A New Oil Thread, with feeling!

[Alan Hamm]

We have not had a heated, spirited debate about oil yet this year. But this question is a little different.

For a car that is not driven much, say 2-3K per year. Dino or synthetic? And how often should the oil be changed? How bogus is the 3 month part of "3 months or 3000 miles" when it comes to a garaged kept car that is driven very little.

FYI, this is gas, not diesel, but you guys have good insight.

[dieseldiehard]

Oh Boy, the first oil thread for 2005?! Hope its a short-lived thread
Well, I'll stick my neck out and tell you what I do, for my gasser. I use RedLine 10W40 (synthetic) and change it at one year intervals, I only put 3000 miles on it a year, maybe more or less depending on if one of the diesels is out of commission for some reason, like one is now getting repainted after vandals jumped up on the hood and it was bent up nicely (thank you, Mr. Vandal, now I have new paint to match the four fenders and doors that were keyed a few years ago. The shop is also repainting the trunk lid with the same mix so the car has effectively been repainted 80% by two $100 deductibles, except for the top which doesn't really need it yet).
Letting a car sit for many months without running the engine is bad.
I do run the gasser regularly, like today - its raining and I'd rather chance a wreck in that car (W115) than the 123 or 124 diesels. Handles better too BTW.
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 106441
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 296650
1983 300D 243280
1985 300TD 223470
1987 300D 262300

[barry123400]

A lot of issues besides oil with a car having infrequent use. Wish I would follow my own thoughts as hold a few cars in long term heated storage and have paid the price more than once. Unheated storage requires more consideration. If car where to be started and driven a little once a month think would prevent some issues eventually arising. Fluids like anti freeze should be checked as kits are available to check ph occasionally, do radial tires take a set? high test gas as does not seem to go rotten as easily, before starting engine disable ignition in approved way and turn over engine until oil pressure comes up then reconnect and start, put stuff in car to keep mice out as have found they love stored or infrequently used vehicles, keep a very light trickle charge of say 500 ma from a wall voltage converter either purchased speciffically for the purpose at high dollars or get a surplus 12v 500 or so milliamp direct current wall adapter and leave hooked up to battery when car is not used for under $5.00. Many are available at yard sales for a little change. Other people on this site can add a lot more ideals to apply to infrequently used cars. Really the oil may be the lesser of problems with these cars when infrequent use is anticipated. The most common problem i seem to experience is calipers freezing up when not used for periods of time. Going to start changing brake fluid once a year or try synthetic fluid and see if i can get away from the problem. Oh yes make sure that small drain hole is located at lowest point of muffler and resonator as any retained fluids seem to be very active and corrosive in the gas cars at least. Tired of sulphated batteries as well. A car driven 2-3 thousand miles a year should be able to escape the majority of problems as long as it gets a little excercise once a month and not just driven in may to september time frame then parked for the duration of year. Just some random thoughts.