Going on a trip: Should I get an oil change?

[musicmanmu]

Ok gang,I'm going on a trip tomorrow, approximately a 700 mile roundtrip.My 2009 Vibe GT has about 83,000 miles on it (I know, I have a long interstate commute to work ).I last had the oil changed around 79,100 miles. I believe they use a synthetic blend.So, the question is, should I get an oil change before the trip? I initially felt that I would be okay, but now I'm starting to have qualms about it.Any advice from you folks?Thanks!Scott

[ou.grizzly]

Recommendations are 5,000 miles now per oil change, not the standard 3,000. You are safe with either.

[jkm311]

Technical aspects aside, I try to avoid having any work done before road trips (yes, I have someone else change my oil). I always have this fear that they will put the filter on wrong, or strip the drain plug. Leak, leak, leak.Bottom line, if you follow the 5,000 mile interval, I would personally get it done after you return from your trip – just in case you need to get the car back to them to fix anything that may go wrong. Side notes: This might sound funny, but the one pet peeve I have about the oil change place I have been going to for 5 years: they never screw my aftermarket valve stem covers on tight enough when they check my tire pressure. I always bring the car around the back of the place afterward and firmly tighten them myself. People must lose them constantly because of these places. I also pop the hood and wipe off any excess oil drip around the cap (checking that IT is firmly tightened), make sure the dipstick for the oil and the one for the auto tranny are secure, and generally wipe down any fluid top-offs that they were a little too sloppy with.

[DressedInBlack]

you are gonna be fine and so is your oil.the things to worry about are which flavor of doritos you are going to bring, music, mt. dew, and beef jerky.

[lovemyraffe]

Your oil should be fine, but it wouldn't hurt if you decided to change it now.

[musicmanmu]

LOL! More like which kind of energy drink and how many packs of smokes! Thanks guys, I figured I'd be fine, but it's always nice to hear it from people who know more than I do about cars.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by jkm311 »Technical aspects aside, I try to avoid having any work done before road trips (yes, I have someone else change my oil). I always have this fear .I agree with that. Also - highway trips are probably less damaging to oil than every day driving. Have it changed when you get back.

[joatmon]

change it or not, but either way, remember to check the level before you go and before you start back for home.

[vibedrivermatt]

hey cant hurt to check the tire pressure also! always a good thing to do before long drives. I just use a little pressure gauge I got for $1.99. Maybe better to have one thats no so cheap but its better than nothin.

[tpollauf]

Quote, originally posted by musicmanmu »My 2009 Vibe GT has about 83,000 miles on it (I know, I have a long interstate commute to work ).You're safe till you return With that kind of mileage racked up already you may just be the "guinea pig" for this site for all of us 3rd generation Vibe owners. Assuming you take excellent care of your Vibe you can set the benchmark for when certain items wear out, or fail, or break, or ..... you get the picture I'm clear at the other end of the spectrum at just over 8000 miles The wife still complains about "new car " smell Keep us posted if/when you FINALLY come across any problems