Tom

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Tom,

Q I’ve searched for an answer to this question, and absolutely no one seems

to be able to answer it. I drive my vehicle quite infrequently. Since
November 2005 (the last oil change), I have driven my 1992 Dodge Grand
Caravan SE only 1,000 miles. The vehicle has about 94,000 miles on it. I’ve
checked the oil; it’s full and appears to be clean. How often should I change
the oil since I drive so little? Nearly all of my driving is in town, stop and go,
at 25 to 45 miles per hour. Trips vary from 1 to 5 miles one way, about once a
week. So I average about 8 miles per week.

Many people tell me to change the oil every 6 months. That would
mean I would be changing the oil after driving only 200 miles and that seems
ridiculous! I value your opinion. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Ardis—Boston,   Massachusetts

Ardis,

A Believe it or not, the use of your vehicle as you described is considered a

severe service description. Why? Because the engine never really has a
chance to warm up properly and there is a lot of stop-and-go driving. Under
such conditions, the engine runs in rich-fuel mode, which results in the
spilling of gas down into the crankcase. This dilutes the oil and diminishes its
lubricating and rust-inhibiting properties.

I   recommend   changing    the oil and filter  once    every   six months.