I know Porsche recommends changing oil every 12000 miles and 1 year whichever is less (at least for 2008). Now, I am not trying to be a cheap *** but I am a little hesitant to change my oil at 2000 miles and about 12 months on my car.

I would like to know if oil really degrades that much by time alone. Would love to hear from folks who's done oil analysis with empirical data.

Thanks

 

It appears for less than $30 you can have your oil analyzed and make the call yourself.
http://www.lnengineering.com/oiltesting.html
Best,

 

12,000 miles is insane...

 

Oil is Cheap !
Engines are expensive !!
Elliot

 

I change my oil & filter every 3K.

 

I am not an expert, but from what I have read and have been told, oil can degrade over time due to moisture/water, contaminants, etc. On my TTS I change my oil every 7500 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. On several of my former daily drivers (BMW 750, 2 ford expeditions, Yukon) I changed the oil at around 10,000 miles and put 100,000 + miles on each without any problems. I use full synthetic oil on all cars. For the $325 dealer or $150-195 independent, I think the peace of mind is worth it. But I'm used to changing the oil every year on twin 800hp MANN diesels including the transmissions and generator on a boat ( 15 gallons/60 quarts).

 

Same here. I think 5k is about the max anyone should go...

 

The time limit is due to moisture and sludge build up in the oil. The less you drive and the shorter the trips, lhe less likely that your oil will get hot enough for long enough to boil out the moisture that condenses in every engine as it cools off. This moisture, combined with piston ring blowby and associated hydrocarbons, form a corrosive sludge that can attack camshaft lobes, cam followers or lifters and even crankshaft journals.

So, don't be cheap and change your oil every year, especially if you don't meet the mileage threshold.

 

Great info! Thanks all

 

Great advice. It's an inexpensive way to protect an investment.