Oil change or not

[ssflai]

I am in Toronto Canada and due to the cold weather here, my 02 Boxster is in dormancy during November to April, that left her in commission six months per year. This is also my leisure vehicle and i rack up approximately 5000 to 6000 km per year. My dilemma is, should i change the engine oil on a yearly basis anyway or i can do it once every two years ? Also, my last brake fluid flush was three years ago, and the owner's manual recommends to replace it every two years, i checked the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid looks very clear still, should i replace it ? Thanks for advices in advance.

[1schoir]

I am in Toronto Canada and due to the cold weather here, my 02 Boxster is in dormancy during November to April, that left her in commission six months per year. This is also my leisure vehicle and i rack up approximately 5000 to 6000 km per year. My dilemma is, should i change the engine oil on a yearly basis anyway or i can do it once every two years ? Also, my last brake fluid flush was three years ago, and the owner's manual recommends to replace it every two years, i checked the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid looks very clear still, should i replace it ? Thanks for advices in advance.

A good practice is to change the oil once a year, regardless of mileage (if you don't drive much).

The reason brake fluid is supposed to be replaced every two years is not so much because it gets dirty or cloudy. It's because brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. That degrades seals and hastens rusting of the caliper pistons, slave and master cylinder pistons, etc., and it reduces the performance of the brake fluid by lowering its boiling point.

Regards, Maurice.

[N41EF]

I'm sure everyone has an opinion here, but I'd change the oil at least once per year. I'd do it right before you put the car up for the winter, drive it to get it to normal temp, change the oil and let it drain at LEAST the half hour, then a new filter and fill with new oil. Start it to get is well circulated, then park it.

Not letting it sit with old oil gets all of the contaminants out of the engine before it sits there for months, minimizing localixed corrossion int he crankcase.

I also flush the brakes every two years (and replace the "lifetime" coolant) just to know there is no contamination in the system. Brake fluid is cheap, calipers are not. Don't forget to flush the clutch is your car is a manual transmission. Flushing the brakes is an excuse to have all of the wheels off, check brakes, bearings, cv joints, suspension and such.

[kbrandsma]

+1 Change oil prior to storage.

[westladog]

Heck, change the oil just for fun! :)

But I do wish I have those cool hydraulic lifts. I'm thinking of paying a shop to allow me to use their lifts. :) has anyone ever done that?

[mikefocke]

I've taken my P-car to a local quick lube place with the filter, crush ring and oil. They do about 6 P-cars a month so someone there knows how to do it. They deduct about $5 for my "parts" from their lowest price service but makes it easy for me. For the simple things, don't think you have to be a P-car specialist. For the complex things, you do. Cultivate both types of service providers.

Yes, once a year. (And mine gets 1-3k a year now too.

[mp911]

Heck, change the oil just for fun! :)

But I do wish I have those cool hydraulic lifts. I'm thinking of paying a shop to allow me to use their lifts. :) has anyone ever done that?

Heck, buy your own lift, here is one: :)

http://www.maxjaxusa.com/index.html