Engine technology and oil chemistry have evolved dramatically in recent years, but you’d never know this by the ‘frequent oil change’ mentality of American vehicle owners. Driven by an obsolete 3,000 mile commandment, they are needlessly spending millions of dollars, and in the process, spilling an ocean of defiled waste oil.
Today, most vehicle manufacturers call for an oil change at 7,500 or 10,000 miles. In some cars, the interval can go as high as 15,000 miles. Yet, this wasteful habit continues largely because many operators in the auto service industry, while aware of technological advances, continue to keep their service bays busy by preaching the 3,000-mile gospel. As a result, even vigilant owners are dumping their oil twice as often as their owner’s manuals recommend.
One thing is clear among automakers, honest mechanics and oil experts: The 3,000 mile oil change myth should finally be laid to rest. If you fail to heed the service interval in your owner’s manual, you will squander money and also compound the environmental impact of illegal waste oil dumping.
Busy people seldom read their car owner’s manuals, so you likely have no idea of the oil change interval for your car. As such, you probably blindly follow the windshield reminder sticker – whether it’s accurate or not. But it’s never too late to break the habit!
Visit us at Kevin’s Car Repair if you want an honest assessment of how often your car needs an oil change.
