How do you know what needs doing each year at a service?

[JohnD]

The risk of engine damage due to wear n tear and high oil consumption is higher in older cars, thats why i have 2 oil changes on my 14 year old car.

When was the last time you needed a reground crankshaft and new bearings?

When was the last time you needed a rebore?

When was the last time you even needed to adjust or reshim tappets?

My point is that modern engines are durable and reliable with basic care.

 

[Mottie]

When was the last time you even needed to adjust or reshim tappets?

About 25 years ago when they all went hydraulic.

 

[johnny2007]

Oil change is down to how much use the engine gets. Once a year is sufficient for most, unless treated very hard or excess mileage.

Its more critical to use the correct oil type though.

Some engines need more frequent oil change.
I changed the oil on my passat 1.8T every 6 months (3000 miles), filter every year and it lasted 26 years trouble free.
Only giving it away now because of the khant.

 

[Stivino]

(removed)

What makes you think it needed "sic" an oil change every 3,000 miles? You never know, it could well have lasted that time on the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

What makes you think it needed "sic" an oil change every 3,000 miles? You never know, it could well have lasted that time on the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

Agree.

It doesn't hurt to change it more often, but it's a stretch to say it's needed

 

[DiyNutJob]

It doesn't hurt to change it more often

My MPG is hurt by new oil.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

My MPG is hurt by new oil.

Go on then. Explain that to me

 

[DiyNutJob]

Go on then. Explain that to me

Lower MPG, my wallet hurt.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Lower MPG, my wallet hurt.

Any reason why, or ideas ?

 

[Burnerman]

Manufacturers like the long service interval.....it gives the impression that their vehicles have cheaper overall running costs.
Typical example was Renault with their excellent 1.5 dci lump. The original service intervals were 21000 miles, I saw one at 23k and the engine was wrecked.
Soon after, Renault reduced the oil drop to a much more realistic 12k.
John

 

[DiyNutJob]

Any reason why, or ideas ?

Old oil flows easier and less of a resistance for the engine.

 

[Burnerman]

Even when it is heavily carbonised....indirect injection diesels particularly ?
John

 

[Stivino]

Old oil flows easier and less of a resistance for the engine.

Thanks for that little nugget of knowledge.
I'm going to change my oil for even older oil. I should be able to go to the moon and back on a tankful.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Even when it is heavily carbonised....indirect injection diesels particularly ?
John

No idea. I only had petrols. If you are interested, certainly you can experiment and report back.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

No idea. I only had petrols. If you are interested, certainly you can experiment and report back.

I think its established that the best mpg will come from fresh oil.