Is a gap between oil changes okay??

[TWhaylen]

I am curious about oil changes and here is what my situation would be. I got an oil change in Oct. 08 and then have my '06 F250 sit in the garage for the next 8 month's with driving it here and there in town say about four times a month putting about 100 miles a month on it (If even that). If I go about 5-6 month's over what the little service sticker states on when I should get my next oil change but I am UNDER about 1,000 miles of when they state I should have it change will that hurt anything?? In other words say they say to have it changed again at 35k but I am sitting at 33.5k and they also say to change it in January if that comes before the mileage but here we sit in July. Since the truck is sitting most of the time and not being driven is it okay to still be using that same oil??

[kylev90]

I have always been told to have it changed in a situation like that no matter the mileage because the oil is continuing to break down even though it is just sitting. Not positive though. good luck

[nccatfan]

I wouldn't. Unless you idle alot, I change mine by mileage only. I hate wasting oil.

[smokersteve]

You should change it.

With standard oil you should.

With syn its ok

[Jake]

I wouldn't change it. Oil doesn't break down if its just sitting there. If it did you'd be putting junk oil in your truck every time you changed the oil. It sits on a shelf for a while before you even buy it.

I would consider changing it if it was a bunch of really really short trips where the engine barely gets to operating temp before you shut it down. But in your case id just change it at the normal milage interval. I never go by time.

[TWhaylen]

Thanks for all the advice guys and it is a double-edged sword as I LOVE driving around in the truck but I also enjoy knowing that it is safe and secure in the protected garage and not getting all the elements and door dings, etc....LOL

[Clay Henry]

Best advice i could give you is go drive that truck!
Its not going to last with your current driving habits.

[TWhaylen]

Originally Posted by Clay Henry

Best advice i could give you is go drive that truck!
Its not going to last with your current driving habits.

Clay,

The only reason I really don't drive it as much now is because back when diesel was over $4 a gallon I went out and bought a little commuter car since I drive 60 miles a day to and from my job. Plus I have to drive up a mountian pass to get to work and back home so that just really took a toll on sucking up my gas in the truck. Now I just have gotten used to driving the little car and am loving how it doesn't cost that much to fill up....LOL Okay, okay I don't want to give you half the story.....I also love the fact that the truck stays nice, clean and detailed in the garage since it doesn't get all the road grim...hahahahaha

[Clay Henry]

when you do drive it, put the go peddle on the floor once in awhile...open it up and let it eat!
Babying these trucks is said to me one of the main causes of failures. That came from 2 different diesel techs. Leave it set but when you do get it out and drive, drive it hard.