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Is the 3,000-Mile Oil Change a Scam? Print
Saturday, 10th June 2006 (by J.D.)This article is about Cars
Want to save some money on your vehicle? How often do you change the oil in your car? If you listen to advertising from Oil Can Henry and Jiffy Lube, you’d think a change every 3,000 miles was essential. You’d be wrong.
Last winter, an AskMetafilter user wondered:
Is the 3,000-mile oil change a scam? My wife, like a good American driver, goes for an oil change every 3,000 miles. My dad, like a good British driver, has never gone for an oil change in nearly 30 years on the road. There’s no equivalent of the quick-lube shop in the UK; manufacturers ‘recommend’ yearly/twice-yearly changes (or 12-18,000-miles) but standard practice is just to top up the oil level sporadically. Is there something specific to US-model cars or American driving practices that makes frequent oil-changes necessary, or is it just a nice little earner sustained by popular wisdom?
The responses vary — and nobody who answers is really an expert — but the consensus seems to be that yes, it’s a scam. (Or, more precisely, a marketing ploy.)
Change your oil every 5,000 miles or so, or as recommended in your owners manual. But don’t let yourself be swayed by advertising from quick-lube places: they’re just trying to increase their sales by 40%.
(To save even more money, learn to change the oil yourself.)
June 11th, 2006 at 12:30 am
Actually, some of the local (non-national-chain) quick lube places here in So. Ill. have figured out that consumers have picked up on this. Last time I got my oil changed, the place wrote 5000 miles over the current mileage for the next recommended change.
June 11th, 2006 at 12:33 am
Amazingly, my 2005 Mini Cooper doesn’t have its first oil change until 10,000 miles and then again at 50,000 miles. I can’t fathom that.
June 11th, 2006 at 5:45 am
Interesting you mention this today. I purchased an ‘02 Toyota Prius in February, and have changed the oil once since then. I noticed I was over mileage again the other day and stopped in to schedule a change at the dealer for Tuesday morning.
The thing is, it is over 3,000 miles since the last change which is the recommended interval, but this hybrid doesn’t run on the gas engine 100% of the time, so how come they recommend a change that often. The oil still looks fairly clean - at least nowhere near a change seems to be in order yet, but his is the newest car I have ever owned, and I do want to take the best care of it I can to make it last another 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
I went to school with the shop manager. I’ll ask him for a more educated answer Tuesday.
I’ve been reading your blog for several weeks now, this is my first comment. You do a fine job writing. I admire your dedication.
June 11th, 2006 at 8:29 am
I live in the South known for its famous ‘good ole boy’ network and as I increase in age I’m slowly let in on some secrets.
I have become friends with the man in charge at our local oil/tire/everything change place and he’s told me that it’s crazy to come in every 3,000 miles. I driver a newer Chevrolet Tahoe and he’s told me I shouldn’t even start thinking oil change until I hit 5,000 miles. Even then I should only bring in when I’ve got the time.
June 11th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
I notice a trend in the most recent comments: you all drive newer cars. Manufacturers in recent years have started requiring the use of synthetic oils, which have a much longer lifespan. Oilchanges of 5-7.5k miles are not out of the ordinary with synthetics. Since my vehicles are the two biggest investments I have next to my house, I prefer to err on the side of caution. I do, however, change my own oil. It takes about a half an hour every couple of months to change the oil in both cars at a cost of $12-15 each (for oil and filter). A very small price to pay for piece of mind. My current two vehicles have 150k miles each on them, and I’ve never had any major problems with either. Of course, I firmly believe that the ‘74 Olds Cutlass I delivered pizzas with in college lived to the ripe old age of 300k miles due to regular maintenance. Your milage will, of course, vary. Pun intended.
June 12th, 2006 at 5:54 am
I have always changed the oil in my cars twice a year or about every 5000 miles. (We don’t drive much). It might be more often than necessary, but it’s really cheap insurance since any maintenance that’s needed from pushing it to the limit will cost way more than you save.
If I switched to once a year, that would save me about $30/year. If I keep the car for 10 years that’s $300. Anything that went wrong over those 10 years that was a result of not frequent enough oil changes would cost WAY more than $300 to fix, so pushing it too far seems like a really false savings.
June 12th, 2006 at 6:08 am
It’s $16 bucks at Walmart, it’s usually fast, and they never try to sell you anything.
OTOH, you might blow more than that while you are waiting!
Older cars need the oil changes. Newer ones, different ballgame.
If you are taking your car to the dealer for simple repairs not under warranty, please send the money you are wasting directly to me please instead ^_^
June 12th, 2006 at 7:18 am
5k or 6k is fine if you do mostly highway driving, don’t tow anything, and drive your car fairly gently. If you do mostly around-town driving, you should change your oil more frequently, but 3k is a bit too often. 5k is probably safe.
The most important thing is to CHECK your oil regularly. If the oil is low, add a quart. Always keep a quart in your trunk just in case. If the oil is black on the dipstick, it is definitaly time for an oil change.
So, get your oil changed every 5k, under average driving conditions. More often if you drive your car hard, up many hills, around town, on dirt roads regularly, or tow a trailer. If, when you check your oil, it is black, you need to change your oil.
(All this is for dino oil. Synthetic oils have much longer lifespans, sometimes as much as 15,000 miles, but are a lot more expensive.)
June 12th, 2006 at 10:45 am
I usually wait between 3K and 5K; but we have cars that are 1999 and 2001. I think going beyond 5K is just asking for it. Cars ain’t cheap and the oil protects the more expensive to fix components.
If you want to make decisions on when to defer maintenance - check out http://www.noria.com. Heavy industry usually uses them to make deferrment decisions like this.
June 13th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Just follow the manual, not the dealer service department. My Acura dealer wants to change it every 3,000 even when the severe service interval is 5,000. Since I don’t qualify for the severe schedule, I do a change, as directed by the manual, every 10,000 miles.
August 21st, 2006 at 10:00 am
Here’s the breakdown. I used to be a mechanic, so this is at least somewhat accurate.
The oil itself will determine around how often you would need to change oil. If you use cheap oil, prepare to need to change it more often. The oil itself, even in cheap oil, will be ok long after 3000 or even 5000 miles is hit. What you need to change it for is the detergents that are in the oil that help to extend life of the engine and clean it as well as keep the oil from sludging (solidifying).
If your vehicle is older (pre-1990) and you use conventional oil, you might want to consider changing your oil more often than 5000 miles. The reason is, the engines don’t burn quite as cleanly as newer vehicles so more crap enters the oil causing the detergents to break down.
As some have said, synthetics are offering much higher mileages than conventional oil. I’ve seen demonstrations that go up to 75000 to 100000 miles. Granted, those oils cost a lot more. There are even some that never require changing, only the filter.
In fact, changing your filter every 3000 miles and your oil every 6000 miles is enough for most cars under ten years old. Oil filters are damn easy to change. If you don’t have an oil filter wrench, you can use a belt. Just use it out near the end where the filter is furled. Also, put a little oil on the rubber gasket that seats up to the block. Helps form and keep a seal.
August 21st, 2006 at 11:14 am
I can’t believe this. I know I’m going to get flamed here; but changing your oil depends almost entirely on you, your car, and your engine. I had a 1989 Mazda MX-6 that the engine would start to rattle and click at 3100 miles if it wasn’t changed. This occured WITH OUT FAIL every time I was late on an oil change. The owner before me perscribed to this once ever 30,000 miles oil change non-sense and it is just that. Reasons to change oil very directly relate to the things that get IN to your oil, its a lubercant. The next time your thinking its a good idea to leave your oil in there for 50,000 miles or something stupid I want you to make a quick trip to the hardware store and pick up some sand paper and vaselene. You take a good long look down at yourself and see if you can convince yourself that the vaselene will make that sand paper all better for some alone time.
August 21st, 2006 at 12:07 pm
For what it’s worth, don’t go expecting a hybrid to last as long as a normal gas engine. The thing essentially uses a huge rechargeable battery that does what it has to and is recharged by the engine. It’s only good for a finite amount of recharging. I forget the exact numbers but the longest warranty I can find is ten years. Significantly shorter lifespans are to be expected if you’re a heavy driver (more discharging/recharging).
Yes, the battery can be replaced but I’ve seen prices over $5,000.
Considering the price premium you pay to drive a hybrid, skewed EPA mileage estimates (making you expect more than you really get), the fact that many hybrids’ mileage will plummet in the wrong driving conditions, the price of replacing a battery, plus all the other maintenance you attend to on any car … Bah, I want to do the “socially responsible” thing but it’s hard to find a real argument for it.
Back on topic though:
Yeah, 3,000 miles is more overkill. The problem is with people who simply have no idea how to judge. If you don’t know anything about cars, have no idea how to change the oil, and are unaware of how oil works within an engine (to some degree) just go ahead with your regularly scheduled oil changes. They’re not expensive and they’ll at least prevent you from killing your car prematurely.
August 21st, 2006 at 2:17 pm
In the US Army, we use an oil sampling routine to decide when/if to change the oil. We also consider things such as water crossings or harsh environments (heat and/or fine grit) to accelerate or mandate oil changes. On another note, on most US automobiles it’s very hard to change the filters without at least draining the oil. You could reuse it, but having to get it out and put it back in is most of the work, so change it.
August 21st, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Reading the comments I figured I throw in my $.02 as well. I have plenty of experience with changing my own oil, using dino and synthetic, and running lots of miles on vehicles. My last car was sold with 225,000 miles (still ran great) and I changed that every 7,500 with dino oil. My current vehicle is at 250,000 and is driven about 600-800 miles a week. I run synthetic and change the filter at 5,000 mi and the oil at 10,000 miles. I have gotten tons of life out of my cars with no mechanical problems as of yet with my intervals, as stated before your mileage may vary. Its mainly a matter of what you think is right, although I know of some folks who do religious 3,000 mi changes on synthetic, which I think is overkill but its their money I guess. So to answer the question, the 3,000 mi change may be a scam, depending on how anal you are about the maintainence of your vehicle. If it makes you feel better to change at that interval, then do it. Most people don’t have the time, interest, or knowledge to change their own oil so let jiffy lube take care of it, but at least know not to take their add-ons, thats another rant in itself.
March 3rd, 2007 at 5:49 pm
I drove my Toyota 2004 Tacoma for 13,000 miles last time without changing the oil or filter. I realize this was not a good idea, but my truck (and I) appear not to have suffered any consequences. I did just have it changed with a new filter last week when I got the brakes done. I don’t know if they used synthetic or not…I assume they did!
March 11th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
I’m in the farming business in California and operate GMC and Ford trucks - 3/4 ton and 1 ton. If you have the Ford 4.6 or 5.4 engines you would be well advised to change the oil between 3-4,000 miles with full synthetic. Engine has lots of parts and will last longer. We are running our Fords and GMC’s about 300,000 miles without engine failure before we trade them in. Also keep those air filters replaced.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I have recently moved to the US from the UK and suggest that you check out the manufacturers recommended service interval for your vehicle on the European websites. UK Toyota, for example (who have recently confirmed 5000 as the service period in the US) recommend 20,000 miles! or 2 years for all models which ever comes first with only a safety check at 12K!. The story is the similar for all the other makes, 12K probably the minimum you will find. If anything the typical jouneys are shorter in Europe with just as large seasonal temperature variations. I therefore struggle to find any other plausable explanation other than the “powers that be” in the US are intentionally brainwashing the American public into firmly believing that their engines will suffer serious damage if the oil is not changed every 5K or so ! When you try to put put a $value on this it is easy to see why ! Lets hope from an Ecological viewpoint honesty will prevail but I fear it will also take a brainchange for most American motorists after being led up the garden path for so long !
March 27th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
hmmmm, would that be 20,000 miles or kilometers?
I’ve heard enough stories from various people (interestingly mostly female) who experienced obvious engine trouble and/or damage due to not changing their oil in a timely manner.
I don’t know how any engine would not suffer damage from going 20k miles without an oil change.
April 1st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
There is another value to geting regular oil changes other then Just simply changing the oil. If you have the old greace fitings it’s a good idea to keep them greaced and looking over the undercarage it’s a good way to keep an eye out for things that might become problems like torn CV boots and worn out suspention and brake parts.
July 9th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
If you change your oil every 3000 miles, you are abusing your engine !!
When an oil manufacture builds an motor oil product, that product is put through several industry tests.
One of the most significant is the ASTM Sequence IIIf test.
The API (American Petroleum Institute) requires this test to enable a manufacturer to include the API “donut” symbol and/or the “starburst” on the packaging.
In this test, the oil is run in a 6 cylinder motor for 80 hours. Among the many items measured at the end of the test is the viscosity. If the viscosity increases by more than 275 percent, it fails the test.
If the oil passes the test, then the manufacturer is permitted to display the API symbol on their bottle.
There’s two major components to oil. The base stock and the additive package. The additive package protects the base stock and the base protects the engine and its components. The base stock makes up approx. 15 percent of the cost of producing a quart of oil and the additive package is approx. 85 percent.
Competition is so tough and if you buy a quart of oil, you expect to get a full quart, the only place they can reduce costs is in the additive package.
Now where do you think most oils on the market test at ?
How many oil manufacturers are so concerned about your vehicle that they greatly exceed the requirements of the API ?
That’s right - NOT MANY !!!
Most people average 30 mph, which means it will take 100 hours of driving to reach 3000 miles (that does not include the time your engine is running while at a stop light or while warming up before you begin to drive). That is 20 hours after the oil has failed.
If you stretch your oil changes to 5000,7500,10000 miles, you are simply wearing away the inside of your engine.
The manufacturers would prefer that you buy the “lie” and let your cars parts wear out because they get to sell you more parts. They make greater profits from the parts than from the whole car.
With that said, there are two options you have.
1) Install an hour meter on your vehicle and change the oil every 50-60 hours.
2) add an oil supplement at every oil change to help make up the difference and change your oil every 3000 miles.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
In Australia, 3000 miles is way too frequent.
Different manufacturers recommend different intervals down here. Toyotas go 10,000km between changes (over 6000 miles). Mitsubishis go 15,000km between changes (over 9000 miles). Many European cars here use synthetic oils and can go over 15,000 miles between changes.
The truth is in the older cars still on the road. How many do you see blowing smoke and what causes it?
November 27th, 2007 at 7:26 am
3000 mile oil changes are a scam used by the oil manufacturers to boost their sales. I use and sell Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils which are designed to go 25,000 miles or 12 months on one change. They are more expensive initially about $7.50 per quart but when you factor in the cost of 3000 mile drain intervals they are actually less expensive in the long run. Not only will Amsoil Synthetic Oils save you money in that way they also will provide superior lubrication and reduced wear extending the life of your vehicle. Amsoil also has oil and air filters that exceed any others in efficiency and longevity. Amsoil Ea Air Filters are designed to last 100,000 miles and only require a cleaning at 25,000 miles using a shop vacuum or a low air pressure cleaning using 10 PSI air. I am happy to discuss this with anyone who wants more info, drop me a line at amsoildealer@mac.com or visit my website http://www.synthetic-oil-tech/1124190 . The real key to extending oil life is using the best air and oil filters, proper filtration of the air and oil prevent contamination of the oil and reduce engine wear as well as improving the reliability of any engine.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:57 am
The URL I provided in my previous post is incorrect it should be synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190 Can you change it?
November 27th, 2007 at 8:15 am
URL updated
The real key to extending oil life is using the best air and oil filters, proper filtration of the air and oil prevent contamination of the oil and reduce engine wear as well as improving the reliability of any engine. I am happy to discuss this with anyone who wants more info, drop me a line at amsoildealer@mac.com or visit my website http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190 .
November 27th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
I lived in Germany for 8 yhears and I had an Audi A4 for about 3 of those years and it was due for a “service” (that’s a real scam if you ask me - pay extra to get you car checked over) every 30.000 kilometers (20.000 miles) My Mazda needs an oil change every 15.000 k or 10.000 miles. As others pointed out, if the car is in America you change the oil ever 3,000 miles if it’s in Europe its every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
And yes they still use miles in the UK
November 28th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Hi there!
I, too, am a longtime reader, and I believe this is my first comment.
More like a question, actually. My dealer (and Jiffy Lube) leads me to believe that I should change my oil every 3000 miles, or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Since I drive little, the 3 months always come first. WAY first. I probably come in under 2000 in three months…
What is your take on this? Should I at least wait 3-5000 miles? Or is there any reason to get an oil change every three months?
November 29th, 2007 at 4:58 am
Once again the quick lubes are pulling a fast one. There is no good reason to change the oil at 3000 miles or 90 days except to make the quick lube dealer more money.
Switch to a quality extended drain synthetic oil such as Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil and save money. The 90 day scam is based on the idea that an engine produces more contaminants in short trip operation than in long trips because it doesn’t get warm enough to fully rid itself of the combustion byproducts such as the water which is introduced into the engine from the atmosphere as the engine takes in combustion air. In reality a quality oil is formulated to neutralize these acids and the oil filter is there to capture the water and also any wear metals that are present.
Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils are formulated to protect any engine for 25,000 miles or one year. At a cost of approximately $7.50 per quart, and assuming that the vehicle needs 5 quarts of oil, that is $37.50 for oil and an additional $12.00 (this figure may vary depending on the actual vehicle) for an Amsoil EA Oil Filter that is $49.50 for annual oil service. Contrast that to the quick lube recommendation of changing your oil every 90 days at approximately $30.00 X 4 changes = $120.00 annual oil change cost.
As you can see the difference is substantial, over $70.00 annually. In addition the overall wear on the engine is decreased adding longevity and greater fuel economy as well as increased reliability due to better lubrication.
Switch to Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils and save money as well as reducing the amount of waste oil that needs to be disposed of. Using the previous example once a year there would be only 5 quarts of waste oil and 1 oil filter annually to dispose of using Amsoil whereas the quick lube scenario adds up to 20 quarts of used oil and 4 oil filters to dispose of. In an age where each action we take has an environmental impact using an extended drain oil such as Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil can reduce your personal contribution to the waste oil stream by at least 75% while at the same time saving you money in oil change costs, improving fuel economy, and freeing you from wasting your precious time sitting in the quick lube at least 3 times a year.
For more information on Amsoil Oil and Filtration products please visit my website http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190 or drop me a line at amsoildealer@mac.com. I would be happy to assist you in reducing your annual vehicle maintenance costs while providing superior lubrication which will extend the life of your engine and reduce the chances of mechanical failure due to poor lubrication.
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Nick Roberts is absolutely correct on all counts. I used Amsoil after doing much research and having 4 cars and 2 Harley Davidson’s, it qot quite expensive taking my cars to Jiffy Lube so often. I was so impressed with my vehicle performance, I too became a dealer and haven’t looked back. Check out syntheticsolution.com and educate yourselves. Synthetics are taking over from the inferior petroleum oils and the petroleum oils will soon go the way of the old 8-track players and bias ply tires, being replaced by better products like CD’s, DVD’s and Radial tires. With Synthetic oils you can go to extended oil drain schedules and you’ll experience more miles to the gallon, easier cold weather starts and almost zero engine wear.
Bobby Unser has used Amsoil for years and Boyd Coddington of the hit TV show also endorses Amsoil now. It’s sweeping the nation and it’s no surprise. And, it’s American Made! Having served 21 Years in the Air Force and 36 years total serving my government, I like using “American”.
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:15 pm
3,000 miles is just an old standby. Today, oil technology has gotten better to the point where oil changes should be done at about 7,000 miles; right before the manufacturer’s recommendation of 7,500 miles (or right before whatever your car’s manufacturer suggests in the manual). But that is just for standard oil. Normal synthetic blends and full synthetics aren’t supposed to last longer than normal oil, they are just supposed to lubricate the engine better than normal non-synthetics are.
Manufacturers do make oil now that is advertised to last up to 15,000 miles (maybe more since last time I checked). But I drive a performance car and I love it and want it to last a long time, so I change oil around every 3,000 with standard 5w30 Valvoline (I started using Max life synthetic blend at around 70,000 miles). I don’t mind spending a little extra for a little insurance. Valvoline tends to look cleaner than other brands when I check how it looks on the dipstick right before I change it.
It dosen’t turn black as quickly as the others do.
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:19 am
Tony makes a few statements that need clarification.The statement that synthetic oils don’t last longer that petroleum oils is incorrect. Synthetic oils are engineered to exacting specifications. Their molecules are all the same size which eliminates the shearing and attendent viscosity increase that petroleum and synthetic blend oils exhibit. Synthetic blends are a mixture of petroleum and synthetic base stock; sort of like watering down your drink to extend the taste of the alcohol. Petroleum based oils tend to increase in viscosity the longer they stay in service because of the shearing of larger molecules into smaller fractions that then are able to get past the piston rings and be volitized in the combustion chamber.
The second statement regarding extended drain intervals is also incorrect, the extension of drain intervals is the result of the more robust additive packages in synthetic oils that are designed for extended drain intervals. While he states that there are oils with suggested change intervals of 15,000 miles; there is only one motor oil with the proven ability to go 25,000 miles and that is Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil.
Synthetic blends are a combination of petroleum and synthetic base stocks which means that they still contain waxes which adds to engine sludge. They are also subject to the same shearing as petroleum oils which results in increased viscosity, greater friction, higher engine wear and reduced engine protection.
His staement that the Valvoline looks cleaner after time in service is a tipoff that the oil is not robust enough to carry the contaminants produced by the engine and is not doing it’s job of dispursing the combustion byproducts. Color in oil is not a good indicator of the oil’s condition and actually may be giving Tony false confidence in his motor oil. The blackness he refers to is carbon and soot which should be carried by the detergents and dispursants that make up the oil’s additive package allowing the filter to capture any large particles that contribute to engine wear.
Finally Tony says that he doesn’t mind wasting his money changing his oil at 3000 mile intervals because he thinks it is helpful to his engine’s performence. The reality is that by using a petroleum based or syhthetic blend oil he is not only wasting his money with the frquency of his change schedule he is also missing the benefits of reduced friction and extended engine life. Reducing friction means that the energy contained in the fuel is used to move the vehicle not to overcome the friction on the oil and the moving parts of the engine therefore increasing fuel economy. Not only will fuel economy increase with full synthetic Amsoil Motor Oil but engine wear and engine temperature will be reduced adding life to the vehicle and reducing the cost of operation not to mention increased mechanical reliability.
The facts are that by using Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil one can reduce their annual oil change costs, increase their fuel economy, reduce wear in the engine and save time by not sitting in the oil change bay several times a year. On a site that talks about the value of money and tries to maximize the value of a dollar Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils deliver unsurpassed value.
Questions or comments are welcomed email me at amsoildealer@mac.com or visit my website Synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190.
December 5th, 2007 at 6:37 am
I am fortunate to have experienced a fair amount of driving both in Europe and the US. My perception is that the pace and top speeds are much higher in Europe. Jams and hold-ups are of Calafornian proportions in most of our cities too.
Since the 90’s oil change intervals have been steadily extending. My last car was serviced in exact accordance with the makers instructions: 18K miles (no breaking-in change either).
It was mentioned that cars are expensive but I can assure you they are much more costly in Europe. Equally I can assure you that big ends, camshafts and piston rings are not being spat-out over the highway either. Cars are lasting longer than ever. You wouldn’t question a motor under 100,000 miles these days.
My conclusion is that it is a scam. My lastest car, a Prius, was picked up yesterday brand new. First oil change: 10K or 1 year. If the US recommendations are any different question it. The motor is exactly the same.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Well, I have to revive this thread a little bit…with risk of being called all sorts of names, or whatever.
I work at a place that rhymes with “Foil Fan Fenry’s”, and I’m no teenager. I’m 39 and have lots of mechanical experience. I have to agree with “do it as needed” and that 3000 miles is excessive, to some extent. However, there are a lot of manufacturers that require the 3000 mile changes for warranty issues. So, with that said, it’s become the general rule of thumb. Also, there are some who say that people shouldn’t be driving unless they can change their own oil. What about the lady next door? Should she lose her license because she can’t work a wrench? Personally, I run synthetic oil and go 5000-8000 miles on that depending on the driving conditions (or how rich I am at the moment).
Also, to take advantage of customers is silly in our company as there are cameras rolling all day long, (plus I’m an honest person), and if requested by the customer, we will even EMAIL you the video of us working on your car as proof of what we do, or have done. Also, the fees are a little higher because we actually check all fliuds and make honest recommendations according to EVERY vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, which are also printed on every single Maintenance review we print up for every car we work on. Basically how we operate is to inform the customer. They make their own descisions based on that.
PS: It’s not my company, but i trust the company I work for.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Well the problem with the lube shops is they use crap filters and average to poor oil.
With a lube shop filter I wouldnt go over 5000 miles.
Whereas with a quality filter and a good oil like a synthetic blend I would go 10,000 miles without a second thought.
So the British guy is correct, with OEM oil filter and OEM oil 12,000 miles is possible. Though at the far end of when you want to change your oil.
You’re better off finding a mechanic who will change your oil/filter with what you provide him for a reasonable price. Or doing the job yourself.
I would never use lube shop filters they’re junk.
June 13th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Actually, it depends. Most older Diesel actually -require- frequent oil changes, as this affects MPG considerably.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Some Bottom Lines:
–The 3,000 mile oil change is not necessary and allows the quick lubes to make one additional oil change per car, per year. Big money.
–If you’re going to spend the extra money on “synthetic blends” (which is watered down synthetic), spend the extra dollar on pure synthetic. Synthetics have no parafin or wax and have uniform size molecules. Blends are just that, blended with oil that comes out of the ground and causes sludge and varnish on your engine parts. Don’t waste your money on “blends”.
– Today’s vehicles have tighter engine tolerances and less room under the hood to get cool air across the engine, plus improved aerodynamics look great but don’t help cool the engine. So using a top quality synthetic that runs cooler, keeps your engine running cooler.
– Synthetics do last longer. They’re designed that way in the lab. Since all the molecules are the same size and also are not affected as much by high heat, you don’t have the oil “burn off” (volatization)where the smaller molecules burn off from high heat, taking with it the additives that protect your engine and leaving behind the large molecules which thickens your oil and leaves deposits on your metal surfaces. Synthetics are designed for extended drain intervals. Only one, Amsoil, since “day one” 35 years ago, guarantees 25,000 miles or one year between oil changes. It’s designed that way, it works, its guaranteed in writing.
– Filters. You get what you pay for. Period.
Air filters are the vanguard of your entire system. Keep the dirt out of your engine and your oil filter won’t have to work so hard. Oil filters, same thing, you get what you pay for. The inexpensive (cheap) filters off the shelf from the -Marts” are junk. There are quality oil filters out there and expect to pay a little more, it’s worth it. Again, Amsoil makes the air filter good for 4 years or 100K miles, oil filter good for 1 year / 25K miles. the ONLY filters in the world with nanofiber technology, derived from the M1 Abrams Tank. No better filtration anywhere. Period. and guaranteed.
– the facts are out there and I’m pleased to see so many posts from so many people educating themselves on “lubrication”, people are not dumb and a little common sense goes a long way, and I’m seeing that in these strings. Bravo to those of you who “care” about their vehicles.
Do the research. Synthetic is the only way to go. And if you use synthetic, use the best.
Feel free to visit my website, http://www.syntheticsolution.com and educate yourself. It will be an hour well spent.
June 13th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
3000 mile oil changes are a scam used by the oil manufacturers to boost their sales. I use and sell Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils which are designed to go 25,000 miles or 12 months on one change. They are more expensive initially about $7.50 per quart but when you factor in the cost of 3000 mile drain intervals they are actually less expensive in the long run. Not only will Amsoil Synthetic Oils save you money in that way they also will provide superior lubrication and reduced wear extending the life of your vehicle. Amsoil also has oil and air filters that exceed any others in efficiency and longevity. Amsoil Ea Air Filters are designed to last 100,000 miles and only require a cleaning at 25,000 miles using a shop vacuum or a low air pressure cleaning using 10 PSI air. I am happy to discuss this with anyone who wants more info, drop me a line at amsoildealer@mac.com or visit my website http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190 .
The real key to extending oil life is using the best air and oil filters, proper filtration of the air and oil prevent contamination of the oil and reduce engine wear as well as improving the reliability of any engine.Amsoil EaO Oil Filters and EaA Air Filters offer unsurpassed protection and by virtue of their design last significantly longer than cheap filters which will result in an overall savings when compared to the cheap ones.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:49 am
I change my oil every 2,000 miles without question. After over 400,000 on my Honda Civic I think it’s worth it! By the way, I buy the cheapest stuff possible and always on sale as long as it’s API approved. About once a year Wal-Mart clears their shelves of whatever the “house brand” is at $.99/quart and I purchase enough to last me the entire year. My commute is about 150 miles/per day and mostly highway and a few surface streets. After every change, the oil is just starting to turn brown. Probably could leave it in longer, but as I said… I pay just $.99/quart and plan to keep my car another 400,000+ miles if it will go.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
John, I like the way you take care of your Honda Civic. Firstly, it’s a great car with a great drivetrain so that’s a plus. Changing your oil every 2K miles will indeed keep your car running good almost indefinitely. Changing that frequently will minimize the sludge and varnish problem inherent in lower priced oils and you’re changing it before it has a chance to deteriorate. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you’re doing, other than the inconvenience at the frequency of changes. Switching to Amsoil will afford you the same longevity, but changing your oil once a year or 25K miles is way more convenient. I wish more people took the care that you do for your vehicle. You might want to pay attention to your transmission too. Happy Motoring.
http://www.SyntheticSolution.com
August 30th, 2008 at 2:44 am
I agree with the above poster John in that it’s better to change frequently with cheap oil, air filter and oil filters than stick to pricey stuff. I change all three on my Toyota every 3 months and it’s at 210000miles.
However long oil is designed to last, it’s only part of the story - how clean is the air, the fuel, the pistons, or the filter in your car? IMO it’s better to change lower quality products more frequently than buy to last.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Sorry JonP but you are way off the mark here.
Low quality oil and low quality oil filters add up to excessive wear and reduce the life of an engine. The best results are seen by using top quality oils and filters such as Amsoil provides.
In the world of Get Rich Slowly you suggest it makes sense to waste money and resources by changing cheap oils and filters at 3000 mile intervals. In 25,000 miles following JonP’s advice. the average car uses 40 quarts of cheap oil and 8 oil filters; even at $3.00 a quart for inferior oil, that’s $120 annually plus another $40.00 for 8 filters adds up to a total of $160.00 annually to poorly protect the engine and it’s reliability.
On the other hand 5 quarts of Amsoil Synthetic Motor OIl at $8.00 plus 1 oil filter at $15.00 for a total of $55.00 will provide less wear on the engine, better fuel economy and greater engine life as well as being designed to go 25,000 miles on the Amsoil Oil and Filter combination.
As an Automotive Quality Engineer I can say with certainty that what JonP offers is a recipe for wasting both oil, time and money while delivering poor engine protection.
Not exactly what Get Rich Slowly seems to be about which is getting the most for each dollar. Nick Roberts, Lubrication and Filtration Specialist, http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190
August 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
JonP, I admire the fact that you take care of your vehicle, but Mr. Roberts is correct. While you change your oil frequently, and it’s hard to argue with your impressive mileage, it does come out to be more expensive your way when Amsoil can actually protect your engine better and cheaper. If your engine fails at 300K miles, who’s to say that is a bad thing, except for the fact, had you been using Amsoil Synthetic lubricants, you could then boast like so many other documented cases, of going a half million miles to over a million miles. Petroleum oil served its purpose in the 50’s and 60’s, but like the 8 track player and bias tires, it has been replaced by a superior product. Synthetic oil is superior and Amsoil has been proven to be the “best” synthetic on the market today, undisputed by any other oil company. I do admire your car care.
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:20 am
I’m a big believer in changing my oil regularly. In my youth I didn’t maintain my cars regularly, then I burned up an engine… The expensive lessons are the ones that teach you best. I change every six months or 6,000 with synthetic oil. I always go to my local Firestone retailer for my service and have been doing so for the past ten years. Yeah, I could do it myself and save a few bucks, but they dispose of the used oil properly, check all my other fluids, rotate my tires for free and since I purchase a lifetime alignment (5 years ago) they align my front end, too.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
[...] to Extend the Life of Your CarIs the 3,000-Mile Oil Change a Scam?Extreme Personal Finance: The Most Fuel-Efficient Driver in the WorldQuick and Easy Self-Watering [...]
September 7th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Let’s say it’s a scam.
$15-20 every 3 months is a small price to pay for the alternative.
Americans probably spend $15-20 in 3 days on gasoline, so changing your oil, even if its useless, is not that harmful. But anybody who’s seen your oil drain out sees how nasty it looks, to say the least.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I ran an experiment. My wife *always* goes to dealeship for service (read that as expensive) and *always* gets the oil changed at 3,000 miles. I thought it was a scam back then … now I *know* it’s a sham.
When I bought my van (Plymouth Voyager), new, waaaayyyy back in 1996, the book said every 7,500 miles. I doubled that. Only replaced the oil (and filter) every 15,000 miles. Yes, that’s right. Fifteen Thousand miles.
I sold (actually traded for some concrete work on the dam and spillway of our pond (barter, it’s great!) — anyway, got rid of the van a few years back with 185,000 miles on it. No problems with the engine (tranny went out, but that’s a different issue).
The guy I traded it to has driven it for another 3 years and it’s currently at 220,000 (ish) miles and has never had a problem with the engine.
Fifteen thousand miles, folks.
3,000 is a sham and a waste of both your time and your money.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:07 am
wow.. The comments section turned into an amsoil advert. Maybe they’re trying to use GRS to Get Rich Fast…
September 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Amsoil is not a get rich quick operation, merely making an avenue to the public for awareness, education, and saving money.
Do your own research, it’s free and quite
exciting and liberating. People are doing
research and are finding out on their own that
the 3,000 mile drain is, in fact, a myth.
The American people are not stupid, just
uninformed in some areas, but in time, we
all learn and catch on and do the right thing.
I was uninformed. Not anymore. And am thankful
to the persons who “informed” me.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Interesting comments. I wish to add that I drive a company car,just now a Vauxhall(General Motors) Astra 1.7 diesel up here in Scotland. First service is at 20,000 miles and is a oil and filter change, next service is a full service at 40,000 miles and then interim srvice again at 60,000 miles (oil and filter)and so it continues. I drive approx. 40,000 miles/year and have not had any engine problems that would be associated with poor lubrication and this goes back over the last3-4 Vauxhalls.
My wife has a Ford Focus and its service intervals are approx. 13.000 miles or 1 year.Service intervals have increased over the years, especially for diesels, due to the use of semi and now fully synthetic oils.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Nick Roberts is like a broken record. No one seems to realize that you seem to be advertising for some company. You must work for that company or really love it.
Some of the things you are saying is correct but you seem to be more interested in selling a product than saying the truth.
Anyone who says that the 3000 interval is scam is a retard.
First off, this 3000 interval has been around for years now. You see, older cars that run on conventional oil and don’t run as efficient as today’s cars needed an oil change every 3000 miles. Many people still drive those cars, so the 3000 still applies if they are using oem recommended oil.
They still advertise the 3000 mile interval to cover the wide range of service intervals for cars on the road. If they decided, “Well newer cars are much more efficient and only need to have their oil changed at 10,000 miles, so lets just advertise that.” Then the people who drive older vehicles like myself, would rag the shit out of their cars and blame the shops.
Yes they make money off of it as well when applied on newer vehicles. Some of the more honest techs however, will let the customers know if they have an extended service interval, especially dealers. Jiffy lube will not, on a count that they are untrained retards.
The best thing to do if you are a responsible owner is service your vehicle according to the manufacture’s specification. The chart can be found in the back of the owners manual.
Just because you are cheap and don’t want to spend money on oil changes, don’t go telling others not to. Their vehicles may be older and require more service than yours.
I am currently studying for my Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in the feild of Automotive Technology. Every one of my professors have taught us how important it is to maintain your vehicle. They also tell us that new oil technology and newer vehicles don’t require as much maintanance as before.
IN CONCLUSION, REFER TO YOUR MANUFACTURERS SERVICE CHART.
SERVICE INTERVALS ARE STATED AT 3000 MILES TO ACCOMADATE A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES AND DRIVING CONDITIONS.
SAYING IT IS A SCAM IS JUST AS STUPID AS SAYING GETTING ANNUAL DOCTOR CHECKUPS IS A SCAM. SURE, YOU CAN GO WITHOUT SERVICING YOUR CAR JUST AS NOT GOING TO THE DOCTOR. BUT YOU WILL FEEL LIKE A FOOL WHEN YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN OR WHEN YOU FIND OUT YOU HAVE CANCER.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Just to add my two cents worth…I worked for a GM dealer for years. (Yeah, I know, I heard all the dealership bashing.) Over the years, I had several mechanics harp on the importance of 3000 mile oil changes. It is what they all did on their own personal vehicles.
One case in particular that stands out in my mind is a woman who bought a brand new Cavalier. At 42,000 miles she brought it in as the engine was blown. She was requesting a new engine under warranty. When the factory rep inspected the car, it still had the original oil filter on it. Her request was denied. IF she had changed the oil, her engine would have been fine. If the car had truly been a lemon and the engine had blown anyway, GM would have paid for a new engine ONLY if she had followed the maintenance schedule.
It has been said elsewhere but I will repeat it, if there is any possibility that you may be eligible for any warranty work, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keep your receipts. If you want to push the envelope with oil changes to save some money, wait until after the car is old enough that there is no way you’ll ever need warranty work done. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, you void the warranty.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
A question one should ask is: If the oil will only last 3000 miles what is wrong with it? The answer is it is cheap oil! There are many companies now that produce a oil that will go 7500 miles or more, and if you can use a calculator, a high quality synthetic cost LESS than a cheap 3000 mile oil. Not to mention more MPG, less waste oil and cooler running engine. I have heard many old school mechanics say synthetic oil is no good, etc. But the truth is…a high quality synthetic oil will outlast and outperform ANY dino oil on the market. Just as bias ply tires and 8 track tapes have been replaced, so to dino oil is on the way out.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Lets “DO” the math on oil changes. If you are a DIY’er. to get to 15K miles on dino oil is 5 oil changes. If your car has 5 quarts and 1 filter. 5 x 5 = 25 quarts and 5 filters. Oil 25 x $3.00= $75.00 plus 5 oil filters 5 x $4.25= $21.25 adds up to $96.25. 10 quarts of synthetic oil @ $6.25 = $62.50 and 2 oil filters, $8.50 adds up to $71.00. The cheap dino users just overspent by $25.25. Plus think of all the waste oil and time the cheap dino oil user is wasting! For kicks run these numbers out to 250,000 miles! Plus a high quality synthetic oil maker will stand behind any engine failure do to using their oil. Keep you records!
April 16th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Ask any trucking company that does their own oil changes in house what method they use. The answer most will give is they base their oil changes on oil testing. A big rig holds anywhere from 35 to 60 quarts of oil, so needless to say a oil change on a fleet is BIG money. Trucking companies will pull a 4 to 6oz sample and send it to a lab which performs oil testing and advise how much life is left on that sample. You cannot tell by looking at the oil on the dipstick or by the color or smell…only by testing in a lab. So if anyone says they looked at the oil and it needs changing, you need to change mechanics. This is just information to clear up myths and hearsay about oil.
April 16th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Years ago I looked into buy a oil change franchise, and I will let the cat out of the bag on oil changing! Before oil went sky high, the cost of regular dino oil was about .35 cents a quart{in bulk} and the oil filter was 1.00. So a 5 quart oil change cost $2.75!! Your cost? $29.95 or more! Plus the AOS, which is add on sale. The deal is to get a $50.00 ticket average. Oh and the guy changing oil? Minimum wage. If I could get you to come back every 3K miles…so sweet for me. Not you! I know this will make some in the industry mad as hell, but so be it. But the synthetic oil companies tell you, use LESS of their product not more. Just food for thought.
April 16th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I said it before and I’ll say it again. “Change your thinking not your oil.” Use Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil and an Amsoil EaO oil filter and you’ll only need to change your oil once a year or at 25,000 miles whichever come first.
For example Amsoil 10W30 Synthetic Motor Oil sells for $8.70 a quart and the average Amsoil EaO oil filter is around 16.95 making total annual cost $60.75. Simple math shows that saves a lot of money in the long run. Amsoil’s 36 year history of making synthetic oil has been proven to last the stated 25,000 miles.
Using 3000 mile intervals as the interval for changing oil, at $50 per oil change, adds up $400 over the same 25,000 miles that one Amsoil oil change will cost $60.75 Simple math and common sense says that adds up to an annual savings of $340.25.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Bottom line is that the 3,000 mile oil change isn’t a scam and applies to conventional oil usage in older vehicles. Some oils last longer and some vehicles have longer service intervals per manufacturer specification. The article above is written by an uneducated person wanting to save a few bucks. Take what they have written with a grain of salt. 3000 miles is the normal interval for all cars, unless stated otherwise in the owners manual.
If you are buying into this Amsoil product that Nick Roberts seems to have a passion for, I warn that periodic checks on oil level are required. You wouldn’t guess how many people go without checking their oil dipstick, leaving it to get checked during their 3000 mile oil changes. Now lets say that this person now changes to Amsoil product which lasts a year. That person then doesn’t check their oil for an entire year. What if they have an oil leak? Even the smallest oil leak will leave your car dry on oil by the end of the year, perhaps causing serious engine repairs because of engine seizure.
So whatever you decide to use as your oil, one thing should stay constant.
CHECK YOUR FLUIDS PERIODICALLY. IT IS GOOD PRACTICE TO DO A QUICK CHECK UNDER THE HOOD WHENEVER YOU FILL UP ON GAS. A TWO-MINUTE QUICK CHECK CAN SAVE YOU TROUBLES DOWN THE ROAD.
May 7th, 2009 at 5:16 am
In reference to Auto Tech’s latest post I would like to clear up a couple of items.
Before I get into that though I want to say that Auto Tech makes one very astute statement which is to …. Check Your Oil!…. It is vital part of owning and driving a vehicle to be aware of the periodic maintenance required to keep it running and failure to check the oil can be catastrophic.
His statement that my posts are uneducated is unwarranted and incorrect. As for the statement of wanting to save a few bucks he is correct… but that seems to be the main focus of Get Rich Slowly; save money by paying attention to the many small ways we nickel and dime ourselves out of money so I don’t understand why he thinks what I’m saying is wrong. One average vehicle’s Amsoil oil change annually is approximately $65 v/s eight oil changes in 24,000 miles which would cost around $50 each at most quick lubes and adds up to $400. The annual cost saving in dollars alone is $335 not counting the time saved.
As for my education I’m a Quality Control Professional in the automobile industry. In addition to my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Louisville I am also a graduate of Villanova University where I earned a Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. I am also very well read in the technology and parameters of lubrication and filtration as they apply to motor vehicles.
I am also an avid auto enthusiast, who has been servicing my own vehicles for over 40 years, as well as an avid motorcyclist. I sponsor several race teams that use Amsoil Racing Products in such varied venues as Go Kart Racing, Legends Cars, Drag Racing and Motorcycle Land Speed Racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
There are very few cars on the road today that have the 3000 mile interval in their owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is the best source available to any car owner when it comes to what the manufacturer recommends. If you doubt this statement then go get your owner’s manual and check for yourself. The manufacturer’s recommendation is based on an average quality oil and filtration which doesn’t take into account the advantages of premium synthetic oils and their counterparts, synthetic media filters.
The 3000 mile oil change was needed in the earlier days of motoring due to the quality of petroleum oil additive packages and the design of air filtration which used an oil bath to trap dirt before it entered the engine. An oil bath air cleaner is very inefficient and was replaced around 40 years ago with the paper air filter that is still in use today; though that too is changing in favor of synthetic filter media which was pioneered by Donaldson Filtration, the world leader in filtration, during the Gulf War in the 1990’s.
The air filter is the most critical filter on any engine because the greatest amount of dirt in an engine’s oil system enters with the air needed to support combustion. The oil filter itself is the second most important filter because it must have the capacity to trap and hold the dirt that gets past the air filter as well as the wear metals and combustion byproducts that an engine produces and hold them for the entire drain interval.
As I have stated several times in this discussion I am an Amsoil Dealer and do not hide that fact. I use and sell Amsoil Lubricants and Filters because they are documented to perform as advertised which is an oil life of 25,000 miles in normal service. Amsoil oils are designed with the industry’s best and most robust additive package on the market today and are a premium product. They are not the cheapest oils nor are they intended to be wasted in engines that leak oil or are in such poor mechanical condition that they already use excessive oil.
Even our nearest competitor Mobil 1 has adopted an extended drain interval of 15,000 miles while GM, Ford and many other manufacturers have extended their own recommendations well beyond the quick lube, old school thinking of 3000 miles. In Europe the intervals are even greater often as high as 15,000 and beyond before oil change is needed.
If you want to use cheap oils and filters such as those typically offered by quick lube shops, Walmart and other so called bargains then by all means continue to change your oil at 3000 miles. It’s your money and you can waste it as well as the time required to follow the 3000 mile advice or you can step up to a premium quality synthetic oil and superior filtration and actually save money and time; the choice is yours.
I’m sure someone will answer this post with anecdotal evidence that he or she has gone “X” number of miles changing their oil at 3000 miles without any mechanical failures which they will say proves the validity of 3000 mile intervals. It does not prove anything in that it doesn’t back up the claim with statistical data showing how much wear and how much friction their choice has actually produced. Amsoil on the other hand has been proven through rigorous testing, using industry testing and industry benchmarks, to not only last 25,000 miles but to reduce wear and improve fuel economy by reducing the amount of friction in an engine.
Please, before you attack me or my reasoning about Amsoil, google Amsoil and try to find even one instance where what I’ve stated about Amsoil Products has been refuted. Amsoil is an American company that has been in the synthetic motor oil business longer than any other manufacturer anywhere. Amsoil has been selling synthetic motor oil since 1972 and is the only oil manufacturer that offers 25,000 mile oil life and backs it up with a guarantee that they will pay for any repair that is shown to be a result of Amsoil Lubricant Failure.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you want more info feel free to email me at amsoildealer@mac.com. I welcome your questions and will give honest answers backed up with lab data and proven performance.
Nick Roberts, LSSBB
July 28th, 2009 at 9:23 am
3000-5000 miles is a scam. Amsoil…nuff said. I’ve used it for years in my cars and recently had to change a valve cover gasket. Inside, the rockers look like new, no sludge or build up of any kind. Use a quality air filter too, this keeps added trash out of your oil as well.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Full disclosure: I sell oil. And I wont try to sell you anything here.
Nobody knows what’s good or bad for a vehicle better than a good fleet manager. If a fleet manager were to say that he’s going to save money by not changing oil, his ass would be canned. We can test oils that have been ran to give them an idea of how close they are to breaking down. What I can say is not all oils are created equal. Our oils cost a little more, but they can double their miles on ours vs our competitor’s. That saves in oil and in maintenance.
If you’re using a good oil, there’s no reason to change your oil every 3k.
And to the guys who are driving new cars and not changing oil. I’m flabbergasted. Assuming your oil doesn’t completely break down and you’re out an engine right away, eventually the small metal fragments that develop with engine wear are going to ruin your engine.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:19 am
I don’t claim to be a mechanic or be an expert in this field but from my experience it’s been much cheaper to change to oil regularly than deal with the repair potential. I change my plugs every year, I take my cars for a tune up/check up every year, I check and top up my fluids every week and change my oil every 3000/4000 miles dependent of my driving. The only problems we have had is a starter needing replaced and other small items.
My in-laws, who also follow the same car care routine, sold their late 80’s GMC Suburban to their daughter with 220,000 miles, she then drove it for a further 60,000 miles. Thing was still running! She sold it on again and last we heard was still on the road.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:34 am
The world has moved on from this. No one, possibly with the exception of the US, is changing oil at 3,000 miles.
Most of the world’s top manufacturers are specifying 18,000 miles or more. I can assure you, we see average family cars run as taxis with 200 or 300K miles on the clock no problem. And we drive a fair bit quicker too!
August 20th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Changing your oil every 3000 miles at a reputable quick lube is a wise thing to do.
regardless of what the owner manual says. You get your tires checked and inflated, washer fluid filled, ball joints greased if applicable, wipers replaced if needed, coolant filled, gear boxes checked, unexpected leaks spotted. For a few dollars of around 20 or 30 bucks this is fair service and a fair price without the oil being changed. Having them replace your air filter can increase fuel mileage as much as 10 percent. The constant bombardment of quick lubes is unwarranted. Imagine what happens to your burger at burger king. That is something to bitch about.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
one thing I could not find in all the postings here is condensation. if you live in a always warm climate this is nothing to worry about. a hot engine cooling off in freezing weather will develop condensation in the crankcase walls. this next to internal anti-freeze leaks and no oil changes is the leading cause of crankshaft and camshaft bearing failure. gritty oil leads to oil burning due to scored cylinder walls and shaft or rod seals.no type of oil or filter will protect you from moisture. the moisture problem is why manufacturers give you the months intervals to change oil. a vehicle which sits alot,such as the little old lady down the street’s 85 delta royale needs to be change every 3 mos. a crankcase can condensate just sitting there. An average vehicle which is driven, change every 5-6500 miles or 4 mos. I use conventional motor oil and when If start to get suspicious of my oil towards change time I add marvel mystery oil, half a quart in the crankcase, the inside of my valve covers look like new, and the other half in the gas tank .I notice better compression immediately and will drive about 5-800 more miles before oil change. my 4.3l v-6 87 chevy astro cargo van work truck with 290000 miles runs great and uses 2 quarts of oil every 6500 miles,Puffs at startup. it only started using oil after 240000 miles when I started pulling a 6000 pound loaded cargo trailer almost daily for 2 years. I dont use synthetic oil because I used it in a brand new car once and it started leaking at a seal, took it to the dealer and the mechanic told me that syn oil find a way to leak far before conventional oil because it is so slippery,switched to conventional oil and the leaked stopped,traded the car at 80000 miles and the leak never returned.