Oil Change - Keep your engine in good shape!

Well I've passed the 3000 mile mark on my Dakota Quad, and it's getting near the time for an oil and filter change.

When you check your pickups owners manual you'll see they suggest different oil change schedules based on how you use your vehicle. Below is my conversion of what my owners manual recommends for 4.7 L engine in a Dakota Quad Cab.

Update: I had a discussion recently (Nov.2000) with the service manager at my Dakota dealership, he made it seem that Chrysler would not or may not honor engine warranty from a do it yourself oil change owner. I was led to believe that even if you have a receipt for the oil and filter ( and in my case a dated digital image file) if you have engine problems, Chrysler may refuse warranty work.

I'll be checking into the above to verify this comment. Until then, this is your judgement call.

Schedule	Conditions	Miles	Or Months	Action
Schedule A	Normal driving conditions Unspecified Your not doing a lot of the below listed items	7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 60,000 67,500 75,000 82,500 90,000 97,500 105,000 112,000 120,000	6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96	Change engine oil and filter
Schedule B	Your driving consists of a lot of either of the items listed or a combination of all. Short trips, less than 5 miles Driving in dusty conditions Trailer towing Extensive Idling Driving at sustained high speeds during hot weather above 90 degrees, more than 50% of the time	3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000 21,000 24,000 Every 3000 miles	Un specified	Change engine oil and filter

Owning used clunkers in the past, my trucks would be lucky if I changed the oil once a year let alone follow some schedule. But things are a bit different today, 1st it's a new pickup and 2nd, I shelled out some cash for this baby.

Since my driving is a mix of above schedules, I've decided to modify my schedule based on my driving style, the seasons and color of the oil. It would appear that the end of summer when temperatures are lower and dusty conditions are reduced, would be an ideal time to change the oil. End of winter seems to be a good time to change the oil and get out the raw gas engine pollutants induced to the oil from cold & extended starting. To me 2 to 3 times a year seems sufficient for a Schedule "A" type driver, driving no more than 15,000 miles a year.

Here's an image of my engine oil after 3000 miles, coming close to the end of summer, averaging approximately 1000 miles a month. It's amber but still relatively clear color indicates to me normal engine operation and since the viscosity (rubbing between finger and thumb) appears to have similar consistency to that of new oil, it appears there is some remaining oil usefulness. The absence of visible particles indicates the filter is continuing it's job and that engine's operation would appear to be normal. Currently using my pickup more as a Schedule "A" type driver, I'll be changing my oil and filter on or before 7,500 / 6 months ( don't want to void my warranty, do I?). I guess another 1000 miles or so and I'll be darn ready.

In closing, choose your own schedule, you could just play it safe and change the oil every 3000 mile like the oil franchises desire. Or if your like me, you can change your own engine oil when you think it's darn time for it.

On the nest update to this page:

Changing your own oil and filter.
What filter and oil should you be using.