I've had my car since Jan.31 and I've put about 2200 miles on the car. I expect to have about 2500 after a full year. The question is this: At this rate it will take me 3 years to rack up 7500 miles, so when do I take the car in for the first oil change? Obviously, this is an occational use car for me. Should I just take it in after a full year or certain mileage?

 

IMO, you should change it now. Use a premium mineral-based oil rather than synthetic, and keep changing every six months or 3500 miles, whichever comes first. Monitor oil consumption carefully, and don't change to synthetic if you're using any significant amount between changes.

Or, you could take a few road trips to get that mileage up. Sometimes you have to suffer for your car's good...

 

Hey Tox
Why not change to synthetic? I am sure you have a rationale, please let us know.
Thx

 

Tox is right on with his advice. The engine should be run in with mineral oil and only when you are not burning any significant amount (when the rings seat in) should you switch to synthetic. Using synthetic will extend the amount of time it takes to break in the engine.

 

Bieg and Tox,
Not necessarliy disagreeing with your view but would like to understand why you believe this to be the case. I have heard the argument before on synthetic hindering break-in but would like to understand the "why".
Thx

 

Thanks for the input so far. I guess I'm going to take it in either on it's 1 year anniversary or when I get the warranty work done and have them change the oil with mineral based stuff. So the next question is:
What oil and weight do I use? I want the best and money is of no concern here.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bigal:
[B]Not necessarliy disagreeing with your view but would like to understand why you believe this to be the case.

 

Makes you wonder about cars like the Corvette that come from the factory with Mobil1...

I wonder if they run the engines in with non synthetic? Or just that your car takes longer to break in?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K_CLS:
[B]Makes you wonder about cars like the Corvette that come from the factory with Mobil1...

I wonder if they run the engines in with non synthetic?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K_CLS:
[B]I wonder if they run the engines in with non synthetic?