Oil change interval: time important?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by alokeprasad, Dec 22, 2009.

  1. alokeprasad

    alokeprasad Member

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    I expect to put on about half the # of miles typically used in oil change interval requirements (5000 mi / 6 months). I'll probably have 2500 mi in 6 mo. Thus, my oil changes will be driven by the calendar, not mileage.

    Should I still get the oil change every 6 mo? Even with the synthetic 0W20 oil?

    I'd think that the engine wear would depend on the miles driven. Will the 0W30 break down in 6 mo?

    It is not that my car is sitting around and not being used for prolonged periods. I'll be driving to work, shopping, errands etc. every week.

    Of course, if this 5000mi/6mo is a requirement for maintaining my warranty, then the whole discussion is moot ...
     
    #1 alokeprasad, Dec 22, 2009
  2. thbjr

    thbjr Member

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    Read this thread. Toyota is/has just changed the OC interval to 10,000/1 year.
     
    #2 thbjr, Dec 22, 2009
  3. josh2008

    josh2008 Active Member

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    Actually, it's different for each region. Us dealers in the CAT region are still being told 5k/6 months. Also worthy to note, that document is from that regions office
    NOT TMC. To me, this is not an official Toyota change.
    al
     
    #3 josh2008, Dec 22, 2009
  4. alokeprasad

    alokeprasad Member

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    I will still have only 5000 mi in 1 yr.

    But, I suppose that pushing the interval to more than 1 yr is asking for trouble ...
     
    #4 alokeprasad, Dec 22, 2009
  5. dc202

    dc202 Member

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    FWIW, Honda requires an oil change after one year, regardless of mileage or what the oil sensor life indicator tells you. (I currently only drive about 4000 miles in 12 months.) I am always changing the oil after 12 months on the Honda. I plan to change the oil once a year on the Prius, as well. Supposedly, there is deterioration that occurs in engine oil over time, regardless of use.
     
    #5 dc202, Dec 24, 2009
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