98 camry v6 oil change

[evoicon06]

hi everyone i have a 98 camry v6 and i had a few questions regarding an oil change. Im originally from socal and i used to do oil changes myself but living in berkeley without a garage or drive way i have now way of doing that now. I wanted to ask what a good interval for oil change is because i used to do it every 2500-3000mi and i am now thinking of extending this interval to 5000 because i should be going home for thanksgiving and i can change my oil there. Is this a bad idea? If so does anyone recommend any places in northern california that would do a decent job for a decent price cuz im a little stapped for cash being a college student...oh and some background info i use mobil 1 10w30 synthetic with a mobile 1 filter...any insight would be greatly appreciated..thanks in advance

[JCamry94]

Mobile one filter and synthetic oil should hold up to 5000k on a v6, but I wouldn't put it past that, or you could have some problems.

Search it up, I'm sure some guys have info on here.

[Hajoca]

Should be fine.
I change my oil around 15,000 km to 18,000 km.
I use a PAO synthetic oil (Esso XD-3) and change filter only at 5000 km (3000 mi) and top up oil.

[nikita]

Why synthetic in CA and why so short an interval?

My 1999 will have 200,000 sludge-free miles by the end of the year. 10W-30 Chevron or Pennzoil at 5000 mile intervals has been more than adequate.

[ckyle29]

I've got the same year car and engine. The owners manual says to change the oil every 7,500 miles, unless you drive in dusty conditions, tow or use a cartop carrier, drive in sub-freezing temperatures or are at low idle for extended periods of time. In that case, change it every 5,000.

Because of the sludge problems that are associated with this year of vehicle, I've always changed mine at 5,000. I just changed out a valve cover gasket at 118K miles and the top end is clean as a whistle, with virtually no wear noted on the cam lobes. It literally looked brand new.

In this day and age, every 3,000 really is a waste of money and oil, in my opinion. The formulations are so much better nowadays than they were a few decades ago that about the only people to tell you to change it every 3,000 are the ones trying to sell you the oil. Follow the owners manual and you will be fine.

[Hajoca]

One important part to check and maintain is the PCV valve. I soak it in carb cleaner and dry it when I change oil to make sure it does not clog.

[nikita]

For those that have a Pepboys nearby, $10 for five quarts of Shell motor oil and a ProLine (made by Purolator, just like the Toyota dealer Denso) filter. No mail in rebate required.

[94cylcamry]

Sheesh, sounds like a good deal. What's Shell though?

[nikita]

Formula Shell, as in Shell V-power gasoline, you know, Royal Dutch Shell, the third biggest integrated oil company in the world. Shell Oil Products USA is the same company that makes Pennzoil and Quaker State.

Shell branded oils are a lot more respected in aviation (Aeroshell), trucking (Rotella) and in Europe. Shell Helix Ultra is Ferrari factory fill.

I normally use Chevron Supreme, but this was a heck of a deal and for a 5000 mile change interval, any API SM oil of the proper grade is more than adequate.