In regards to oil, since some cars dirty their oil quicker than others, just because oil is black doesn't always mean it's due for a change.



On the flip side, if the oil is still golden and new looking, does it mean it's still good to go for a while longer?

 

For sure. Is there a specific case you had in mind? Drove 10k and still have golden oil?

 

I just did 6000mi between changes. Came out pretty black, whatevs...

 

Mine is always black. Always less than 5,000 on changes, full synth

 

Black is okay, it's when the oil gets thick that you really should change it. I've done about five and a half thousand kays on my oil, I might just change it before class starts so I don't have to think about it. Eh.

 

I just never take chances. Every 3k miles...Mobile 1 Synthetic

 

There is no need to guess. If you really want to know, get a used oil analysis and adjust the next oil change interval according to what the lab report says.

 

That was me when I had my silver "good looking" Tib.



*CANNOT ATTACH IMAGE*



http://www.autofocuspa.com/garage_ve..._vehicle_id=11

 

The reason you change the oil is because after being exposed to prolonged heat the oil will start to break down. this doesn't necessarily change the color. the discoloration is most likely due to a little blow-by (which is normal). engines with more blow-by will darken the oil quicker, but that doesn't mean the oil is "bad". a lab test will be able to determine the degradation of the oil but really, stick to a reasonable interval and you should be good.