On 28 Sep 1998, Brian Kemp wrote:
> Since an oil change costs less than $10, why not change it.
I've just checked the shelf life of oil, including additives, and in the
can it is more than 10 years. As long as the oil is new and not
contaminated, it would surely be years even in a crankcase.
The sole problem with the oil in the spring is possible condensation
problems. The condensation is readily taken up by emulgators in the oil,
and this is part of regular engine oil life, anyway.
If severe condensation is expected during the winter season (damp
climate, temperatures oscillating round freezing, car stored on a river
bank under a tarp - that sort of thing), then it can of course make sense
to change it in the spring, too. But under such circumstances I would
really worry much more over body rust and such.
Anyway, if the alternative is oil at less than $10 an oil change, I
feel it would be much better to change to proper high quality oil in the
autumn, and don't bother changing it in the spring.
Egil
PS:
The best alternative is of course NOT to store the car, and get
proper snow tyres for it instead. Riding on modern super-soft snow tyres
would give Californian SOME of that slip'n'slide winter drive feeling
their otherwise would miss. Whenever they felt for it, they could even spray
some oil on the tyres to simulate sudden snowfalls.
--
Email: egil@kvaleberg.no Voice: +47 22523641, 92022780 Fax: +47 22525899
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