Auto Repair Costs - Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

For decades mechanics have been telling us tonot every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true
change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, noof many vehicles. However, this is virtually
automotive manufacturer agrees with thisobsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500,
maintenance schedule - not in the last 20 years10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.
any way. So why are we being told to changeSo just what is motivating the auto industry to
our oil every 3,000 miles if it's unnecessary?push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real
First, let's look at the auto industry's argument. Itlife. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and
makes 5 primary points.like most, you average 15,000 miles per year,
1) Oil breaks down after 3000 milesthen you'll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12
2) Oil changes are great preventativemonths. Do you really need to perform
maintenancemaintenance on your car 5 times per year?
3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the carSeems excessive doesn't it?
repair customer to rememberThe average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5
4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as= $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000
best by mechanicsmiles, you'd only need 3 oil changes per year =
5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving$90. That's a $60 savings.
patterns, and weather conditions.For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a
It's important to note that those telling us tovery competitive market. They're also not very
change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotiveprofitable for repair shops (see the article "Why
industry) are the same folks who will profit most.an Oil Change is Never Just an Oil Change @
This is not to say that oil changes aren'tRepairTrust.com). However, the more times your
important - they are. They're just not asvehicle is in the shop, the more chances saidshop
frequently needed as we're made to believe.has the opportunity to sell you something else -
Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oilan alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks,
changefuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc -
1) Quality motor oil recommended by yourthese are money-makers. This is not to say that
vehicle's manufacturer does not break down afterthese services aren't needed, but they should be
3,000 milesperformed according to manufacturer guidelines
2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventativeonly.
maintenance, but it needs to be done inA detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule
accordance with manufacturer service intervals(this is separate from your manual) is the best
3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile intervaland most accurate guide. You may stumble
actually creates more confusion as to the realacross one in all the unnecessary paperwork you
maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it isfind in your glove box, but ask your repair shop
easier to follow factory guidelines, moreor dealer for a detailed print out of your entire
economical, and more appropriate.maintenance schedule. If the service center can't
4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best forproduce one quickly - you're in the wrong place
your car is old school, wasteful, and fails tofor your car's needs.
appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologiesFinally, have a little fun: the next time your local
5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed policemechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000
change in the dead of winter - your oil will be justmiles, ask him what the manufacturer
finerecommends. It's fun to watch him stumble
How often do you really need to change your oil?through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the
While it depends on the year, make, and model ofwrong answer.
your vehicle, it's clear that for today's vehicles it's