Months Or Miles, Whichever Comes First?

Question

Since when does the dealer go by miles in determining scheduled maintenance, and not months? My '02 TJ has very low miles-12,800m from date of purchase(8/02). For that reason, a lot of the time I go by month rather than mileage in determining oil/filter changes. If I went by mileage, the first oil change would have been at least 9 months later! I had a reminder sticker on the windshield for the next change. It was either for 4/04 or 14,100m. I made an appt. for today and dropped it off last night. I picked it up this afternoon, and lo and behold, no oil/filter change. When I asked why, the guy told me that since the odometer was 1500m shy, he didn't see no point in it! I don't believe it! I bought it new there and now I don't feel safe bringing it back!

twaldron · Accepted Answer

I go by mileage, within reason. If it's been 3 months and you've only gone 1500 miles on the change, I'd wait. If it's been six months, I'd change it.Eugene D'Jeep wrote:

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

It's hard call to make, with that mileage there's going to be a lotof short trips like to the post office where the engine will not reachfull operating temperature, leaving the crankcase full of condensedwater, acids, and gasoline, none of which the filter is cable offiltering.         God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:

Terry Jeffrey · Answer

I change mine every 3 months like clock work and pay no mind to the mileage.This has worked for me for the last 12.5 years with this engine.  Screw thedealer; do it yourself.Terry.

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

The oil change is probably the cheapest insurance you may buy.         God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:      Jeffrey wrote:

Roy J · Answer

I store my Jeep over the winter, change the oil just before storage. So come spring I needed a new battery. The garage tried to sell me an oil change even though it had only 100 miles on the oil and 2 or 3 engine starts.Eugene D'Jeep wrote:

Eugene D'Jeep · Answer

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking of taking it to adealership out of town(roughly 50m away). They always get good ratingsfor their outstanding service! As far as myself doing it, no way! I'djust as soon roll it off a cliff, with me in the driver's seat!

Mike · Answer

How about you roll it to Canada (into my driveway), then you jump over thecliff of your choice.. lol..

Carlo · Answer

Exactly what I said the last 5 times this came up...............notcomplaining.............happy to get a chance to say it again.......evenhappier to see that more people agree with me than I had previously thought.

twaldron · Answer

While I think paying "no mind to the mileage" can be a waste, as in some of the examples in this thread, what Terry does will NEVER hurt you...unless you forget to put the drain plug back in. You can't change your oil frequently enough, it's just a matter of what is actually necessary. Oil does not have an expiration date, it's just a matter of acidity, dirt, moisture and additive & viscosity breakdown. Use common sense.Terry Jeffrey wrote:

L.W.(ßill) · Answer

Yes, it's kinda like taking a bath, you should take one at leastonce a month whether you need one or not.         God Bless America, ßill O|||||||Omailto:

Dave Milne · Answer

is it true that in the colder parts of Canada you get sewn into your clothesfor the winter ?[ducks]Dave Milne, Scotland'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ

Months Or Miles, Whichever Comes First?

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