When to Change the Oil

[Riley P]

I changed the oil in my wife's Mustang. It drove less than 2,000km this year so I'm wondering if I should have just left the filter on it and only changed the oil or just left the oil in it.
Also, changing the oil before winter vs changing it in the spring? Who changes their oil and when?
I change mine before storing the car to get rid of the acids/contaminants within the oil.
As for the argument of leaving the old oil over winter. I believe it is because condensation forms in the motor over which gets into the oil, so if you want to get rid of that water, either you have to drain the oil first thing before the engine turns over or like I think, it'll all just evaporate the first time the oil gets hot.
Lastly, does anyone drain the oil in the Fall and not put fresh oil in until the Spring?

For the first time ever, I also stored the Corvette with only 1/8th of a tank of fuel where every year I've made sure it's topped up.
My reason is the new plastic tanks don't sweat like the old steel tanks so in Spring I can fill up with fresh fuel and not have to run a whole tank of old fuel through the engine. There's lots of debate on this subject and I'm not sold on either side, unless I had a car with a steel tank, then I'd make sure it's full.

 

[nascar03]

I put fresh oil/filter in the car before I park it in the fall.
Ready to be fired-up in the spring.
I agree the plastic tanks probably don't sweat like the metal ones so try and run the car down near empty.
A bit of fuel stabilizer is added and run thru the system before parking.
I like the idea of fresh fuel in the spring.

Graham

 

[Black 03 Z06]

I add Sta-Bil at the gas station then fill the tank with Shell 91 that most claim has no ethanol in it. I then make the 15 minute drive home and park it. Picked up on another suggestion on here last week to run the car with the AC on to lubricate the seals in the system. Makes sense to me.

I now need to wash and wax the car then jack it up and put it on the roller stands. Then change the oil and filter and clean up what I can reach underneath. Battery out and on the Tender, check the anti freeze strength, make sure there are no leaves in the rad. Cover it up and that is it.

May try the dryer sheets this year but I do make sure there is no paper of any kind left in the car. Virtually empty the car of all material, especially the trunk. Mouse nest material.

 

[williame3590]

We were busy this year and the wife only put about 2000km on her Stang as well Riley. We just put it away and will change the oil come spring.


Bill

 

[Riley P]

Your busy-ness is very well understood Bill! I'm sure that mustang will survive.

Thanks for the details Murray. I never did check the antifreeze in the Vette, but the fluid is premixed Dex-cool and only a few years old so I am assuming it's ok.

I really should have changed the clutch fluid but that will wait until Spring and I'll book the car into Phobia Auto Care to get the brake fluid flushed and power steering fluid changed as I don't know when these were don't last.... Actually, all my cars are going to get this treatment this Spring.

 

[CARBON Z]

I changed the oil in my wife's Mustang. It drove less than 2,000km this year so I'm wondering if I should have just left the filter on it and only changed the oil or just left the oil in it.
Also, changing the oil before winter vs changing it in the spring? Who changes their oil and when?
I change mine before storing the car to get rid of the acids/contaminants within the oil.
As for the argument of leaving the old oil over winter. I believe it is because condensation forms in the motor over which gets into the oil, so if you want to get rid of that water, either you have to drain the oil first thing before the engine turns over or like I think, it'll all just evaporate the first time the oil gets hot.
Lastly, does anyone drain the oil in the Fall and not put fresh oil in until the Spring?

For the first time ever, I also stored the Corvette with only 1/8th of a tank of fuel where every year I've made sure it's topped up.
My reason is the new plastic tanks don't sweat like the old steel tanks so in Spring I can fill up with fresh fuel and not have to run a whole tank of old fuel through the engine. There's lots of debate on this subject and I'm not sold on either side, unless I had a car with a steel tank, then I'd make sure it's full.

IMO always change the oil filter when changing the oil. That's like taking a shower after a hard days work and putting on the same underwear!

I change my oil just before storage. If you don't start the car and just leave it for the 5-6 months, you won't get moisture in the engine. After I change oil, car then goes into a cover called a carjacket from carbag.com based out of the Detroit area. Throw in the desiccants it comes with to draw moisture then zip it up, after 6 months car comes out the way you put it in. No dust no insects or rodents.

If you use high grade fuel IMO you don't need stabilizer. The additives they put in fuel these days there's no need unless your going to store the car for much longer than six months.

This is how I've been storing my cars and bikes over the years and never had a problem. Oh don't forget battery tender!

 

[Keith Tedford]

I add Sta-Bil at the gas station then fill the tank with Shell 91 that most claim has no ethanol in it. I then make the 15 minute drive home and park it. Picked up on another suggestion on here last week to run the car with the AC on to lubricate the seals in the system. Makes sense to me.

I now need to wash and wax the car then jack it up and put it on the roller stands. Then change the oil and filter and clean up what I can reach underneath. Battery out and on the Tender, check the anti freeze strength, make sure there are no leaves in the rad. Cover it up and that is it.

May try the dryer sheets this year but I do make sure there is no paper of any kind left in the car. Virtually empty the car of all material, especially the trunk. Mouse nest material.

That is exactly what I do as well. I've seen cars that have sat for donkeys' years and start up and run just fine too. For the price of the oil and filter, I put new in last thing in the fall like Murray, give it a warm up drive and parked it is for the winter. I've been doing this since the Chevelles in the '70s and never had engine problems in all those years. I don't fix what ain't broke.

 

[New C5er]

Mine gets Seam Foam, 2OZ. per gallon then filled up. Then run half hour with AC on and to mix the Sea foam. Store, oil and filter then drop onto dollies for the wheels.
Al...

 

[Riley P]

IMO always change the oil filter when changing the oil. That's like taking a shower after a hard days work and putting on the same underwear!

I see...... but what if you turn your underwear inside out?



Looks like some really good tips. Thanks for sharing everyone.

 

[Darren]

I put fresh oil/filter in the car before I park it in the fall.
Ready to be fired-up in the spring.
I agree the plastic tanks probably don't sweat like the metal ones so try and run the car down near empty.
A bit of fuel stabilizer is added and run thru the system before parking.
I like the idea of fresh fuel in the spring.

Graham

Run car done to near empty. I would not do that. Condensation builds up due to change in tempature in any container. Always fill up and add stabilizer.
My 2 cents.

 

[Black 03 Z06]

A couple of things I fill mine up because premium fuel is $1.20 per litre right now, who know what it will be in the spring. So I see it as being financially ahead of the game, although you should declare it on your income tax.

This other issue is burning up fuel in the spring that has been treated with Sta Bil or other such product. I think you have to resist the temptation to get on it when you take the car out next year. We have seen what happens when you pull full throttle with stabilizers in the gas. Just enjoy the run until you burn off the "winter" tank.

 

[Darren]

Good point never really considered the coat of fuel. Absolutely when car comes out in spring run the tank of gas out to remove stabilizer and ensure no issues. Oh man all this talk I can wait till spring. That is unless we have a great weekend upcoming.

 

[Black 03 Z06]

Darren if it is a day like today you will have a few more miles on that beauty by Sunday night. Enjoy.