The Completely Pointless Thread II

[LKTraz]

0

I wasn't talking about major viscosity breakdown. Minor loss of viscosity is normal for any lubricant over its lifespan. This is the viscosity change I meant.

It is noticible if you pay attention and a good indicator of the need to consider changing.

Filter changes are another point of contention. I have always gone with the every other oil change schedule and never had a problem. Just like extending the time between oil changes the savings over a vehicle's life are worthwhile.

(Giving away my age here) I remember the old replaceable element style filters and a roll of toilet paper (had to roll enough off to make it fit) was an accepted material. (WAY cheaper than a "store bought" filter element too.)

I agree that using a synthetic is cheaper in the long run due to the greatly extended lifespan. In a synth I like Castrol Syntech although all the synths are essentially the same base material. Just an additive here or there is the difference between brands.

Racing formulations work extremely well for street applications and have a nearly inconceivable lifespan. It would be no problem going 15k between changes with a synth from say Amalie or Red Line. Depending on how hard you run 20k would be a safe change point.

If you REALLY want to find out just how well your chosen oil is doing you need to send a sample for analysis. BUT....that ain't cheap! Doing it just once though would give you a good guideline and over the course of a vehicle's lifespan you could easily recoup the cost and save in the long run.