how often do you change oil?
09-22-2008, 06:54 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by daktruckie99,Sep 22 2008, 05:57 AM
Actually, it costs $20 to get an analysis done. This is approximately 1/2 the cost of a DIY M1 change + OEM filter. At your 4k interval, it would pay for itself in your next 2 extended intervals.
Here's how I see it:
It costs a good deal less than $40 to put 4.5 quarts of Mobil 1 and a new Honda filter in. It takes perhaps an hour, at the least, to get a sample of your oil, and bring it somewhere, pay them a substantial portion of what it costs to just do an oil change, and, get an analysis done (which may or may not show that your oil should be changed). And that doesn't include the cost of driving there, which in my case would be significant. If the analysis shows that your oil isn't quite shot, you prize is that you get to keep old oil in your car. And that doesn't include the questionable wisdom of keeping your filter in for longer than 4000 miles or so (and if you change your filter without changing your oil, you've shot your "economics" of keeping your oil in a long time and getting an analysis). Great.
OTOH, it takes me about ten minutes, max (I have a Fumoto Valve in my S2000), to change my oil. In general, I'm always happy to pay $10 - $15 to save an hour and a bunch of hassle, especially when the "downside" is that I have fresh oil protecting my engine.
As I said, "Why not?"
09-22-2008, 06:56 AM
#22
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Not to nitpick. But 4.5 quarts is 1 less than you really need. And the analysis includes putting it in the mailbox and having your results e-mailed to you in 3 days. Hardly that much work IMO.
09-22-2008, 08:28 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by 124Spider,Sep 22 2008, 10:54 AM
If you read my previous post very, very carefully, you might notice that I included both time AND money in the calculation of why I don't bother with an analysis.
Here's how I see it:
It costs a good deal less than $40 to put 4.5 quarts of Mobil 1 and a new Honda filter in. It takes perhaps an hour, at the least, to get a sample of your oil, and bring it somewhere, pay them a substantial portion of what it costs to just do an oil change, and, get an analysis done (which may or may not show that your oil should be changed). And that doesn't include the cost of driving there, which in my case would be significant. If the analysis shows that your oil isn't quite shot, you prize is that you get to keep old oil in your car. And that doesn't include the questionable wisdom of keeping your filter in for longer than 4000 miles or so (and if you change your filter without changing your oil, you've shot your "economics" of keeping your oil in a long time and getting an analysis). Great.
OTOH, it takes me about ten minutes, max (I have a Fumoto Valve in my S2000), to change my oil. In general, I'm always happy to pay $10 - $15 to save an hour and a bunch of hassle, especially when the "downside" is that I have fresh oil protecting my engine.
As I said, "Why not?"
Here's how I see it:
It costs a good deal less than $40 to put 4.5 quarts of Mobil 1 and a new Honda filter in. It takes perhaps an hour, at the least, to get a sample of your oil, and bring it somewhere, pay them a substantial portion of what it costs to just do an oil change, and, get an analysis done (which may or may not show that your oil should be changed). And that doesn't include the cost of driving there, which in my case would be significant. If the analysis shows that your oil isn't quite shot, you prize is that you get to keep old oil in your car. And that doesn't include the questionable wisdom of keeping your filter in for longer than 4000 miles or so (and if you change your filter without changing your oil, you've shot your "economics" of keeping your oil in a long time and getting an analysis). Great.
OTOH, it takes me about ten minutes, max (I have a Fumoto Valve in my S2000), to change my oil. In general, I'm always happy to pay $10 - $15 to save an hour and a bunch of hassle, especially when the "downside" is that I have fresh oil protecting my engine.
As I said, "Why not?"
09-22-2008, 09:01 AM
#25
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Originally Posted by 124Spider,Sep 22 2008, 06:54 AM
It costs a good deal less than $40 to put 4.5 quarts of Mobil 1 and a new Honda filter in. It takes perhaps an hour, at the least, to get a sample of your oil, and bring it somewhere, pay them a substantial portion of what it costs to just do an oil change, and, get an analysis done
09-22-2008, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 2007 Zx-10,Sep 22 2008, 09:37 AM
no thanks, I value MY time
09-22-2008, 09:44 AM
#29
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Originally Posted by N2oExpresS2k,Sep 22 2008, 10:40 AM
Straight up! UOA's are valuable reports that let you know what's going on not only with your oil but the metals your engines grinding away. Anyone who needs to argue against that needs to be overlooked.
I have no problem with you practicing your religion, but I certainly have the right to advocate to someone asking a question on an internet forum that he need not become a convert to that religion.
09-22-2008, 09:48 AM
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lmfao! UOA's might not be good for track superstars like yourself. But for those of us who commute with our s2k's, they can shed a lot of light as to how far we can push an oil change.