Sponsored

Forget mileage. Who else changes their oil based on engine hours?

jonzzon

New Member
First Name
John
Joined
Jul 13, 2026
Threads
2
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Location
Atlanta Ga
Car(s)
2022 A90
Does anyone here change their engine oil based on operating hours instead of mileage? Most of my driving is pure stop-and-go traffic with almost no highway miles, so my engine idles a lot. Would 150 hours be a safe target to aim for?
Sponsored

 

ShakaDaKine

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
235
Reaction score
152
Location
USA
Car(s)
'21 TG 3.0
Well, I change my oil when the low fluid level warning appears (2021), which is usually somewhere between 5.5-6k. I'm guessing that's comparable to about 150-200 hours...take your pick.
 

tracer bullet

Well-Known Member
First Name
Greg
Joined
Jan 15, 2025
Threads
1
Messages
323
Reaction score
228
Location
MN
Car(s)
2025 BMW Z4 M40 6spd
Miles are a lot easier to track. And if you idle a lot in traffic then cut your "normal" mileage target accordingly. It's a combo of all the things - time, miles, engine load, etc.

If you really want to know what's up, send the oil for analysis. It'll tell you if you are changing too late / too early / about the right time. If driving changes significantly do it again.
 

BigPoppaStuke

Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2025
Threads
0
Messages
22
Reaction score
19
Location
Prince George
Car(s)
2025 Toyota Supra MT - Nocturnal Black
Don't overcomplicate it.

I put about 5000 km (3100 miles) on my car a year give or take. So I just follow the once a year recommendation.
Sponsored

 
 








Top