I have a 2000 Infiniti I30 (same as the 2000 Maxima 6 cylinder) with 86,000 miles. The last time I had the oil changed was in April 2014. I have put on approximately 1,700 miles since.

For Christmas I will be driving from the east coast to Chicago. It is 900 miles each way. If I do not get the oil changed prior to the trip and get the oil changed when I return in the very beginning of January, I will have put on approximately 3,500 miles between oil changes (1,700 + 900 + 900).

It is not the miles that so much concern me, but the time. I will have gone from April 2014 to January 2015.

Would you suggest I get an oil change prior to leaving for Chicago or wait until I return?

Thanks.

Anovice

 

READ THE MANUAL

Do it

Every 6 months

 

My suggestion is to change the oil as well before the trip. Perhaps enjoy more mpg along the trip to make up for the $25 cost. Have a safe Trip! Avoid the xmas crazies on the roads on that long drive.

 

you should be fine with not changing it before the trip, i just made a 2.5k miles trip and the oils still great....

 

What type of oil are you running?

 

This is a great topic ( Time Vs Actual Miles driven?? ..
especially with the all the additives turn the oil different colors ,how do we know for sure when the oil is no longer offering protection.

 

Even for a synthetic thats a long time. Amsoil signature series is guaranteed for a year but i'd still change it every 4 to 6 months or depending the milage. It all depends on the synthetic you use quality wise some synthetics still need to be changed at your oem recomended intervals but for what it's worth REALLY just do the oil change before the trip.

 

cant you just hit up a quick lube in Chicago? if not change it now

 

I'm sure its just fine either way. More important really is making sure the oil level is correct and not low.

 

"I'm surrrre it's ok."
"Na man, It should be ok, leave it"
"I'm using xxxx oil my engine loves it"

Just kidding.

change it before the trip because of age.
A jug of supertech is 12bux at walmart.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-104/

 

I'm no expert, and because I'm no expert, in this sort of scenario I would run by the old saying "Better safe than sorry." For the simplicity and low expense of an oil change, it's a no-brain'er if there is any doubt.

 

With the amount I drive, every 6 months or in my case... 620 miles.

 

Just change it now. Walmart has castrol gtx for $15. that along with a mobil-1 m1-110 filter and your good for 3000-5000.

 

[I]Asking for engine trouble. Ideally engine maintenance, is to replace oil every 2,500- 3,000 miles or 3-4 months which comes first. The main factor is oil filter needs to be replaced every 3-4 months (depending on the brand) to maintain efficient filtration of sediments and condensation.

 

Everyone can go 4,000-5,000 miles now with most today's oils. Definitely can with full synthetic.
The 3000 mile oil change is just throwing money away.
Don't believe me?
Have your oil analyzed.