| When was the last time the manufacturer of | | | | So with all of that said, it begs the question; how |
| your car went out of their way to tell you to | | | | often 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, automotive | | | | vehicle, 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 every | | | | as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and |
| 3,000 miles" rule anyway? And why, have we as | | | | even 15,000 mile oil service intervals. |
| consenting adults, with brains and knowledge of | | | | So 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 SHOULD | | | | like 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 miles | | | | maintenance on your car 5 times per year? |
| 2) Oil changes are great preventative | | | | Seems excessive doesn't it? |
| maintenance | | | | The 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 remember | | | | miles, 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 mechanics | | | | the "extra's" you are pressured to buy into while |
| 5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving | | | | getting your oil changed. See below for more on |
| patterns, and weather conditions. | | | | these. |
| But when we really look at the people, or entities | | | | For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a |
| that are URGING us to change our oil every | | | | very competitive market. They're also not very |
| 3,000 miles, we realize, they are the same people | | | | profitable for repair shops. However, the more |
| and companies that profit the most from us | | | | times 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 as | | | | fuel 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 oil | | | | these services aren't needed, but they should be |
| change myth. | | | | performed according to manufacturer guidelines |
| 1) Quality motor oil recommended by your | | | | only and performed by only a certified repair |
| vehicle's manufacturer does not break down after | | | | company. |
| 3,000 miles | | | | A 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 accordance | | | | and most accurate guide. You may stumble |
| with the manufacturer service intervals | | | | across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you |
| 3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval | | | | find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop |
| actually creates more confusion as to the real | | | | or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire |
| maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is | | | | maintenance schedule. If the service center can't |
| easier to follow factory guidelines, more | | | | produce 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 for | | | | Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local |
| your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to | | | | mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 |
| appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologies | | | | miles, ask him what the manufacturer |
| 5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police | | | | recommends. It's fun to watch him stumble |
| change in the dead of winter - your oil will be just | | | | through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the |
| fine | | | | wrong answer. |