Oil change every 5K miles or 3K???

[mcslain]

I've always thought it was suggested to get your oil changed every 3K miles. It seems to be a given though on this forum that every 5K is the way to go. In fact even the Prius documentation and the car's own alert system agree on every 5K. Why is there a difference? And if I just get a regular oil change do I have to tell the shop to use oil that will last for 5K?

Thanks
-mcslain

[maggieddd]

Prius is special so get your oil changed every 5000 miles. No, need to tell anyone anything

[FBear]

The dealer wants you to change oil every 3K so they can make more money. It is a gigantic waste of oil, 5K is often enough especially if you use synthetic oil. The dealer will also want to flush the radiator at 15k and change the transmission fluid. Don't do it follow the books maintenance schedule.

[galaxee]

well, i think all new toyotas come with the 5k oil change interval. higher mileage cars probably will do better with a 3k interval, but we're talking 150k miles and older engines.

it also helps that the prius engine isn't running all of the time.

no need to ask for anything special, regular old oil will work just fine for ya. just follow the warranty book and you'll have no worries.

[p626808]

I vote for 12K. .. (With Mobile 1 15K mile oil of course)..

I am about to do an oil analysis on my oil.. have just about 12K on it now..

Will be going to get it changed this weekend.

We will see how it is..

Scott

[richard schumacher]

Note that Toyota requires 5K OR six months, whichever comes first. (I'm stickin' with that until the warranty expires, then doin' it evry 5K regardless of time.)

[Maytrix]

My Jeep manual stated every 7500 miles for highway driving.

As stated, dealers and oil change places just want you back soon so they can have your money.

I'm sticking with the Toyota recommend 5k, although I'll be a few hundred miles past 10k when I go have it done this weekend.

[Dave C]

Originally posted by Maytrix@Jan 11 2006, 02:53 PM
My Jeep manual stated every 7500 miles for highway driving. 

As stated, dealers and oil change places just want you back soon so they can have your money. 

I'm sticking with the Toyota recommend 5k, although I'll be a few hundred miles past 10k when I go have it done this weekend.

[snapback]187887[/snapback]

For what it's worth, we have a 2003 and started out with the 7500 mile oil change interval for the first few changes but dropped that to about 3500-4000. Our experience is that our mileage tends to slide when we let it go longer -- I am convinced of this. The engine doesn't seem anywhere near as smooth when letting it go to 7500 between changes. We also live in MD and have fairly cold winters, for what that may contribute. Our commute is 35 miles roundtrip (6x per week) consisting of some surface streets but 90% highway with lightly hilly terrain. Lots of slowing down, coasting, and speeding up. We know how to work the mileage to maximize results. Early AM temperatures when we leave in winter may be in the teens at times.

Those are my conditions and practices. We've had no problems except for the recent dealer oil overfill.

Dave

[Salsawonder]

Love the 5k and I do really like the reminder light. Living such busy lives, it is so easy to see those miles slip by when you really intended to get the little one in there for it's maintenance in a timely manner.

[Schmika]

Originally posted by mcslain@Jan 11 2006, 01:25 PM
I've always thought it was suggested to get your oil changed every 3K miles. It seems to be a given though on this forum that every 5K is the way to go.  In fact even the Prius documentation and the car's own alert system agree on every 5K.  Why is there a difference?  And if I just get a regular oil change do I have to tell the shop to use oil that will last for 5K?

Thanks
-mcslain

[snapback]187769[/snapback]

3K miles is really a throwback to carburated engines. Ever since fuel injection, most manufacturers moved to 5K or even 7.5K miles.

The oil change places have a definite interest in keeping us "thinking" it is still 3K miles.

I find it somewhat ironic when "prius" drivers do 3K changes. What an environmental waste. However, a lot of Prius buyers are not "green" (except "money greeen")