about oil change interval

[ptgrad2012]

Hi all,

I was supposed to have an oil change this past April, but because of the covid situation the appointment was never scheduled
car is 2012 mazda 3 non-sky, ~168k, and since I am not working now, I am only driving once a week ~10km trip to grocery.

Would it still be okay to keep it that way (would further delay cause harm to engine)? last oil change was Dec 2019 at 166k

Thanks

[G ~ MINI]

Same here....groceries and fun drives with my 2012 3 nonsky (257k) at least twice a week.
I have always changed oil based on kms ( approx every 8Km ). I run a full synthetic (not the Dealership mazda synthetic ) and was also due in April.
I personally think not driving the car enough is worse than going long interval between oil changes.

[ptgrad2012]

Same here....groceries and fun drives with my 2012 3 nonsky (257k) at least twice a week.
I have always changed oil based on kms ( approx every 8Km ). I run a full synthetic (not the Dealership mazda synthetic ) and was also due in April.
I personally think not driving the car enough is worse than going long interval between oil changes.

so are we screwed? damaging the engine? haha

[Flagrum_3]

Well your at the limit time wise and for Oil dilution.

Have you checked the condition of the oil? Pull the oil dipstick and feel for any graininess. Also smell it for any gas or turpentine smell, which would mean its diluted.

Get it done soon.

Lots of places open, you don't have to use a dealer.


_3

[Flagrum_3]

Double post for some unknown reason. : /

[G ~ MINI]

Well your at the limit time wise and for Oil dilution.

Have you checked the condition of the oil? Pull the oil dipstick and feel for any graininess. Also smell it for any gas or turpentine smell, which would mean its diluted.

Get it done soon.

Lots of places open, you don't have to use a dealer.


_3

Thanks Flagrum !!

I dont usually think of oil dilution ... since my intervals were about every 3 months. (high mileage commutes)
Now with working at home ... something to really consider , especially if you have a higher mileage engine.
Heres a lowdown summarized points:
- Main cause is through a process called blow-by. Older engines older seals an issue.
- Other factors include leaking of the fuel injectors, incomplete combustion of the fuel,
- Low engine temperatures, long periods of idle time and frequent short-distance driving!
- Checking the fuel injector nozzles can help to reduce the occurrence of fuel dilution—as dirty nozzles can prevent the fuel from atomizing correctly.
- The biggest issue that arises from fuel dilution is the lowering of the oil’s viscosity.

[S.F.W.]

I was way under the milage for an oil change, I think I was at 3000Km on an 8000KM oil change, that could easily go to 10,000 given the oil I am using. However, I chose to proceed with oil and filter change anyway. Cost is reletatively minor, and better safe.