5 Facts About Changing Your Oil
Author: Denise Palmer
When was the last time the manufacturer of your car went
out of their way to tell you to change your oil every 3,000
miles?
Isn't it funny that in fact, automotive manufacturers have
not agreed with this "opinion" for more than 20 years.
So WHO created the "change your oil every 3,000 miles" rule
anyway? And why, have we as consenting adults, with brains
and knowledge of our own, bought into it for so many years?
Let's take a look at the "reasons" we've all heard, time
and time again about why we SHOULD change our oil every
3,000 miles.
We're told:
1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles
2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance
3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair
customer to remember
4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best
by mechanics
5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving patterns,
and weather conditions.
But when we really look at the people, or entities that are
URGING us to change our oil every 3,000 miles, we realize,
they are the same people and companies that profit the most
from us following their lead.
This is not to say that oil changes aren't important - they
are. They're just not as frequently needed as we're made to
believe.
Here are 5 FACTS about the 3,000 mile oil change myth.
1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle's
manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles
2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative
maintenance, but it should be done in accordance with the
manufacturer service intervals
3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually
creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of
your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory
guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.
4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your
car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate
today's mechanical and oil technologies
5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police change in
the dead of winter - your oil will be just fine
So with all of that said, it begs the question; how often
do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on
the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it's clear that
for today's vehicles it's not every 3,000 miles. 20 years
ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is
virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500,
10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.
So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000
mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real life. If you
change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you
average 15,000 miles per year, then you'll be in the repair
shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to
perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems
excessive doesn't it?
The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 =
$150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you'd
only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That's a $60
savings. And not to mention all the "extra's" you are
pressured to buy into while getting your oil changed. See
below for more on these.
For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a very
competitive market. They're also not very profitable for
repair shops. However, the more times your vehicle is in
the shop, the more chances that shop has to sell you
something else - an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes,
shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc
- these are money-makers. This is not to say that these
services aren't needed, but they should be performed
according to manufacturer guidelines only and performed by
only a certified repair company.
A detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule (this is
separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate
guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary
paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair
shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire
maintenance schedule. If the service center can't produce
one quickly - you're in the wrong place for your car's
needs.
Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local
mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles,
ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It's fun to watch
him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced,
the wrong answer.
About the Author:
GMAX Truck Parts is your online superstore for truck
accessories and parts. They offer great prices and free
shipping on custom parts, as well as an extensive inventory
of performance upgrades. Visit and save today at
http://www.gmaxtruckparts.com
