I have a 2004 Ford Focus with 70K miles and a 2011 Ford Fiesta with 55K miles. I have done my own oil changes, every 3,000 miles, using conventional oil. I chose the more frequent “severe conditions” schedule mainly because most of our trips are local, less than 10 miles, and sometimes involve sitting in traffic. I am going to switch to a full synthetic oil and premium oil filters. Can I extend my oil change intervals, either doubling them to every 6,000 miles or by using the “normal conditions” schedule of 7,500 miles?

Mark B

 

What does your owner's manual recommend ?

 

You still fall under severe duty regardless of what oil you use, so unless the oil manufacture recommends something else, you still need to follow the vehicle manufactures recommendations. If you use AMSOIL, that's a different story, then you can do extended drain intervals because that's what they recommend. I'm at 168,000 miles on my Freestar and change my oil once a year. Been doing that since it was new. And remember, not all synthetic oils are true synthetics, but manipulated petroleum selling at a premium price.

 

Thanks to all who replied to my question!

Mark B.

 

Hey Mark,

Switching to synthetic oil is a smart choice for better engine protection, especially given your short, local trips. With synthetic oil and premium filters, extending your oil change interval to about 6,000 miles should work well. Just make sure to check your car’s manual for specific recommendations and keep an eye on the oil’s condition as you extend the intervals.

Cheers,