how many miles can an oil filter be good for?

[Adam]

I’m about to give up on Jiffy Lube. They changed their rules regarding free oil top off. There used to be a time when it was as much as you want, then it became 3x a month but within 3000 miles. I used to get free oil top offs every 1000 miles I drive. Now their new policy is only 1 free top off. I usually get the high mileage oil. I was told this is semi synthetic. Is that true? If not I’m going for full on synthetic oil.

I get my oil change from Jiffy Lube every month and I’m not sure if I need to do this monthly or simply buy my own oil and top off my self without having to change the oil filter every month. I spend $40 monthly on Jiffy Lube oil changes. I drive about 2500 miles a month. I’m thinking of buying the most expensive synthetic engine oil I’ve seen at Walmart and simply top off my self. The most expensive synthetic engine oil I’ve seen at Walmart was from a brand called Royal Purple. I think for a 5 quart gallon is about $38. Is that the best out there?

Topic

[Paul]

I use an extended change interval with full synthetic, but I follow the manufacturer’s specified mileage limit under the severe conditions for the oil filter. So, I’ll change the filter around the midpoint of the interval and top off the oil.

[Donnie Lerch]

I work for a Jiffy Lube. The high mileage oil is a synthetic blend oil. It’s a mixture of conventional oil and synthetic oil meant to keep your engine running smoothly after 75 thousand miles. If your vehicle isn’t over 75 thousand miles, then the oil you’re using isn’t doing anything more than just lubricating the engine. Using a full synthetic oil with an engine with over 75 thousand miles won’t be giving you the same benefits of a high mileage oil. If you’re driving over 2500 miles ever month, especially stop and go traffic, short commutes changing temperatures, then you should be changing your oil monthly to maintain the longevity of your engine. Let me know if you have any questions.

[Adam]

Donnie, are you saying I don’t need synthetic oil but a high mileage oil is just fine? My car is nearing 300,000 miles. I would think synthetic is superior to just high mileage? I thought cars usually can last around 15,000 miles before any new oil/filter changes? Does this only apply to newer models? I own a 2001 Toyota Celica GT, automatic. So it’s an older car.

I just thought maybe the car will run better with synthetic oil. It runs better with premium gasoline compared to regular or mid grade, so there’s a difference that I notice.

[Donnie Lerch]

Correct, the high mileage oil would be better suited for your vehicle. It’s meant to help seal any micro leaks you might have and keep older engines running smoother. Yes, a full synthetic oil would theoretically be better, but it’s meant for newer vehicles with under 75 thousand miles on them and just the newer engines.

[mckrishes]

I use Mobile 1 High Mileage full synthetic oil. I change my oil according to my maintenance minder which is usually about every 5000-6000 miles. I don’t think it’s necessary to change your oil every 3000 miles, especially if you are using synthetic.

[James O’Hara]

If you are putting that much mileage on your car using a full synthetic could reveal leaks you were not aware of. Royal purple is considered the best. It is expensive and has extensive detergent packages. I would look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXqkOZAkXZw

The thing of it is if you were to slowly switch over to synthetic so 1 quart full synthetic and the rest whichever is normally used. Then 2 months later 2 quart full synthetic and so on. Like I said though it may remove dirt/debri/wear particles that have built up to form a dam where a seal is weak. So when you remove the dirt which synthetics do extremely well it can now allow that weak spot to leak and/or weep. If you do decide to do it this way keep it the same brand till you are fully switched. I say to do it this way so you can switch back if it starts to weep in a spot where it is extremely expensive to fix the seal/gasket. Not saying it will plug the hole back up but, if you catch it early you could keep it roughly before it decides to fully let go.

[Bill]

This subject is a can of worms as most know. Everyone has an opinion but the video Eric did with Valvoline opened my eyes in some ways. I think they skirted around some of the questions he asked but it is what it is.

Obviously your vehicle is using a bit of oil and with the mileage you have it’s not a big deal. I would stick to what you have been doing or I would extend your change interval some but change the filter with every oil change. Filters are cheap anyway. The life expectancy of an oil filter is all over the map. Every car is different as well as everyones driving habits.

Use jiffy lube’s free top up when needed and buy some spare oil at Wal-Mart but spending money on Royal Purple is a waste for most cars. Besides, I don’t think it’s much better than any other brand.
Everyone has high mileage oil for that matter and top it up yourself.

[Gary]

Regardless of mileage claim, I would always change a filter every 3,000-5,000 miles. My trucks manual says change filter every other oil change(so 6,000 miles keep in mind this manual was printed in 1973 for MY 1974), however you might as well change all the oil while your in there and filters ain’t expensive. Plus, I like to cut open my filters to monitor my engine cause I’m particular like that!

[Author]

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