BritGuyTN

you are talking absolute shite

I have a porche 911 and the manufacturer recommends every 12,000 miles

if longer than 5000 miles would damage it then i am sure firms like bmw would not recommend 15,000 miles on their cars

if these highly tuned engine can deal with that kind of interval then i'm sure the average piece of domestic crap can too

admittegly the oil used is synthetic rather than canola oil....

psb182

absolute shite eh!.....and who are you Henry Ford

iaink

A lot depends on individual circumstances, climate and driving conditions. Manufacturers are going to err on the side of caution anyway, and at $30 a change most consumers dont care. Synthic vs Regular also makes a huge difference to lifetime, and car manufacturers being the type to try and save fractions of a cent off a component, are not going to waste any extra on the oil they fill it up with in the factory, especially if the average consumer isnt going to pay double or more to fill up with synthetic either for the longer service interval.

I guess in Europe where changes are a lot more expensive manufacturers realise that if they say every 3k miles, many wont do it anyway, I wonder what the service manual for a European Dodge Neon says to change it at???

Its interesting to me that some newer vehicles now monitor engine oil performance and tell you when it really need changing...if you follow that your warranty will be OK too. A friend has a big V8 Chev Silverado SS, converted to propane...he does 10k miles a month or more easy. Service manual says to change every 3k, or when the system tells you too, but burning propane the management system regularly allows him to go 12k+ miles between changes!. This is in Canada, so the environment is pretty harsh, but he does a lot of highway cruising. Food for thought though.

Bob

Everywhere say's 3000 miles, but I change the oil at 5000 miles, car hasn't had a problem with it in a couple years, and theres' over 125K on the clock.
$17.50 for an oil change...I normally only did it once every six months in the UK, but didn't drive it as much I guess.

Petrol doesn't go nearly as far over here either, but then it is cheaper, so it all equals in the end I guess...

scrubbedexpat099

I have been keeping track of my consumption and it is pretty much what I would expect taking into account different conditions and altitude. I know they have different ways of measuring octane but I have not been bothered to work out the convertion. 91 seems to equal 95.

antjen

I personaly just thinks its a big con from the US motor industry to get you pay out more money - scaring you into doing it by telling you you wil invalidate your warrenty/your engine will cease!

Ant

Bob

aye, but the standard isn't anywhere near 95....and the saab is struggling to get 24 mpg when I drive it at sensible speeds etc, kacked out mazda i had in blighty did 33 quite easily...I know not a good comparison, but even so, same saab in blighty gets better milage...

AdobePinon

I just follow the manual - every 10k with standard oil. As for tyre rotations - I'll do it when it's free, but I can't really see any cost benefit if I have to pay for it.

cindyabs

Here in the south they do suggest adhering to the 3000 miles rule on changes, and rotating tires every other oil change. Since I have put almost 29000 miles on my 2004 Toyota Corolla in 11 months, I want to make sure that I fall within the warranty guidelines. Gotta make sure the car lasts as long as the payments do, !!

TRPardoe

Do what it says in your owner's manual unless you have a very old car.

For most Fords it is after 3,000 for the first oil change and every 5,000 miles thereafter unless you are in a high wear location.

How much more money do you think Jiffy Lube make if every one of their customers comes back 2,000 miles early for an oil change ? Work it out.

TRPardoe

It is, to me, an old fashioned idea which has never gone away on the US. I remember the RAC and AA dropping this recommendation back in the 60s in the UK.

If you rotate your tyres/tires you do not get to see uneven wear patterns develop which indicate problems with your suspension or steering.

On the other hand, tires are usually cheaper in sets of 4.

UJ_99

To be fair, I have heard this also, and this comes from the Consumer Reports website in their Auot Myth vs Fact;

Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

Reality: Although oil companies and quick-lube shops like to promote this idea, it's usually not necessary. Go by the recommended oil-change schedule in your vehicle's owner's manual. Most vehicles driven under normal conditions can go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Some models now come with a monitoring system that alerts the driver when the oil needs changing. Depending on driving conditions, these can extend change intervals to 10,000 or 15,000 miles.

Big D

I thought that the octane was measured the same - just 'weaker' petrol over here? Also bear in mind that the US gallon is smaller than at home, so the cars aren't quite as uneconomical as they first seem!!

scrubbedexpat099

There are 2 methods at least of measuring octane, maybe more. The Pumps say which one is being used but I have forgotten the terminology.

My spreadsheet converts it to MPG taking into account the difference in US and Imperial Fl Oz as well as of course 20 to the Pint.

TRPardoe

Gasoline Explained in Laborious Detail