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Originally Posted by Jokieman
I think the main problem I have with your original post is that you based the Oil's life on the color of it, when in fact the color of your Engine oil has very little to do with how it is holding up as has been proven on other forums by forum members who regularly have their oil tested by a lab.
The Sulfur content in the gas for your area might indeed be an issue, however the blackness of the oil means absolutely nothing in terms of whether or not it is bad or not. I never said this was a way to judge the life of the oil, this would be a very poor method of doing so, you are putting words in my mouth I never said.
Also remember that the actual dealerships make money on the changing of your oils/and other fluids, and this is in fact where they make the MOST profit.
If you're worried about it, then have it changed every 3-4k and be done with it, but as someone who is "supposed" to have more knowledge than most, I find you using the degree that your are "studying" for to lend credence to something that is totally false, a bit worrisome to say the least.
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No in fact the only thing I said about the oil is that it should not be clear or look new after 1,000's of miles. ANY WHO KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT OIL WILL AGREE. I think you are greatly confusing what I said, some people that believe once the oil is dark, it needs to be changed, that is NOT at all what I said. If your oil is dark it is doing it's job.
EVERY engine has blow by, which cause a small amounts of carbon to get into the engine, it is the oils job to suspend this to prevent it from depositing on/in the engine. Having carbon being suspended in the oil makes it dark. If you run oil for 5,000 miles and it comes out clear, that means it did not suspend the carbon, no engine (maybe a hybrid... not sure about those things) can go 5,000 miles with out blackening an oil. If the oil is not holding carbon, certainly you have to agree that it has been kept in the engine to long be cause it is no longer doing one of the important features of modern oil, preventing carbon and sludge build up.
If you disagree with me, show me a reputable oil forum where people say it is fine to have oil after an extended period of time come out clear... I would like to see that... and then see how long their cars last.
I never said you could base how much the life on the color of the oil, I just said if it comes out clear, then you have kept it in to long.
As for the dealership, the local Honda dealer changes the oil, washes the car, and tops all fluid off for $14.95. It costs me $12 to do it, it is probably worth $3 to have them dispose of the oil and do it for me, but I still do it myself. In fact the owner said he makes NOTHING on the oil changes. Where he makes his money is if someone brings in their cars for oil, maybe they will see something wrong with the car and make money by fixing it.