Oil change recommendations

[tomo91]

Hi guys,

I'm an mk2.5 owner (2010 petrol). I've recently noticed a smell from under the bonnet, not sure if it's due to short journeys or the cold weather because as soon as the car warms up it disappears. It lead me to think it might be my oil. I last had a major service about 6000 miles ago (2 and a half years ago) so as you can see I don't do long journeys. I know the recommendations is every 12,000 miles for a service, but I'm thinking it might be worth doing an oil change? Just wandering if you guys think it's worth me changing or would it be okay for another 6000 miles?

Any help and advice is appreciated.

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[TomsFocus]

Its every 12k OR yearly, whichever comes first, so you're well overdue a change tbh lol.

You won't smell old oil though, that'll be something else, check the oil breather pipe is tight.

[ferretfloozy]

i do even less miles than you (average1,300 per year) it's the short trips that are worst for oils especially stop starts, i change my oil and filter every 12 months regardless of what the mileage is (oil is always clean when it comes out)..and i check plugs at same time - don't want a seized plug because its been in too long

 

[sonic113]

agree with the fella's here. I do mine once a year which is roughly apx 12000 mile  or so, also I  replace plugs and all filters as well just to keep all running well 

 

 

[btmaldon]

I get mine serviced and MOT'd at the same time each year. With three cars to use I probably only do 7k in my own car. The plugs don't need changing every year on moderm cars. Its usually every three years. I can see why some people do change these yearly though as some of the old overhead valve engines were famous for seized plugs and it was a good idea back then.

[tomo91]

Cheers for the responses guys! I will get that oil changed then, is it difficult to do it yourself, as I'm not the greatest when it comes to mechanics, or should I leave it to the professionals?

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[TomsFocus]

Should be easy tbh!  I'm not sure what type of filter is on the petrols though, if it's a metal canister type it might be well stuck on after being there that long.

If you're Ipswich/Felixstowe/Woodbridge way I might be able to lend a hand.

[tomo91]

Yeah I'm Ipswich mate

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[Lynxdiesel]

Regular oil changes out with the service schedule can't and won't don't do any harm. I remember as an apprentice at engineering college the storeman (ex motor mechanic) told me if I couldn't afford to get my car full serviced to always get the oil changed at least, most important thing.  As a side note i always thought a good quality oil will change colour overtime, I would be worried if my oil looked the same after 10k miles, as it obviously isn't doing its job. One function of oil is to clean the engine of combustion by products such as silica and acids, and as it lubricates and cools the engine the oil over its life changes, hence the need for regular changes. Detergents in modern oill helps the cleaning process too. I am a big advocate of regular oil changes!

[sonic113]

15 hours ago, Lynxdiesel said:

Regular oil changes out with the service schedule can't and won't don't do any harm. I remember as an apprentice at engineering college the storeman (ex motor mechanic) told me if I couldn't afford to get my car full serviced to always get the oil changed at least, most important thing.  As a side note i always thought a good quality oil will change colour overtime, I would be worried if my oil looked the same after 10k miles, as it obviously isn't doing its job. One function of oil is to clean the engine of combustion by products such as silica and acids, and as it lubricates and cools the engine the oil over its life changes, hence the need for regular changes. Detergents in modern oill helps the cleaning process too. I am a big advocate of regular oil changes!

 

+ 1  here. oil change is very important