Desdemona

Twice a year is fine as long as you use it just for running around town. 3000 miles would be the norm if you were driving long distance a lot i.e.. more mileage racked up.

Jerseygirl

The norm here maybe...but not the norm in the UK. The frequency of oil changes here is one of my husband's pet peeves.

SATX John

From another perspective:

You have not had the road to "work" coded Black.

No indirect fire, at home or work for weeks.

No Giant voice. Or waking up to the CIWS at 0200.

You hear gunfire and don't worry because "it's not in your sector"

You see a bag of trash on the side of the road and do not swerve three lanes and increase speed to avoid it.

You see a guy on the over pass while driving and are not worried he is throwing a grenade at you.

You go to the store and have endless choices of food and drink, and leave with bottled water and chef Boyardee and feel content.

You are at work and suddenly panic because you can't locate your weapons, then realize you are at home.

You want to go outside and cannot locate your body armor, the you spouse says its ok to mow the grass.

kimilseung

Did we forget to thank you for your service today?

Desdemona

Yes, it was the US that I was talking about. If we were to drive to NY city from where we are (although we prefer to fly such long distances) it's 3,000 miles one way. Besides, it's better to have your oil changes done more often -- it lubricates your engine and increases the longevity of you car. Think resale value.

Jerseygirl

That's the American way of looking at it. Brits tend not to think that way.

Desdemona

I can understand that!

Lion in Winter

It's also false in terms of engine maintenance. Brits wouldn't all ignore oil changes if they were necessary at that frequency, and nor would the garages. It's a commercial idea that has been pushed as "necessary" in the US - I think it's just a money spinner. Oil should be changed according to use, and stop/start city driving is harder on your oil, as it is on your engine, but this whole 3,000 mile thing seems to be pure invention.

HarryTheSpider

It is so quick & cheaper here to get an oil change, compared to back home...

...and yet - are engines here in the US so delicate that they need an oil change 4-5 times more frequently than back home (thereby working out about 2x the cist of same back home, mile for mile)? I don't think so. I smell another scam/urban myth at work...

Now, if only I could get 1% of that action

GeoffM

Right, so it doesn't actually need doing (unless it really is mucky in which case perhaps something else is wrong), it's just a way to make money and make Americans feel good!

Jerseygirl

You sound like my husband.

SATX John

Just highlighting not just US but what UK veterans have when they come home and deal with.

One year deployed and one year home for the past decade = a lot of issues, like the US military current suicide rate, far higher than combat deaths.

You snarky tone in your post shows your disdain for those that serve vs the different perspective I presented.

How bout thank this guy, his family deserves it, all proceeds from his book went to previously KIA SEAL families:

http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/02/08/...eds-your-help/

or this one:

https://support.woundedwarriorprojec...FY-iPAod6CQA0g

I donate to both. Until you have to deal with the impacts of your "Security" you scoff.

scrubbedexpat097

You could also do it yourself, easy enough and would save you money

Bob

Seasons aren't as extreme though....but 5K with synthetic is about right.

Desdemona

Very true! My father does his own oil changes. His norm is 3,000 miles or twice a year whichever comes first. Once in the spring and then again in the fall is his norm now. He's not into driving long distance a lot anymore.