Frequent Oil Changes

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by SRT-Tom, Feb 22, 2020.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I came across an interesting article comparing modern full synthetic oils to conventional ("dino") oils. The most important takeaway was the need for frequent oil changes, regardless of the type of oil. Here are the comments:

    "I did a comparison of a very old oil formulation (SF quality from the 1970's and 80'2) to SH quality from the late 1990's and Mobil 1 full synthetic along with other full synthetic oils. After 100,000 miles the then modern oils protected the engine well enough, but there was minor differences in wear and engine sludge/varnish deposits, but nothing that would have prevented the engines from running longer. The old oil formulation which had 1/4 the additives of the newer formulations was tested at the then current 3,000 mile drain interval.

    What we saw from that comparison test what that the old SF oil with short oil drain intervals outperformed all the modern oils at long drain intervals. The engines were cleaner, has less wear, and used less oil than any modern oil formulation, mineral or synthetic. The lesson learned is that it doesn't matter what quality of oil you use, what matters most is changing the oil regularly."
     
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  2. KEVIN DONOVAN

    KEVIN DONOVAN Full Access Member

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    I can guarantee that that same conclusion has been shared by countless professionals for decades. Myself included.
    Just to clarify, that does NOT mean that I don't believe that there verifiable differences between motor oils, and that those differences can and do offer increased performance in internal combustion engines. What it means is that those differences "generally" only prove advantageous to drivers who operate their cars and trucks in what would be considered extreme conditions. The vast majority of drivers can make do with value brand oils as long as they use at least a decent filter and change their oil at (at least) the OEM recommended interval. My suggestion is to use what the OEM suggests.
     
  3. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    lately here for the past couple of years, since I only put about 5,000 miles a year on mine(Challenger), I change oil about once a year. could probably do two a year if needed. now my truck gets it about three times a year as I put about 12-15,000 miles on it a year.
     
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  4. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    Since mine is a garage Queen its only out when dry and is put away at the first sign of salt. It gets a fresh full synthetic oil change and full tank of gas with stabilizer in it. This oil is good for April to November since I only put 2500-3000KM per year on it. I could extend the duration between changes.....but why would you. For the price of oil and a filter its cheap insurance.
    The remainder of the winter is spend thinking about what I should spend my money on.....
     
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  5. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    Since I just started using my Challenger as a daily driver last year, still not sure what my annual mileage will average out to. I figure somewhere between 7-9,000 miles/yr. Since I swap for winter tires/wheels every year, I do an oil change at the same time. I split the difference and use a name brand synthetic blend and do 2 changes per year in April and late October. Currently 9,800 miles on a 2015... just getting it broken in.
     
  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Also, for about $10 more, it pays to buy the best oil filter. As I previously discussed in the Challenger Maintenance Articles forum, that is the SRT filter.

    I just added an informative video, where the SRT, Mopar 899 and Fram Extra Guard oil filters are cutaway to reveal their internal composition. As expected the SRT filter is the superior one. The Mopar 899 was very good and the Fram was rated as poor.

     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2020
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  7. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    I use Amsoil Signature Series 5w-20. I could get a gallon from where I work for $39.99, plus I get a 10% discount off that price. I only need to change it once per year, or every 25,000 miles. My car is a 2017 and just recently passed 25,000 miles, so I will never have to change my oil more than once per year. I also use an Amsoil oil filter and their gasoline additive. Great stuff. In May I am moving and will need to quit my job. I'll probably switch back to Royal Purple or another brand at that point, as I'm not sure if I will be able to find Amsoil anywhere near that price where I move.
     
  8. DVDale

    DVDale Member

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    I've got almost 75K miles on my '18 Challenger RT. Probably 95% on the Interstate. The oil/filter gets changed between 5K and 7500 miles with Pennzoil 5W-20 UltraPlatinum and HPZ-167 filter. I'm happy so far and the guys at the lube shop are happy too I suppose.
    If I were to change anything it would be to go to Wix filter. Don't know if it's worth the hassle though.
     
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  9. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    mopar filters are made by purolator.
     
  10. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    The SRT filters are made by Wix. Wix also used to make the OEM Mopar oil flters. When did Purolator start making them?