Oil Change Info Need Help! [Archive] - Cherokee SRT8 Forum

: Oil Change Info Need Help!


jordo9998
11-19-2006, 03:57 PM
Need some help on this one.

i wanted to know what kind of oil comes in our cars when we buy them off the dealership lot? Are they using full synth,semi synth or just the everyday norm oil?

When I bought my car, it was set on the dash computer for service every 6,000 miles. I reset it to go off at 3,500 miles.

I only use 94 oct gas to keep the engine top notch. BUT, I'm now at 4,300 miles and have not had an oil change yet.

Is this bad??

i know the first oil change is the most important.

I want to get a full synth oil change, I wanted to know how many miles i will get out of that?

I'm just looking for a little info on whats the best oil to use and how many miles I can get. I'm not looking to push my engine to the max on dirty oil.

I want to have this done at a local shop in town so what ever you guys think i can get the most bang for a buck on oil?
Thanks

Black_SRT8
11-19-2006, 04:34 PM
Need some help on this one.

i wanted to know what kind of oil comes in our cars when we buy them off the dealership lot? Are they using full synth,semi synth or just the everyday norm oil?

When I bought my car, it was set on the dash computer for service every 6,000 miles. I reset it to go off at 3,500 miles.

I only use 94 oct gas to keep the engine top notch. BUT, I'm now at 4,300 miles and have not had an oil change yet.

Is this bad??

i know the first oil change is the most important.

I want to get a full synth oil change, I wanted to know how many miles i will get out of that?

I'm just looking for a little info on whats the best oil to use and how many miles I can get. I'm not looking to push my engine to the max on dirty oil.

I want to have this done at a local shop in town so what ever you guys think i can get the most bang for a buck on oil?
Thanks

If your truck has NEVER had an oil change, change it ASAP!!! Sometimes, in new engines, small metal shavings can enter the oil (just part of the break-in process of a new engine). If you never changed your oil, there is a possibility those small metal shavings are in your oil and running through your engine, which can be catastrophic. Do not hesitate one more moment, change that oil imminently.

Our truck uses Mobil 1 0W40. You can easily and safely travel 6,000 miles between oil changes. However, clean oil is advantageous for an engine, and I recommend 3,000-5,000 miles between changes.

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 05:54 PM
does penzoil or jiffylube carry mobil 1 oil?

Is that the same oil that comes in our trucks when we buy them?

Also, Is mobile 1 a full synth oil or semi? or is it standard?

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 05:59 PM
our book also say's to use mobile 1 oil but that doesn't mean we have to use it...

is mobile 1 full synth?
i'm looking for an oil that will give me around 8000+ miles per change without hurting my engine or decreasing the power.

any suggestions"?

MrHemi
11-19-2006, 06:11 PM
Use Mobil 1 0W-40 (which is a full synthetic oil, and yes - the SRT8 comes from the factory with it). You can go 6,000 between oil changes... I wouldn't press it any further than that.

Change your oil and filter at 6,000 miles - you have a $45k vehicle... take care of it.

Don't go to Jiffy Lube or any other "Quickie Lube" place... they're high school kids that could give a crap about your vehicle.

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 07:33 PM
where is a good place to go that will do it right?

Also, you said change the filter? That means it's going to run me over a 100 bucks an oil change.. This car is a lease, thats a bit much for me to pay inless the dealer does all of this for less?

whats a good place to have it done?

Black_SRT8
11-19-2006, 07:39 PM
My dealer charges me $70 per oil change. At first I thought this was highway robbery, but then I thought about it:

7 quarts of synthetic oil
1 oil filter
Labor




....Not a bad deal. I know how you guys feel about the stealerships, but if something goes awry, they have 100% liability.

Black_SRT8
11-19-2006, 07:43 PM
i'm looking for an oil that will give me around 8000+ miles per change without hurting my engine or decreasing the power.

any suggestions"?


Why? Are you trying to circumvent North America in your SRT8?

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 07:55 PM
LOL, now there's an idea...

SRT8
11-19-2006, 08:08 PM
I think the owners manual calls for 3K mile oil changes. If the vehicle isn't maintained properly your warranty could be void. RoyalPurple claims extended changes, but only after the vehicles warranty has run out.

limeylee
11-19-2006, 08:47 PM
so far I have changed mine every 3000.
First change at the dealer cost me $130, so this time I bought my oil at Walmart $50 for 8 quarts and took it to Jiffy Lube.
I was very sceptical but the kids were great, they drooled over my SRT8 and I watched them evey step of the way. $30.
Saved myself $50, that will add up changing every 3000.

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 09:00 PM
I didn't think oil places would change your car with oil you didn't buy from them? limeylee, was that 30 they charged you with or without the filter?

Also, how could your dealer charge you a $130?? thats crazy... was that with the filter and all?

96SS
11-19-2006, 09:04 PM
If you really want to see how far you can go between changes, try Blackstone labs at http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ They will be able to tell you everything about your oil and the metal and chemicals in your oils.

limeylee
11-19-2006, 09:05 PM
All inclusive, filter, all the fluid checks they do, etc.
It is a bit more expensive than normal cos they consider it a 4 wheel drive.
They had absolutely no problem with me bringing my own oil.
Be carefull though, I am sure there are some jiffy cowboys out there.!!

limeylee
11-19-2006, 09:06 PM
my dealer charged $50 for labour...rapists, I won't be using them again.

Ink Pump
11-19-2006, 09:19 PM
My Porsche takes Mobil 1 and cost $120 for the change at the dealer so I figured the SRT would require more oil and cost at least that much.

Let's face it nothing about this engine is going to be cheap. At least we have the satisfaction that we didn't buy the supercharged Range Rover or the Cayenne - The oil is the same but the SRT cost half as much:D

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 09:26 PM
good point.

A bit off topic but I put the Mopar CAI in my car and people are telling me it needs oil? It never came with any. Is it bad if I never put any? the dealer put it in for me. If I need the oil where do I put it and what is it for?

Black_SRT8
11-19-2006, 09:38 PM
good point.

A bit off topic but I put the Mopar CAI in my car and people are telling me it needs oil? It never came with any. Is it bad if I never put any? the dealer put it in for me. If I need the oil where do I put it and what is it for?

Do not worry, your filter came pre-oiled.

It is a spray oil to keep the filter lubricated in order to catch dirt. The oil and cleaner compose the recharge kit.

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i61758_10033.jpg[/URL]

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 10:30 PM
Black srt8 as well as anyone else that might know.

This might sound like a stupid question...

I know our cars are made to be driven but is it good for the engine if I drive aggressively? I never want to rag on my car, but how do I know if I am?

If I use premium gas and use good oil, can I drive aggressively often without worrying about causing long term damage to my engine or power decreases or radiator leaks which I have had in the past...

Not only that but in the past on my old jeep I was hard on my breaks, I got steering wheel vibrations when I braked. From the rotors. I heard they get wavy and need to be re cut or replaced this happens over time or from excessive breaking. Maybe I'm just too hard on my breaks and I don't know it, but I do try to be very careful in this car...

Black_SRT8
11-19-2006, 10:51 PM
Black srt8 as well as anyone else that might know.

This might sound like a stupid question...

I know our cars are made to be driven but is it good for the engine if I drive aggressively? I never want to rag on my car, but how do I know if I am?

If I use premium gas and use good oil, can I drive aggressively often without worrying about causing long term damage to my engine or power decreases or radiator leaks which I have had in the past...

Not only that but in the past on my old jeep I was hard on my breaks, I got steering wheel vibrations when I braked. From the rotors. I heard they get wavy and need to be re cut or replaced this happens over time or from excessive breaking. Maybe I'm just too hard on my breaks and I don't know it, but I do try to be very careful in this car...

The SRT8 GC was developed to be driven hard. The engine is robust (http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_srt8_specs.htm) , the drivetrain is stout (AMG tranny and a Dana 44), and the suspension and brakes are impressive (Bilstein and Brembo).

Actually, your truck will be more and responsive and sporty the more often your mash the throttle. The PCM recognizes driving patterns, so if you hammer the gas pedal frequently, the computer will be more responsive to WOT pulls, because they are a common occurrence.

Conversely, if you consistently baby the vehicle, and then sporadically floor it, the computer will be confused (because WOT's are uncommon), and it may take a split-second or two to comprehend the WOT.

jordo9998
11-19-2006, 11:12 PM
thanks for the info.

:) Mash on everyone.

SRTJeep
11-20-2006, 01:58 AM
I change my own oil, 4500 miles and 4 changes already. I like to change the oil after 500 miles, 1000 mile and whatever. Use the correct oil Mobil 1 0W40. I use the Mopar oil filter as it is a good one. I have cut mine open to check for any debri. (None so far.) The engine takes 6 1/2 qts as 7 will put it over full by 1/2 qt. I asked the Engs at the Nats why the oil level seems to rise after running the engine awhile, a blank answer? Autozone sells this oil at $5.99/qt, dealer sells the Mopar filter at $5 so about $45 will do it. (self oil change cost) The dealer checked the underneath last time there, no charge. Check around as some auto parts stores may sell less than $6/qt or buy a case. Everyone wants to go cheap on these vehicles, burn regular gas, long oil changes etc.? This has a Performance Engine, built like a race engine, high compression, all the latest good engine parts so treat it like a race car, drive it hard and give it good care. Gene

ctsrt8
11-20-2006, 11:00 AM
answer me this, why does mercedes-benz say change every 13000? They use the same oil, and Im talking the amg's too. I agree that number is way too high, but they swear the emission tests prove the oil hasnt broken down after 12k plus...so, I believe 6k is perfectly safe except the first change, which I did at 2,500, just to be sure, this is not a lease, even if it were, Id want the option at the end, knowing it was maintained.

jlandbl
11-20-2006, 11:20 AM
answer me this, why does mercedes-benz say change every 13000? They use the same oil, and Im talking the amg's too. I agree that number is way too high, but they swear the emission tests prove the oil hasnt broken down after 12k plus...so, I believe 6k is perfectly safe except the first change, which I did at 2,500, just to be sure, this is not a lease, even if it were, Id want the option at the end, knowing it was maintained.

I don't think they are exactly the same oil. Mercedes and BMW's use Mobil 1 Extended Performance which is good for 15K miles and the SRT's use regular Mobil 1 which is good for 6K miles. Mobil 1 does not make 0W-40 in the Extended Performance grade, which is what the SRT's use/need.

jcallanan
03-29-2007, 11:56 AM
Dumb question here: What is a WOT?

HoustonSRT-8
03-29-2007, 12:16 PM
Dumb question here: What is a WOT?
WOT = Wide Open Throttle or floored