s5397 said:
I have a 2000 LS V8 and was wondering every how many miles am I supposed to change the oil in this vehicle. For my other mercury car I was changing it every 2000 miles can somoeone please advice me I would greatly appreciate it, by the way can I use 10w-40 since I live in deep south tx where it is really sunny or what do you recommend me
The manual probably says every 5,000 miles. My 2004 does.
With oil change intervals, some people look at it like religion. Some believe in the 3,000 mile or whatever change. Not going to hurt the car to change more often than recommended.
If you use the syn blend then changing mor eoften than 5,000 miles probably makes more sense than changing full syn sooner. I run syn and plan to change at 5,000 miles. Course if you live where it is dirty, tow, race or have lots of stop and go short drives and idling, then I think the manual pushes for 3,000 miles.
Like I said it won't hurt to change more often, other than putting holes in your pockets.
As for 10W40, I think the 2000s weer probably OK with that or 5W30 was probably standard. I Do Not Know, since I own a 2004 and all my experience in this model is just a tad over 1 month and about 1,500 miles. If it is hot, in general the oil should be fine. There was some bad press on 10W40 in the 90s, the large spread in viscosity meant there were too many VI Improvers which were "burning" up under heat and destroying engines. Probably, this issue has been resolved, but that is also why you see 15W40, a marketing ploy and some technical to get away from the 10W40 curse.
If you use synthetic, it almost doesn't matter what viscosity you use within reason. And the VI Improver issue never popped up with syn, it is different.
Main thing is use oil that meets your API and SAE specs for your engine and change regularly.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson