5 Facts About Changing your Oil

When was the last time the manufacturer ofSo with all of that said, it begs the question; how
your car went out of their way to tell you tooften do you really need to change your oil? While
change your oil every 3,000 miles?it depends on the year, make, and model of your
Isn't it funny that in fact, automotivevehicle, it's clear that for today's vehicles it's not
manufacturers have not agreed with this "opinion"every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of
for more than 20 years.many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete
So WHO created the "change your oil everyas most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and
3,000 miles" rule anyway? And why, have we aseven 15,000 mile oil service intervals.
consenting adults, with brains and knowledge ofSo just what is motivating the auto industry to
our own, bought into it for so many years?push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real
Let's take a look at the "reasons" we've all heard,life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and
time and time again about why we SHOULDlike most, you average 15,000 miles per year,
change our oil every 3,000 miles.then you'll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12
We're told:months. Do you really need to perform
1) Oil breaks down after 3000 milesmaintenance on your car 5 times per year?
2) Oil changes are great preventativeSeems excessive doesn't it?
maintenanceThe average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5
3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car= $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000
repair customer to remembermiles, you'd only need 3 oil changes per year =
4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as$90. That's a $60 savings. And not to mention all
best by mechanicsthe "extra's" you are pressured to buy into while
5) It's necessary due to the elements, drivinggetting your oil changed. See below for more on
patterns, and weather conditions.these.
But when we really look at the people, or entitiesFor the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a
that are URGING us to change our oil everyvery competitive market. They're also not very
3,000 miles, we realize, they are the same peopleprofitable for repair shops. However, the more
and companies that profit the most from ustimes your vehicle is in the shop, the more
following their lead.chances that shop has to sell you something else
This is not to say that oil changes aren't- an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks,
important - they are. They're just not asfuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc -
frequently needed as we're made to believe.these are money-makers. This is not to say that
Here are 5 FACTS about the 3,000 mile oilthese services aren't needed, but they should be
change myth.performed according to manufacturer guidelines
1) Quality motor oil recommended by youronly and performed by only a certified repair
vehicle's manufacturer does not break down aftercompany.
3,000 milesA detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule
2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative(this is separate from your manual) is the best
maintenance, but it should be done in accordanceand most accurate guide. You may stumble
with the manufacturer service intervalsacross one in all the unnecessary paperwork you
3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile intervalfind in your glove box, but ask your repair shop
actually creates more confusion as to the realor dealer for a detailed print out of your entire
maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it ismaintenance schedule. If the service center can't
easier to follow factory guidelines, moreproduce one quickly - you're in the wrong place
economical, and more appropriate.for your car's needs.
4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best forFinally, have a little fun: the next time your local
your car is old school, wasteful, and fails tomechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000
appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologiesmiles, ask him what the manufacturer
5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed policerecommends. It's fun to watch him stumble
change in the dead of winter - your oil will be justthrough the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the
finewrong answer.