.

[j2k4]

Then I always did have the right idea.

Comforting thought, but it makes me wonder why I tried to talk myself out of it.



I suspect a government plot...:p

[anyonebutme]

Counterpoint time.

Starting and not running to operating temp will build condensation in the crankcase (and oil contaminates) and increase the number of "dry starts". I just let all my engines sit when stored, and just prime the oil system prior to first start. If most engine wear occurs at startup according to most people, why start your engine more than necessary?

[HLxDrummer]

I would stick with what you are doing. Maybe change the oil BEFORE you put the car away, as I have heard that it can be bad to have the contaminated oil chilling in your motor all winter. Either way it is probably fine.

I would rather have fresh dino oil than synthetic that has been sitting forever.

[DocWalt]

Counterpoint time.

Starting and not running to operating temp will build condensation in the crankcase (and oil contaminates) and increase the number of "dry starts". I just let all my engines sit when stored, and just prime the oil system prior to first start. If most engine wear occurs at startup according to most people, why start your engine more than necessary?

Definitely this.

[j2k4]

When I start it, it runs 25-30 minutes with a little foot-feed action thrown in.

[CoopKill]

I personally would be starting it once a month or so, and let it get to temp for a reasonable amount of time.