PHEV specific topic: oil change based on time ONLY

Not a PHEV owner, and didn't watch the video, but most equipment has hour meters, no?
Too bad this couldn't be accessed via software, or even miles with engine running-you'd think it should be kept track of by the car.
I suppose you could install an hour meter.

 

if i had known this when i owned a pip, i would have changed the oil twice in eleven years, instead of every year.
that would have been a $1,000. savings

 

Oil goes bad from oxidation. At room temperatures, that reaction is very slow, and even stops if cold enough. Then in a sealed bottle, the available oxygen is used up and oxidation stops.

So oil can last some time in a non-running engine. But we also need to account for climate along with time. The engine isn't sealed, and warm/cool cycles will lead to fresh air getting into the crankcase with more available oxygen. It also can bring in humidity that adds water as an oxidation source.

In the case of a PHEV, the engine use cycle needs to be considered. If only running for a short time when it comes on, that is the same as a short trip in an ICE car. This is severe use on the oil, as there is more water and even fuel sitting in the oil for long periods before being boiled off.

Toyota's oil change schedule is too short for PHEVs; its what they use for ICE cars. Would be great if they, and everyone else, used a system like Honda and GM, which monitored engine operation to calculate remaining oil life. With that system, the Volt could go two years between oil changes. Which was probably still conservative.

 

You want to take away my once-a-year fun...

 

i'm surprised big oil hasn't shut these guys down.
it would be interesting if someone did a long term study of hybrids vs gassers. the only potential problems i see are climate and driving variables.

 

Honda's maintenance schedule (it's a little elusive, built into their in-dash Maintenance Minder system) stipulates oil filter change at every second oil change. That said, at our nearby dealership at least, if you ask them to just change the oil, leave the filter, they treat you like you're nuts. What I would DIY at the oil change-only-interval, was drain the oil and filter, reinstall that filter. Worked, and the oil change was more complete.

BTW, I wonder if there's some brain-fart afoot in the video, at 4:52 the guy he quotes says "a dirty air filter...". I have heard the latter.