Engine chemistry and oil technology have developed tremendously in recent years, but car owners still respect the 3000 mile commandment. People still tend to spend millions of dollars on unnecessary oil changes, and not to mention replenishing the ocean with millions of polluted car oil. In view of these technological advances, most automakers today suggest getting an oil change every 7,500 or 10,000 miles, but yet there are a few who stay true to the 3000 mile perception so which commandment should follow?
Auto professionals claim and the 3000 mile change is definitely a myth, and drivers must religiously follow the oil change interval mentioned in their owner’s manual. Changing the oil every 3000 miles is nothing more than a gimmick to get you into the dealer oil change bays and here’s why! Auto experts agree that oil should be changed when the vehicles oil change indicator in the gauge cluster is lit or according to the interval in the owner’s manual.
Should I change my oil before a long road trip? Well, you can if it satisfies you of safe travel, but again it’s definitely not required. However, it is definitely a good idea to get an overall check of the mechanics of the vehicles before going on a trip, but if you’re not due for an oil change, then there’s no need to make the change. Additionally, if your oil change is scheduled during your trip, it is best to get it changed before hand in order to avoid any setbacks.
Changing your oil right before a long trip could also be dangerous if not done properly or with neglect. There have been a few cases where the mechanic did not tighten the oil cap causing to oil to leak while driving, which is not only dangerous for yourself, but other vehicles on the road. Tightening the gas cap and other parts such as the coolant caps is something that even you can check after any servicing or repair, no matter if you’re going on a long drive or just to corner store. If you’re going on a planned trip, it is recommended that you schedule your servicing for a week prior to the date of departure to ensure that your vehicle is in good standing and will not pose any hindrances.
Some oil change service centers often encourage you change the oil when it’s black, which is far from the truth. Fact is that automotive oil is designed to get dark after a few uses, which indicates that it is doing its job. When you do check the dipstick, what you need to be concerned about is the level of oil and not the color. With busy schedules and commitments, car owners seldom have to refer to the car manual, and often simply go with the oil change sticker on the car, and did you know who put that there? Your friendly oil service station! Although the sticker is a great way to alert yourself of an upcoming oil change, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual.
The car servicing industry also claims that once you opt for synthetic oil, you can’t go back to petroleum based oil. Not True! There is no longer a distinct difference between the two types of engine oil simply because with recent advancement both are blended so not one is purer than the other. Some car servicemen claim that synthetic oil boosts your vehicles fuel economy and increases its longevity, but research proves that this type of oil is nothing more than a supreme lubricant and hardly justifies the extra cost.
In short and to reiterate, when it’s time to change your oil or you think it is, refer to your vehicles manual just to be sure.
