Synthetic/Mineral Oil given infrequent driving

[arandomguy]

Car is driven maybe 5k miles every two years. So mileage is never the main factor to consider only time (breakdown).

Given that would you go with more frequent oil changes with mineral or less frequent with synthetic. Maybe work with a 50% greater cost value for synthetic changes.

 

[Zivic]

Car is driven maybe 5k miles every two years. So mileage is never the main factor to consider only time (breakdown).

Given that would you go with more frequent oil changes with mineral or less frequent with synthetic. Maybe work with a 50% greater cost value for synthetic changes.

Use manufacturer spec oil and it should be fine.

with a car like that, actually I have a car that I drive that infrequently, I would still be doing annual changes. breakdown will not be an issue as you have stated. Condensation is likely the biggest issue you will face.

is the car high compression or forced induction?

 

[arandomguy]

High but normally aspirated. 10.5:1 ratio.

 

[Zivic]

High but normally aspirated. 10.5:1 ratio.

I would just use manufacturer recommended oil... or if there is a specific car club/forum for that car I would check to see what people are using

 

[eng2d2]

YOur best bet is to experiment and send the oil samples for analysis. Once you find the right result you follow the regimen and you will save money. Short term you lose money by doing oil analysis. Start with a 2 years old oil and have it analyze. If good then you stick with that regimen and you will have peace of mind. You will be surprise with the result.

 

[nakedfrog]

Personally, I'd do an annual change every year with synthetic.

 

[RLGL]

You are overthinking the subject. Just follow the owners manual schedule and recommendations for maintenance.

 

[Jimzz]

Use regular oil and change once a year or every 5k, which ever comes first.

Todays automotive oils are much better refined and robust than years past.

 

[jagec]

Personally, I'd do an annual change every year with synthetic.

Same here.

Less frequent driving makes me MORE likely to recommend synthetic. Not only is the price difference negligible in that case (since you're only changing the oil once a year or so), but the engine will be bone-dry each time it's started, and I'd want an oil that gets to the top end as soon as possible on a cold block.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Just change it annually, and try to take a long drive every now and then.
Cost difference shouldn't be too great. My LS is spec'ed to use synth-blend, but the 5qt jugs of M1 5W30-EP are cheap enough at Wallyworld.

 

[tortillasoup]

I use synthetic, lasts longer. Manufacturers have been spec'ing synthetic for this very purpose of extended drain intervals, even if driven infrequently.

 

[who?]

When you drive it do you get the engine up to normal operating temperature for at least 15 minutes at a time?

 

[Carson Dyle]

I put similar miles on my car - 3000 to 5000 miles per year, depending on what longer trips I take. I do an annual oil change with synthetic.

My annual insurance cost is typically more than the combined cost of gas and maintenance.