The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth »
Posted By engineer 3 months, 3 weeks ago in StyleAccording to a recent study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than required. This same scenario no doubt repeats itself across the country. Besides wasting money, this translates into unnecessary consumption of $100-a-barrel oil, much of it imported.
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engineer
Hi My background is Biomedical engineering with an MBA As you know from all my comments where I almost stand politically. I have loads of ...
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gbilly08Comment removed: User banned.
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chevydog3 months, 3 weeks ago
If you look in the owner's manuals, most manufacturers only recommend the 3,000-mile change for dirty locales or heavy duty driving such as pulling trailers. Few of us do that. My own 1998 Toyota recommends 5,000 miles for normal driving.
There is a chain of oil change centers locally that still prominently features the 3,000-mile figure. When I asked about it, I was told that that was the recommendation of the companies that made the oil additives. Having worked in that industry for over 20 years, I know that not to be the case. But the numbers are still there.
The best one can say is that the 3,000-mile interval is better safe than sorry. But it is expensive.
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bigurn3 months, 3 weeks ago
I wish I could vote for this story over and over. Most people change their oil far, far too often.
All current oil has some synthetic content, and is acceptable for at least 5,000 miles.
I have two vehicles where I use fully synthetic oil. I change the oil every 15,000 miles, only checking it monthly for usage. It works well, and I have had no problems. It saves a lot of money compared to changing every 3,000 miles.
Cred: I'm a fully degreed Mechanical Engineer and a stark raving "car guy". The above is debated, and data exists to substantiate my position, and alternatives. What I do works for me, but you need to check with your car mfr'r.
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Rigel3 months, 2 weeks ago
Yay! Here I've thought I was slacking by going over 3000 before I got my oil changed but I was really just being a responsible car owner! Haha
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