awile ago there was a thred about how long you can run an oil, hope this can clear it up. http://autos.msn.com/volvo/article.aspx?contentid=4022672>1=6251

To each his/her own with their car. Me, every 3,000 miles is perfect. Sure it says that under 'right' circumstances, you can hold off until 5k 7.5k or 10k. However, wouldn't it be better to change the oil 3k instead of using the 'saved' money on engine problems down the road. It's very easy to save money for the short term. But, I think it'll be cheaper down the road. (Insert cliche here). Just my $.02.

I used synthetic from 100-164k in my GT (along with a K&N HP2001 filter) and I didn't have any buildup on the lifters. I changed the oil from 3k to 5k and used either Havoline or Mobile1 full synthetic. I'm planning on doing the same for my GTP.

I have yet to have engine wear related problems on any vehicle I have ever owned. By using the how I drive and what the enviroment is like. Modern oils can go alot further then in the past. People just can't get past that paradigm. But if your gonna err it's better to err on the safe side.

That old 3K mile dictum was for cars and oils of 20+years ago. Advances in engines and oils have far surpassed the 3K mile limit. I've used Mob 1 full synthetic in my Durango since breakin period was complete and change the oil every 7-10K. It currently has 80K miles on it. Oil has been tested after every change and comes out just fine. Oddly enough, guy that tests my oil says that they normally see the most wear in the first 2-3K and very little after that. If car manufacturers would design an oil system that allowed for changing the oil filter without loosing the oil, you'd be able to run the oil for even longer periods of time. Don't count on that happening anytime soon, they would loose too much money in less oil and filters being sold. Anyone changing oil every 3K miles is wasting money, especially if you're running full synthetic.

I guess the factory must be in on this little money-maker then because the oil life system on my car set the light off somewhere between 3k-4k. I've been curious about this system since I got this car as to what triggers it. Is it just reading off the odometer or does it have an oil color sensor somewhere?

The oil life indicator reviews your driving habits and bases your oilo life on it. When I drove my car cross country. I started off with a fresh oil change with 99% remaining. 4,500 miles later I was at 45% remaining. Now when I keep it around town. It will only last 3-4k. I'd say it's pretty accurate.

You can only replace the filter without loosing all the oil in the car.
When replacing the filter only, you loose only the oil in the filter. The oil in the pan stays there.

Good to know. I'm at 4k miles now and I know I'm due, but since I only do highway miles, I figure it's ok. But my oil life indicator is still around 40%. I was thinking it was broken.

Nope long extended steady rpm runs are very oil friendly. By the way if you change the filter you will either need to add about a quart back into the car or top off the filter before screwing it on. Then run the car for a few minutes and recheck the oil level.

I just take it to the oil shop and give them my Mobil 1 synthetic and let them change it. I don't have the room in my slanted driveway to change my own oil.