Author : Steve Tarini
It gets very confusing listening to everyone who has an opinion on how often to change motor oil In most cases people give their opinion based on rumors and old wives tales This isn’t exactly science, but for the most part it’s true
The 3,000 mile oil change recommendation is finally being pushed out of the spotlight because consumers are demanding more Most car manufacturer’s are now recommending 5,000–7,500 miles between changes So why do the quick lubes keep putting that sticker in your window reminding you to come back in 3,000 miles?
If this wasn’t confusing enough have you ever talked to a new BMW, Audi or VW owner? Most if not all cars made in Germany recommend a 10,000 mile interval and some BMW’s are as high as 15,000 miles When you speak to an owner of one of these German made cars they act like it’s no big deal In fact some of the dealers servicing these cars are charging over $80 00 for an oil change Did you ever wonder why the Germans get to go nearly double the miles as anyone driving an American made car? I personally know several BMW and VW owners that rave about the simplicity of longer drain intervals
Did you know that most Europeans are on a 1 year oil change? The high quality synthetic oils used in Europe are capable of 20,000-25,000 mile intervals and recent articles in trade publications indicate they want to take these intervals to 30,000 miles Getting a hold of some these oils here in the United States has been difficult?
Well to some degree you can if you know where to look In fact rumors are starting to circulate that two major oil suppliers to Europe have let some of their “super synthetics” into the United States Now these oils are not cheap, some estimates have indicated that these oils cost as much as $12 00/qt A hefty price to pay for quality, but look at all the benefits, cleaner running engines, reduces operating temperatures, increases fuel mileage and of course extends the drain intervals
There is one company in the United States that sells a very high quality synthetic oil through a network of Independent Distributors With published drain intervals of 25,000 miles these oils are becoming more and more popular all the time You can use qualified synthetic lubricants in your vehicle without fear of voiding your warranty
Drain interval recommendations are simply that–recommendations These interval recommendations are not required to keep your warranty valid Oil manufacturers should be determining the length of your oil change interval without fear of voiding your warranty
We hope that this clears up all the half truths floating around out there about drain intervals Wouldn’t it be easier if the U S just agreed on one or two grades of motor oils that exceeded all the specs required by the different car manufacturers It’s way too confusing listening to all the advice out there being given from car dealers, quick lubes, mechanics and just about anyone else who thinks they understand oil The easiest thing to do would be to adopt one or two specs that specifically deal with drain intervals and eliminate the guesses and opinions
Accredited Author and Synthetic Lubricants Specialist Steve Tarini has been involved with Amsoil since 1996 and is an expert in the field of extended drain intervals. Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants have been the undisputed leader in extended drain motor oils since 1972 and even coined the phrase ‘Extended Drain Intervals’. Amsoil’s 25,000 miles drain intervals are unmatched in the industry.
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