Haven't used my xFire much this summer but loved every minute that I did. Rode my Goldwing 19.0000 miles and that doesn't leave much time for the xFire. BUT I HAVE IT Wondering if anyone uses Amsoil in there cars. It meets all of the requirements and then some. Also, if ones only put a couple thousand miles on the car and it is a heated garage all winter how often should the oil be changed?
Thanks for the answers in advance
Great Grandma in upstate NY

 

Oil change in mine once a year.

 

You asked if anyone uses Amsoil in their cars. --- Sorry I have only used Mobil1 0-40. Since I have a lifetime warranty on the drivetrain I only use approved oil. I do not think Amsoil is approved by Mercedes standard (229.5). I am NOT saying Amsoil is bad I am only saying it is not approved for my warranty.

Since I drive only about 2000 to 3000 miles a year during the spring, summer and fall. I change the oil once a year. I do this just before their winter nap. I change all fluids based on time rather then mileage. I change air filters based need. I use the date the car was placed in service for all time changed items. When I purchased used Xfires I changed everything and then started the time from then. I also changed out the brakes and rotors. I hated the dust every time I drove the car.

First IMHO it is most important is to change the oil and filter before it's winter nap. Second, I change the brake fluid before their nap.

If you don't know the date in service just call a Chrysler dealer and give them your VIN and they will tell you that date.

 

Amsoil does meet that 229.5 and makes a european mix that Mercedes accepts.

 

Thanks for the info on Amsoil I guess it is OK to use so go for it. Where do you buy it and how much does it cost? Thanks.

 

There seems to be a lot of dealers around here. I don't know what the cost would be. Think it varies with dealers. I was told in test it is better then Mobil One and the change interval is longer. Mobil 0 w 40 is hard to fine.
Just wondering what everyone was using and think.

 

I have an Amsoil dealer where I truck out of...he's been bugging me to switch...and I don't see anything wrong with their product...just have used Mobil 1 for 20 yrs now, with no complaints...there are some other products out there, I use in the motorcycle, and I have tried Redline products in the cars as well...I think as long as they are rated well and synthetic...they are good products...I change mine in November of each year...I drive about 4K a yr....

 

O.K.Thanks. The oil was changed in June when I bought the car and I probably put only 1500 miles on it and hate to change it yet. Seems like it should't have used up much of its life at this point.

 

Little off topic. This is my first winter with the XF. I just topped off the gas tank and I figure this is going to last me until late February. What kind of gas preservative should I use?

 

I use Stabil and add a bottle of stuff that gets ride of water in the tank. I beliieve it is HEET. I run HEET just before I store the cars.

 

Thank you, now. I'll try some.

 

I saw the effectiveness of Stabil years ago. Used it in a snowblower that sat from March or APril to December. Dad would have a TERRIBLE time every fall getting it started.

I used Stabil in it after he died and never had a problem!

I think most mechanics and car guru's will agree with the posts here that tell you to change the oil before storage - no matter how many miles you put on the oil.

 

I use Amsoil in my bike. Haven't changed oil in the XFire yet, but when I do, it will be Amsoil.

 

Does your car still have the warrantee? How many miles do you put on it a year? How often do you change your oil? Do you know if Amsoil makes a filter for the car?

 

Yeah .... summer is over .... my xFire is "asleep" till Spring ... but I was thinking about the Spring start-up ....
After an extended time of the car in storage, there is the chance that the oil in the top cyclinders may have leached down the pistons and the tops of the cylinders may be lacking enuff lubrication on initial start-up. Is there a way to pre-lube the tops of the cyclinders WITHOUT pulling plugs or cylinder heads. Maybe a way to crank the engine with just the starter for a moment or two, without the engine firing. This might be enuff to pre-lube the cylinders before startup.
What's your take on this?

 

I plan on driving my car at least once a week in the winter. Would you recommend using Stabil or not? Thanks for any info.

 

Don't think it would hurt seeing as it will be the same old gas all winter.

 

I try and start both XFs every 3-4 weeks during the winter, even if they just idle for 15 minutes. It doesn't use much gas and get oil to everthing. Agree with a oil and filter change, as well as Stabil and HEET. Air up the tires to 36-38 psi as well to try and prevent flat spots. If you are real ****, park the tires on cardboard or carpet squares to keep them off the concrete. I place sticky boards around the garage walls where the meece run. Someone mentioned steel wool in the exhaust to prevent vermin nests -- not a bad idea since they once built a nest in my motorcycle exhaust. Which brings me around to Goldwings and the original post -- my 1977 GWing has been sitting in the back of the garage for 4 years (since I have owned the XFs for six summers) since I am enjoying driving them so much. Maybe one day I will exhume, get the full monty service, and start riding it again.

 

No warranty. I probably do about 25-30,000 miles per year. I don't change my oil often, probably once per year,if that. Don't know if Amsoil makes a filter for the XFire.

To the guys who start or run their vehicles one per week or every few weeks in the winter... DON'T DO THAT!
Put stabil in the gas, run it through a little bit, put it on a good trickle charger and leave it alone. Change the fluids in the spring & hit the road. When you run it for short periods in the winter, you end up with moisture/condensation in you exhaust system & oil. The vehicle doesn't get hot enough burn this off. You do more harm that good.

 

Well, in the winter and if the weather is good, I will take mine on a 10-20 minute ride at minimum. I just cannot stand going 4+ months without driving.