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Oil Changing Myths
 
Information » Car
Care Tips » Oil Changing Myths
Precious metals push spark plugs past the 100,000-mile mark. Tire
manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their radials. Even some
transmissions are advertised as filled for life when they come off the
assembly line.
The world is becoming a maintenance free place to drive. Well, almost.
Increasingly, motorists are asking the question, "How long can I go
between oil changes?" In the same breath, they mention extended
drain intervals and if it’s all right to go 7,500 miles or more
between oil changes.
Motor oil is getting better all the time, but we’re not to the point
where we can safely say that you should go beyond 3,000-mile or
three-month oil change intervals if you drive in severe conditions.
Let me dispel a few myths about motor oil and when to change it.
Myth 1: I don’t drive in severe conditions, therefore I don’t
have to change my oil as often.
You better be sure. There are a wide variety of severe conditions, such
as stop and go driving hauling a load, short trips, extreme hot or cold
temperatures and dusty areas.
Each of these conditions places a different stress on the engine, such
as increasing operating temperatures and/or increasing the amount of
contaminants the oil has to hold in suspension. These conditions really
push the oil to the limit.
"Normal" driving conditions consist of taking long highway
trips with few stops and starts. People in sales who spend a lot of time
on the road or highway commuters may qualify. But, if you have any
doubts, don’t wait to change your oil. Changing oil is a lot easier
than changing an engine, and more economical.
Myth 2: Synthetics extend drain intervals.
Synthetics are superior. The superior protection is from the processing
required to manufacture the base stocks and the different additive
packages they require.
Despite better performance, synthetics need to be changed at regular
intervals. The additives wear out, just like in conventional motor oils,
and need to be changed.
Myth 3: As long as I change the oil filter, I can run longer
between oil changes.
Changing the filter is great, but you’ve got to change the oil along
with it, given that the oil'’ additives wear out and contaminants get
into the oil itself. The filter can only capture the bigger particles
suspended in the oil, not replenish spent additives.
Myth 4: Over the road trucks sometimes have oil change intervals
as high as 15,000 miles. If they can do it, can I?
No. There are a number of fundamental differences in the lubricating
systems on larger trucks, compared with cars.
First, truck engines can use up to three gallons of motor oil; a car,
four and a half quarts. Second, trucks spend most of their time on the
country’s highways and away from stoplights; cars start and stop, stop
and go a lot more.
Extending the oil change interval beyond what the manufacturer
recommends can seriously shorten the useful life of your engine.
Don’t push the limits of the motor oil and flirt with damaging your
engine, especially when chump change is all it takes for an oil change.
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This page was last updated October 23, 2002
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