For decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule - not in the last 20 years any arrangement. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it's unnecessary?
First, let's glance at the auto industry's argument. It makes 5 indispensable points.
1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles
2) Oil changes are huge 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 distinguished due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.
It's indispensable to notice that those telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotive industry) are the same folks who will profit most. This is not to say that oil changes aren't notable - they are. They're honest not as frequently needed as we're made to possess.
Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change
1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer does not shatter down after 3,000 miles
2) Yes, changing your oil is gargantuan preventative maintenance, but it needs to be done in accordance with manufacturer service intervals
3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the true maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.
4) The weak belief that 3,000 miles is best for your car is used school, wasteful, and fails to luxuriate in today's mechanical and oil technologies
5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police change in the plain of winter - your oil will be honest fine
How often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, form, and model of your vehicle, it's definite that for today's vehicles it's not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was good of many vehicles. However, this is virtually customary as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.
So fair what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's notice at it in steady 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 acquire maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn't it?
The average oil change imprint 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.
For the most share oil changes are cheap, as it's a very competitive market. They're also not very kindly for repair shops (witness the article Why an Oil Change is Never unbiased an Oil Change @ RepairTrust.com or EzineArticles.com) . However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances said shop has the opportunity 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.
A detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most fair guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you regain 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 do one speedy - you're in the immoral site for your car's needs.
Finally, have a miniature 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 eye him stumble through the acknowledge or remark you, straight-faced, the cross reply.
Labels: Change , Costs , Every , Miles , Repair , Should
