In an ideal situation, the oil must be changed prior to any of its additives being depleted thus reducing it effectiveness. Unfortunately, there is no technology that can currently detect that in cars at present. The pressing issue about oil change is the same for all car owners. When is the best time to change your car’s oil?
The following conditions an be considered near ideal and if the engine is operated under them, the oil change interval can be extended to the maximum as stated by the auto , truck or Sports Utility Vehicle maker and manufacturer. These are firstly that the engine is mechanically sound. Secondly that the engine is operated for reasonably long periods of time each time it is ignited. Thirdly that the engine temperatures are maintained between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit (corresponding to approximately 82 to 92 degrees Celsius.
Carburetion or fuel injection gasoline fuel systems must be in good stead and properly adjusted. Intake air is properly filtered with a clean and undamaged air filter. The engine’s oil filter must be in good condition as well. The engine speeds overall during driving and on trips should be moderate to a reasonably high range. Of course engines should be operated under clean environmental conditions. Lastly when choosing the maximum oil change interval as assigned by the manufacturer, ensures that the engine is not overloaded as may occur when the vehicle is towing a heavy trailer or similar heavy load.
These suggestions should only be used a basis for when you should change the oil. Take it with a grain of salt. If you have an upcoming cross-country trip where you expect to travel around 7,000 miles, it is not practical to have your oil change every 2,700 miles in the summer. Granting that ideal conditions are present like well-paved roads, high speed driving and clean highways, then you can make an exemption. If luck isn’t on your side and an encounter with a bad dust storm occurs, good reason will tell you that an oil-drain must be done earlier than usual.
When driving under harsh conditions, this can qualify as “Super Severe Service”. This is when adverse climatic conditions make it necessary for the recommended time intervals to be shortened. This is applicable to activities such as towing a trailer in a mountainous region under very hot weather. The main idea is, these suggestions should also be coupled with good judgment. After all, the owners are the best persons to determine how soon oil changes must be done because they are fully aware of how often and how hard their cars are drive.V:12