Now or later - OIL CHANGE

[PeterHawk]

We, in the NOrtheast, are getting ready to put our cars away for their winter naps and I was just wondering what the prevailing thought was - SHOULD I CHANGE MY OIL BEFORE STORAGE OR WHEN THE CAR WAKES UP IN THE SPRING?

[studegary]

I think that you will find opinions on both sides of this issue and those that say both times. A lot depends on the condition of the oil which is related to how the car was used. Not so much total miles, but was it all short distance, much of it cold engine, running rich due to any reason, water & acids in oil. In other words, if the oil is in excellent condition, I would leave it until Spring (that is what I normally do). For the price of oil, for peace of mind, change it now.

[sweetolbob]

The one thing I do know is that new oil has no contaminants. I can't say that for used oil.

Bob

[StudeRich]

Do it NOW! And your Lawn Mower or Lawn Tractor if you have one, as well!

[2R5]

My opinion as well , fall is the time to change oil , grease and clean up the car before putting up for the winter.
I've followed this procedure for over 25 years and have not had one problem .

[raprice]

The best time to change your oil is autumn in order to get all the contaminants out of your engine. So, putting fresh oil in your crankcase is the way to go before winter.
Rog

[stall]

If you have any contaminants in the oil then the bottom of the crank sits in the contaminants. Chg before tucking it away for the winter IMHO.

The best time to change your oil is autumn in order to get all the contaminants out of your engine. So, putting fresh oil in your crankcase is the way to go before winter.
Rog

[jnormanh]

Crikey! Why even have the debate? It takes 15 minutes and 20 dollars to change the oil and filter. Change it now...change it later...change it now...change it later...How many angels can sit on the head of a pin?

[PeterHawk]

The overwhelming response seems to be to change the oil this Fall. Thanks for all the reponses.

[jlmccuan]

I also make sure to run everything up to full operating temps to evaporate any moisture from short trips recently.

[Steve T]

Yep, mine was done about two weeks ago. Nice weather means she's not stored yet though. Going to try to hang on till start of December...drove her to a Remembrance Day service today.

S.

[rusty65]

Changed the oil in the daily rice today, and Sarah will get done this weekend before I take her to the shop for the leaf spring upgrade.
That oil probably hasn't gone 1,000 miles,but as a previous poster stated, it's cheap insurance..

[jackb]

or.....drive the car whenever it rains 2-3 times on salt/snow.....get you money's worth. I always start and move my (nice) cars at least 1-3 times a month to keep brakes, exhaust, PS, heater, etc loose....

[DEEPNHOCK]

Acids develop in oil when vehicles are lightly used and moisture is not eveporated off.
Having these acids rest on soft metals (ie: shell bearings) for months does not do the bearings any good.
Oil is used to protect the engine.
So, why would you choose to neglect you engine for 4, 5, or 6 months?
All in order to 'postpone' a $20 oil change?
C'mon..... CASO has it's limits, too.

[Lark289]

I always like to change the oil and filter in the fall before putting the car away for the winter for all the reasons mentioned so far. Now, that reminds me: I have 4 cars that I need to change the oil on!!!!