Oil change before or after Euro trip?

[Steviesam]

My car has done 6000 miles since last oil change, 6000 miles until scheduled change.

Going on a road trip to southern Spain next week.

Do I change the oil before I go, or when I get back

[FussyFez]

Before and after.

This is Pistonheads afterall.

[Lost soul]

I would do it before

and am about to

[j4ckos mate]

Before and make sure your wearing and expensive watch whilst your doing it


This piston heads after all:-)

On a serious note I would do it before and keep an eye on the drive for spills. Maybe take 1l with just in case

[r11co]

Stupid question.

Change it when it is due unless you have been regularly driving under extreme conditions. This is just placebo to make you think you are doing something good for your car.

In my experience you are now more likely to have the bad luck of the filter or the sump plug shearing off and you will have the hassle of getting the car transported to a garage to get it fixed in a hurry before you go. Either that or a major leak that you don't spot until it is too late because your driving stints are longer.

Ain't broke, don't fix.

[Megaflow]

In 6000 miles time...

[thatdude]

I would do it before, but that's me, I like 8000 mile interval changes.

At the same time, it will give you a chance to get under and check out everything else, and while you're getting dirty you can tackle any other (quick) jobs that might need doing

[y2blade]

12k between oil changes? what car is it?

[StottyEvo]

If you're bothered enough to ask then I'd do it before and after.

You can't change oil too much

[paulrussell]

Change the oil after you come back. There is no need to change the oil now, you'll only be wasting money if you change it now.

[graham22]

Surely a couple thousand mile road trip is going to be easier on the oil & engine components than the same mileage of start/stopping at home.

Ideal scenario to run to the specified period.

[RicksAlfas]

I'd do it when it's due.

[Axionknight]

RicksAlfas said:

I'd do it when it's due.

Woaaaaaah there pal, you cant come onto PH and expound views like that! Madness I tell you, madness!

[ezi]

I'd change the engine just to be safe.

[GAjon]

Unless your engine has a satnav it doesn't know where it is.



That said, I'd change it before, after and probably in between.

[uuf361]

I wouldn't be doing it until it was due in 6k miles, and even then I wouldn't be doing it, as I have no clue how to.....so it would be off to the main dealer....

I might be in the minority on here but I only service mine in accordance with the manufacturers recommended intervals/time.....

[B'stard Child]

graham22 said:

Surely a couple thousand mile road trip is going to be easier on the oil & engine components than the same mileage of start/stopping at home.

Ideal scenario to run to the specified period.

^ indeed

When was the last time the coolant or brake fluid was changed - I'd be more worried about that

[GreigM]

r11co said:

In my experience you are now more likely to have the bad luck of the filter or the sump plug shearing off and you will have the hassle of getting the car transported to a garage to get it fixed in a hurry before you go. Either that or a major leak that you don't spot until it is too late because your driving stints are longer.

Ain't broke, don't fix.

Absolutely this - no reason whatsoever to change it before.

[Jimmyarm]

The actual oil being changed is a bit misleading, the schedule is for a 'service' which includes the oil being changed.

What make/model of car & how old is it ?
When was it last 'serviced' ?

If it's been 6 months or more since a professional gave it a look over, I'd get that done (well I'd do it myself but thats irrelevant) just in case there is a small coolant leak etc that has developed that may turn into a gushing torrent

Most indies will charge you about an hours labour for a good checkover (yes it does actually take that long to do it properly despite what some on here think goes on in a Service), if you have a decent one they won't pull your pants down too much either

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

Not worth the risk - replace the car with a new one.