Car out of hibernation, immediate oil change?

Bill D

Hooked For Life
Hi,



I'm about to take my Caddy out of hibernation FINALLY, hasn't been driven since the week before Thanksgiving. Before putting it away for the winter I changed the oil and filter and added fresh.



Should I immediately change the oil in it now or get the car up to operating temperature and then change? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
 
I would change the oil but until about 100 miles of usage. This way you will dissolve any vanish that has hardened in the fuel system and valve train and melt any slug in the engine and oiling system. This 100 miles will also allow any condensation to be chelated into the oil and gasoline and also be eliminated before the subseqent post-hibernation oil / filter change. Might as well use the new oil that already in your system to do these chores. Fill / top off tank with fresh gas and a can of Dry Gas is also recommended ASAP.
 
I am also of the school that you can run the new oil for a good long time. Assuming you heated up the car to full operating temp with fresh oil just before the pre-winter shutdown then you will be in good shape at start-up with minimal deposits and contamination to worry about. I usually run at least until the weather starts to heat up before I change the oil. (I generally fill the stored cars with a lower viscosity during the winter and I do run them a few times when the weather breaks and make sure they get a work out when possible.)



A fuel injection/carb cleaner additive is also a good thing to add to the first tank of gas to help clean things out.



I have done this with my show cars for years with no problems.
 
Definitely agree with BlkZ. Also after the hundred miles, change the oil when its slightly warm. It will be alittle thined and will flow easier. Also it always a good idea to ti fill the new oil filter with oil before putting it on. this will allow oil to be primed quicker apon start up and prevent dry cranking.
 
Back
Top