I'm a fairly new DB9 owner. I've been reading as much as I can about this car and more importantly on how to maintain it. I've owned my car for about 2 months and put 1100 miles on it. Mainly because I have a 90 day warranty from Aston Martin Long Island and I want to be sure there are no bugs in it before my 90 days are up. After that I'm on my own because it's too old for an Aston Martin warranty. I know AML recommends oil changes at 10K miles or once a year. Previously I've changed the oil in my "weekend cars" at least twice a year. I'd like to the same with the DB9. My question is what are other DB9 owners doing with their cars? Are you staying with the 0W-40 all year round? What brand are you running? Or are you just avoiding it all together and poning up the $1400. to let the dealer do it?

Thanks,
C. Piazza

 

I live in the south and yes I run 0-40 all year round and use Mobil 1.

the db9 takes just over 11 qts, so why change twice a year as there is no benefit and I change the oil myself, it takes maybe 30 minutes. Since I just got charged $209 diagnostic fee for about 30 minutes of work, I tend to avoid dealers like the plague.

 

If you're doing the job yourself, here's a DIY guide:
http://www.redpants.lol/db9-oil-change/

And I offer maintenance packages to make things as easy as possible:
http://www.redpants.lol/shop/?category=Maintenance

 

I had mine changed 2 months ago after 8 months, 7000 miles, it was far too dirty for me. I'd change oil in my Nissan every 3000 miles but we're going to run dirty oil in our Astons for 10,000? No, not happening. I'll keep my Vantage oil as clean as I would my Z. Driving conditions always make a difference and mine gets driven hard. So I would say look at it and judge by how dirty it is. I'll do it twice a year.

 

Thanks Redpants. I've been looking at your website and will definitely ordering parts from you. One question I have. Why does AML recommend changing the drain plug every oil change? I've never run into this before. Even on heavy equipment. Seems a little ridiculous but I'm curious to know why. Thanks!

 

There's a rubber gasket built into the plug. After the plug is used, the gasket loses much of its ability to maintain a good deal.

you could reuse the plug and not get a leak, but there's no guarantee. It's a cheap part to replace compared to the cost and hassle to fix a leak if you do get a leak.

 

Totally agree. I had a Land Rover I bought new and the service interval was also annual or 12K mile. Needless to say the engine blew up at 60,000 miles under regular driving conditions. I'm at 5K miles or 6 months as a general practice with all my cars even with synthetic oils.

 

That's good to know thank you. I have a lot of other maintenance questions for you but I'll wait for more specific threads.

 

No worries! Or you can just email me if you want: rich@redpants.lol

 

email sent. Thank you

 

Are you having the oil analyzed?
Because that is the only way to tell the health of oil, looking at the color can only be used as a rule of thumb for regular oil and that is not always accurate. Not trying to start something, just saying that do not depend on oil color and also not trying to tell you when to change your oil. Also, the 3,000 miles was an add campaign started by I think Jiffy lube to drum up business, it is amazing to me that companies can advertise pure fiction and get away with it.

 

While I might agree that some oil change intervals seem excessive, note that car manufacturers have to warranty their engines, therefore it’s highly unlikely that any car manufacturers would suggest an oil change interval thats detrimental to the life of the engine. Change the oil earlier if it make you feel better, that said, changing engine oil at 3000 miles is a waste of time and oil.
My 2 cents

 

I'd ask the question of whether you are planning on keeping this car long term, or turning it over in a few years? If keeping it long term then by all means do your own oil changes. It's easy and will save you a ton of money. However, if you're goal is to flip the car for something newer and shinier in a few years, then it may behoove you to get the AM oil change so you also get the stamps in the log book. Not having the stamps may have a detrimental affect on your resale value.

That said, my car is for me long term and I change mine out once a year and I use the Mobile1 0w-40. I also use the AM oil filter and get a new drain plug and MAF gasket as well. I only put a couple thousand miles a year on my car.

 

Well I was never on schedule with the Z's, and last year I got an email "what's wrong, we haven't seen you for a year?" and I slapped my forehead, went out and looked at the mileage on the sticker, and it had been 11000 miles. I was in the next day to have it changed.


I know many sources say every 10,000 in mild and every 5000 in severe driving conditions. I would consider most of us drive in the later category. I'm not that concerned if science and molecular analysis says my oil can go another 3000 miles before it'll damage my engine, it was dark, smelled quite toasty, and just had to go. That is the life blood in the heart of my baby and I want to know it's as protective as possible when I'm running it to 7k, so if I change it before its time is far better than changing it too late.