I have an 05 GT, and since I'm retired, it is not a daily driver. Since I also have another vehicle, my driving is usually divided between both vehicles. That means that I only have put a little over 2800 miles on my 05 Mustang. So my question is, what do you guys think about oil change intervals for me. I usually get it changed every 6 to 8 months even though the oil only gets about 1000 miles on it. Last time it was changed was at 1800 miles about February. The oil currently looks very clean, but I'll probably take it to my dealer this month for a change. Thanks for any info.

 

mobil one once a year or 8 k miles in your case once a year.

 

I run my Mobil 1 12,000 miles or annually between changes, with a filter change every 3,000 to 4,000. Between 5 vehicles we own, we have collectively clocked over 300,000 miles and never a problem.

 

I do twice a year, but I think it's overkill.
My daily driver is 3+ years old and has 19K mi.
I don't drive the Stang as much as that.

 

+1 I personally use Royal Purple in my Stang and Mobil 1 in all my other vehicles. Both are great. Don't let the dealer put standard oil in your ride.

 

Typically with low mileage vehicles you change the oil before you store it, or once annually. In your case, you may not store the vehicle because your climate allows you to run your vehicle year round. Knowing that you may have dust or sand blowing around often, your engine breathes in these contaminants. Using your air filter as a guide, you may want to change your oil more frequently as silica and other particles are abrasive and once ingested into your engine can create issues.

Since your vehicle is for pleasure, make sure to stay within the manufacturer's specified intervals. If per chance you do have any issues with your engine, having a clean record of changes per the owners manual will surely assist your case for warranty coverage.

I have extensive oil analysis to show the semi-synthetic Motorcraft factory fill is suitable for 5K miles. Others will contest you need a better oil, but running your drain intervals at over 5K will only allow contaminants to remain in your engine longer.

Although Mobil 1 is an excellent oil, and will not break down, it will continue to hold contaminants and circulate them through the engine. Your filter will go into bypass mode if saturated and you will basically do a thorough sand blasting.

Your comfort level will come from routine inspection of your air filter. It's your vehicle and I hope you can make a better educated decision from this input.

 

All very true and that is why when you run the extended service potential of full synthetic blended oil(s) you change the oil filter every 3000 to 4000 miles so that you do not run the risk of a clogged filter! The extended performance Mobil 1 filter has even even more surface area than its standard and claim it can run 15,000 miles. While I am not ready to make that leap of faith, it is probably the very best spin on consumer filter on the market you can buy. If one is really nervous about running 12,000 miles, get the oil analyzed every 3,000 to 4,000 at the filter change and you will have piece of mind.

If one is going to stick with the recommended service intervals, stick with the recommended para synthetic and save yourself some money ... or even play the Lotto with the extra cash.

 

I change the oil and filter every 2,500 miles using the recommended Motorcraft oil. I don't drive my car every day and put 7,500 miles on it the first year.

 

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info!

 

I changed mine at 250 and used the MotorCraft Synthetic Blend & Filter. I switched to Mobil1 Synthetic Oil & Filter at 1,000 and again changed them at 6,000.
I will change them once more at 10k and then the intervals will be every 5k thereafter, without fail. (To coincide with my scheduled maintenance periods)
Is my schedule overkill? Probably, but what is a few extra bucks every 3-5 months to take car of this beauty?? Money WELL spent in IMO
BTW, mine is a daily driver.

 

I had a BMW Z4 before my Mustang. BMW does not have a specific oil change interval. The computer analyzes how the car is used and tells you when to change oil based on such parameters as trip length, number of cold starts, oil temp, engine speed, mileage, etc. My average interval was 11,500 miles. 90% of my driving was commuting 6 miles each way to and from work. Part of the other 10% consisted of roadracing at Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow. BMW uses their own spec oil which is Castrol synthetic. My wife drives a Mercedes which has a similar system. It also indicates an oil change around 11,000 miles.
The fact is, this ain't your daddy's '65 Mustang. Modern engines are amazingly durable and will easily last 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. One of the key factors in prolonged oilchange intervals that is not often discussed is dillution/contamination of the oil by gasoline which was a major factor in the days of carburetors and chokes but which has been all but eiminated with modern EFI.

 

all but "eliminated." I can't type.