Change Oil Every 5000 Miles: Is This ‘Wisdom’ Still Valid?

Compounding the above is the statement: ‘Engine oil is cheap, engines are not’ — which makes a lot of sense, at least at face value. However, when looked at closely, this argument begins to fall apart, and generally, the statement begins to make less and less sense, at least from the financial and longevity point of view, which it’s originally premised on.

The reasons are many and convincing enough, and today, I’m going to explain exactly what I mean.

Why Getting an Oil Change Every Six Months (Or 5k Miles) Isn’t the Best Use of Your Money

There are a billion and one reasons why changing your engine oil at the slightest excuse (read: 5,000 miles or six months – whichever is first) isn’t the smartest thing you should be doing with your money or time.

However, outlined below are the most notorious.

1. Engine Oil Isn’t Cheap in Most of the World

If you live in Western Europe or North America, there’s no arguing it, engine oil is cheap; so cheap that it’s about the equivalent of an hour’s wage. Or less.

Elsewhere, the rules are radically different.

In Nigeria, for example, the national minimum wage of N70,000 ($45) will barely buy a gallon of Mobil 1 Synthetic Engine Oil or Castrol Edge Extended Performance (or whatever good brand of engine oil it is that you buy and use).

Now, that’s a whole month’s wage, in exchange for a gallon of engine oil (without considering the oil filter yet).

And, before you ‘lecture’ me on that ‘fact’ that most folks who use cars aren’t minimum wage earners, sorry to burst your bubble: in Nigeria (and most of the ‘developing’ world), they are. Or, at best, have very little difference from minimum wage earners.

It’s terrible economics to use a month’s wage, all of it, to buy a gallon of engine oil for your daily driver; engine oil that will be out again in a few months…

2. Chances of Getting Bad Engine Oil Are Higher When You Change Oil More Frequently…

The more you do something, the more chances of ‘getting hit’ increase.

A biker, for instance, has a higher chance of running into an accident compared to someone who’s hardly ever on the road, especially if such a biker is into stunts and displays.

This is what happens when you decide to change your engine oil more than it’s reasonable in the name of whatever you decide on or hold dear.

Very important to note is that, effectively, you increase the chances of fake engine oils getting into your car’s engine and ruining what you’re desperately trying to protect in the first instance.

This isn’t cool when looked at closely. Why risk it?

3. It’s a Plain Waste of Money!

Finally, it’s a plain waste of money; money that could have gone to good use, especially if you live in a place where such amounts of money can be put to use to achieve important things.

Why change your oil earlier if you can delay doing the same with no negative consequences?

It’s not cheap insurance, it’s plain old wastefulness!

What You Should Do Instead

Instead of wasting money on an engine oil change and risking something going wrong twice a year, why not reduce the chance by going once a year and extending the OCI from six months to a calendar year?

This is possible – and very safe. This is exactly what I have been doing for the past series of years, and my cars have all been thankful. I’ve even switched from Mobil 1 Extended Performance to Castrol Edge Extended Performance and couldn’t be happier.

However, to achieve this longer engine oil runtime, some things must be in place:

1. Make certain that you’re using an engine oil brand/spec that is rated for such long/extended use, such as the Mobil 1 Extended Performance (or Castrol Extended Performance) Synthetic Engine Oils.
2. Get an engine oil filter that is also similarly rated – such as the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter or the Fram Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter.
3. Finally, stay on top of your maintenance, especially when it comes to servicing parts like the PCV valve. This is non-negotiable.

Instances Where You Should Not Go Beyond the 6 Months Mark…

Running an OCI beyond the 6 months/5,000 mile mark is perfectly fine – and there’s little to worry about, usually.

However, there are instances where it simply isn’t a great idea:

1. If you drive a directly injected vehicle. Oil dilution is real.
2. If you have a vehicle that is still covered by warranty, best not to try longer OCIs. This may void the warranty.
3. Vehicles used in a ‘heavy’ manner should generally avoid longer OCIs: police cars, racing cars, vehicles used in towing, etc. For these types of vehicles, you should consider even running an OCI shorter than what the manufacturer says.
4. When not using a dedicated long-drain oil filter, it’s best to stop things at the safe mark of 6 months or 5k miles.
5. Finally, if you’re not to be bothered with things like servicing or changing PCV valves, it’s best to stick with what your manufacturer recommends.

Should You Change Oil Every 5000 Miles? Summary

Changing your vehicle’s engine oil every 5k miles or 6 months isn’t the smartest thing you can do with your engine and money.

It’s as senseless as using plain old miles to change your engine oil.

However, before you consider this route, be sure that you know what you’re doing by making sure that it’s the best option for you.

If unsure, remember that longer OCIs are a luxury for those who know what they are doing. In moments of confusion or uncertainty, always go with your manufacturer.

Further Reading

Here’s some further reading you should consider, if you’re interested in reading further about longer OCIs: Can you go 20k miles without an oil change? An honest answer.

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