The proper answer is to change the oil because you can't know if the oil is good, or not.

Big truck users have a test kit to measure moisture and wear metal indicators, they only change when the oil is no longer fit for use. This can be 100,000 miles....

For cars this could be done, but selling expensive oil is a key revenue stream for garages, so no one offers this service.

If the car has been kept in a warm dry garage and the oil looks clean then I'd leave it, but if it has been in a cold garage where condensation can form in the engine I'd change it at the end of this summer, not leave it over a second winter.

What price 5L oil compare with a new engine?



Peter,
66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S
No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...