[W126 Coupe] oil changes

Steve Nervig dakota at mac.com
Thu Oct 20 19:37:35 EDT 2011



On Oct 20, 2011, at 1:51 PM, Richard & Nancy Diefenbach wrote:


> A few days ago there was a question on oil changes when putting a car up for winter. I believe the general consensus of opinion was it’s not necessary if you are using a synthetic such as Mobil 1. My question is aren’t there contaminants that build up in the oil such as acids because of starting and stopping driving? I was always under the impression that changing the oil rather than have it sit 5 or 6 months is a better practice. Can someone tell me that’s not true so I don’t have to spend all that money each fall?

>

> Thanks, as always-

>

> Dick Diefenbach


Dick, my understanding is that many oil contaminants like acids are produced when there is moisture in the oil. If you drive short trips, so that the engine oil doesn't have time to warm up completely to operating temperature, you will have moisture in your oil.

So, if you would make sure that you drive long enough, say 30 minutes, before you put your car up for winter, you will reduce the possibility of moisture being present. This will tend to boil off the moisture in the oil.

Still, personally, I like to change my synthetic oil once a year, no matter the mileage.

Regards,
Steve


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