How often do you change your oil?

image
image

Just curious, how often does everyone here change their oil? Especially for turbo cars. I’ve been doing mine every 5k miles even though Ford recommends 7,500-10,000. I think that’s way too long. My Toyota Tundra (also twin-turbo) recommends 10k miles too, but I still stick to 5k. What do you guys think?

With turbos, that’s just common sense. Shorter intervals are better for longevity.

Tate said:
With turbos, that’s just common sense. Shorter intervals are better for longevity.

Someone should let Ford know. I’d bet the previous owner of my Escape was doing 15-20k intervals. I’ve cleaned it up pretty well now and just need to reseal the oil pan, but it’s crazy how neglected it was.

@Nevin
Never trust the manufacturer on intervals. Once it’s off the lot, they don’t care if it lasts. I stick to 5k or less on everything I own.

Tate said:
@Nevin
Never trust the manufacturer on intervals. Once it’s off the lot, they don’t care if it lasts. I stick to 5k or less on everything I own.

Facts. Whoever downvoted you probably gets crap mileage anyway.

@Nevin
I’ve got the 2.5L (no turbo), and Ford recommends 3,750-mile changes for synthetic blend oil. Where are you seeing 10k miles?

Phoenix said:
@Nevin
I’ve got the 2.5L (no turbo), and Ford recommends 3,750-mile changes for synthetic blend oil. Where are you seeing 10k miles?

You’re right—I checked, and it’s 7,500 miles for synthetic blend, not 10k. Still feels too long for me.

Tate said:
With turbos, that’s just common sense. Shorter intervals are better for longevity.

It makes me cringe when manufacturers suggest 7,500-10,000 miles. Unless you’re doing all highway miles, that’s way too long.

I’ve always heard that oil is the life of the car, especially for turbos. Also, don’t lug your engine—driving at low RPMs and then speeding up without downshifting puts unnecessary strain on it. Varying how you drive helps too.

@Zhen
Ah, the good old Italian Tune-Up. Works wonders.

Switching to Euro oil can make a difference. It’s built for higher-performance engines.

I’ve got a 2020 Escape Titanium 2.0T, and I change the oil every 4k miles. Only Pennzoil Platinum for mine.

I let the oil life monitor decide when to change it—usually around 15k miles. I drive a PHEV, though, so the engine isn’t running for a lot of those miles.

I change mine every 9,000-9,500 miles (full synthetic). My last five Fords have had zero engine issues, even with higher miles:

  • 2013 Escape 2.0: traded at 170k miles
  • 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0: traded at 270k miles
  • 2020 Explorer 2.3: still running at 202k miles
  • 2020 Explorer 2.3: still running at 95k miles
  • 2023 Escape Hybrid 2.5: now at 70k miles

Granted, most of my miles are highway miles, but I’ve never had an issue.

@Clarke
You’ve got more data points than most people here. I get a bit paranoid with turbos and change mine at 20% oil life just for peace of mind.