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  3. Oil at 3K or Manufacturer's recommendations?

Oil at 3K or Manufacturer's recommendations?

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  • N Offline
    N Offline
    Nick Jacobs
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

    This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

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    • N Nick Jacobs

      Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

      This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

      R Offline
      R Offline
      Rama Krishna Vavilala
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Nick Jacobs wrote:

      3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

      If the car is realtively new, go for Manufacturer's recommendations. I used to replace oil of my 1997 Corolla every 3000 miles. But for my new car (2005) I do it every 5000 miles. BTW: I think the 7500 mile oil change will also work if you are not driving it in extreme conditions like dust/frequent stop and go/ etc.


      Debugging is twice as hard as writing the code in the first place. Therefore, if you write the code as cleverly as possible, you are, by definition, not smart enough to debug it. -Brian Kernighan

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      • N Nick Jacobs

        Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

        This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

        C Offline
        C Offline
        Chris Maunder
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        Every 5K kilometres for older cars since there will usually be a bit more blow-by, 10K for newer cars and using synethetic oil.

        cheers, Chris Maunder

        CodeProject.com : C++ MVP

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        • N Nick Jacobs

          Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

          This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

          C Offline
          C Offline
          Chris Losinger
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          i do it every 5000m. that's 5000 meters, not miles - i basically only drive to the JiffyLube and back.

          image processing | blogging

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          • N Nick Jacobs

            Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

            This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

            D Offline
            D Offline
            Dan Neely
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            On my old car I did cheap oil and every 3-4k, depending on when I got around to it. The 5/7/10k miminimum oils are higher grade synthetics that last longer than the cheap stuff. The minimum time recomendations also have to be conservative because there's a large variation in lifetime depending on how you drive. My new car has a dynamic oil life measurement system of some sort, and it looks like I'll be getting between 6.5 and 8k miles before it gets to the change soon point and another 700-1000 before the change asap level. My dealer didn't said anything about putting a long life oil in, so I assume it's just the normal stuff. I don't dragrace my car and since I'm the only passenger 95% of the time in a full sized sedan I'm not loading it down heavily either to speed the oil breakdown. The owners manual says 3500mi if you accidentally reset it.

            -- Rules of thumb should not be taken for the whole hand.

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            • N Nick Jacobs

              Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

              This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

              M Offline
              M Offline
              Member 96
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              We bought a new car in 2002, an expensive one, we take it to the dealer on the schedule they set without fail. If it was a used car I'd probably just change it once a year and leave it at that.

              N 1 Reply Last reply
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              • M Member 96

                We bought a new car in 2002, an expensive one, we take it to the dealer on the schedule they set without fail. If it was a used car I'd probably just change it once a year and leave it at that.

                N Offline
                N Offline
                Nick Jacobs
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                John Cardinal wrote:

                on the schedule they set without fail.

                So would that be the manufacturer schedule? Meaning (probably) more than every 3,000 miles between oil changes?

                This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                M 1 Reply Last reply
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                • N Nick Jacobs

                  Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

                  This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                  E Offline
                  E Offline
                  Ed Poore
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Nick Jacobs wrote:

                  do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles

                  I never change the oil in my Land Rover because they had the forsight to make the oil leak slightly to lubricate engine parts and also you never have to change the oil, just keep on topping it up. Much more satisfactory ;P

                  N 1 Reply Last reply
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                  • N Nick Jacobs

                    John Cardinal wrote:

                    on the schedule they set without fail.

                    So would that be the manufacturer schedule? Meaning (probably) more than every 3,000 miles between oil changes?

                    This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                    M Offline
                    M Offline
                    Member 96
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Yup manufacturer schedule. I'm not sure what it actually is though to be honest, they have this weird scale where the first service is on a shorter mileage than the second and the third is even further beyond that, each type is different, then it cycles around again to the first one. I know they don't do an oil change on every service. Basically they phone us we book it and take it in. It was basically free for the first couple of years anyway, we still do it now on schedule because we liked the car so much we bought out the lease and kept it. It's got a 227hp 4 cylinder engine with turbo so the maintenance schedule is proabably on a shorter cycle than the average car.

                    S 1 Reply Last reply
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                    • E Ed Poore

                      Nick Jacobs wrote:

                      do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles

                      I never change the oil in my Land Rover because they had the forsight to make the oil leak slightly to lubricate engine parts and also you never have to change the oil, just keep on topping it up. Much more satisfactory ;P

                      N Offline
                      N Offline
                      Nick Jacobs
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      Ed.Poore wrote:

                      I never change the oil in my Land Rover because they had the forsight to make the oil leak slightly to lubricate engine parts and also you never have to change the oil, just keep on topping it up.

                      Sounds like my old rusty pickup... Oh wait, thats'a hol(e)y pickup.... My nephew calls it wrinkley.... :-D

                      This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                      E 1 Reply Last reply
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                      • N Nick Jacobs

                        Ed.Poore wrote:

                        I never change the oil in my Land Rover because they had the forsight to make the oil leak slightly to lubricate engine parts and also you never have to change the oil, just keep on topping it up.

                        Sounds like my old rusty pickup... Oh wait, thats'a hol(e)y pickup.... My nephew calls it wrinkley.... :-D

                        This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                        E Offline
                        E Offline
                        Ed Poore
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Nick Jacobs wrote:

                        Sounds like my old rusty pickup

                        Well mine ain't a pickup and it ain't (well won't be) rusty.  Going to get a galvanised chassis for it. Two stickers I've seen on the back of Landies which sum them up: Turn back, you're not going to make it. Mine may be a rust bucket but which scrap yard will yours be in in 50 years? :-D, yes they have a few faults but no car / 4x4 / pickup will beat them for vesatility and off-road ability (unless you go specialised of course, but then if you specialise a Landy then it'll certainly give it a run for it's money).

                        1 Reply Last reply
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                        • N Nick Jacobs

                          Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

                          This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                          C Offline
                          C Offline
                          Christopher Duncan
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          I just do what the car tells me to do... :)

                          Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com

                          B 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • N Nick Jacobs

                            Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

                            This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                            B Offline
                            B Offline
                            brianwelsch
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            Typically some where between the oil companies, who want to sell more oil, and manufacturers, who want to sell more cars, is where to look. My car has an internal gauge that tells me when I need an oil change based on some formula involving distance, RPMs, etc... That was leaving me at around 7-8K miles. I decided on my last change, since I have 110K miles on the clock, that every 5K will be my mark. You can also have your oil tested (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/[^]) if you have any doubts. It costs $20 and you get a lot of info. Good for peace of mind.

                            BW


                            If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
                            -- Steven Wright

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                            • C Christopher Duncan

                              I just do what the car tells me to do... :)

                              Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com

                              B Offline
                              B Offline
                              brianwelsch
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Are you driving KITT, these days?

                              BW


                              If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
                              -- Steven Wright

                              C 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • B brianwelsch

                                Are you driving KITT, these days?

                                BW


                                If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
                                -- Steven Wright

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                Christopher Duncan
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                You mean, a mere Firebird??? How pedestrian! :-D

                                Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com

                                B 1 Reply Last reply
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                                • C Christopher Duncan

                                  You mean, a mere Firebird??? How pedestrian! :-D

                                  Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com

                                  B Offline
                                  B Offline
                                  brianwelsch
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  :-D I meant no offense, sir.

                                  BW


                                  If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
                                  -- Steven Wright

                                  C 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • B brianwelsch

                                    :-D I meant no offense, sir.

                                    BW


                                    If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
                                    -- Steven Wright

                                    C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    Christopher Duncan
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    :laugh:

                                    Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • N Nick Jacobs

                                      Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

                                      This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                                      C Offline
                                      C Offline
                                      Charlie Williams
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      BMW recommends 15,000(!) miles for the new 3 series cars. However, they have a conflict in that oil changes and routine maintenance are included in the car's purchase price (up to 50,000 miles). I'm all for following manufacturers' recommendations, but 15,000 miles seems a bit of a stretch.


                                      if(!curlies){ return; }

                                      J 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • N Nick Jacobs

                                        Ok, Here's the oil question of the day, do you change your OIL at 3,000 miles like the oil industries says is good for your car, or do you change it at what ever the car manufacturer recommends? (I've seen some as high as 10,000 miles between oil changes, most between 5,000-7500 miles). I've heard arguments both ways: quotes like: "...The oil companies say it makes your car last much longer at 3,000 miles..." To "...Why would the oil companies know more about how the car is made versus the manufacturer?, besides, what does the manufacturer gain at 7500 mile oil changes..." So, what do you think? 3K or manufacturer's suggestion?

                                        This are my own opinions. You know the rest.....

                                        J Offline
                                        J Offline
                                        Jeremy Falcon
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        Nick Jacobs wrote:

                                        So, what do you think?

                                        Depends on the oil/car. For instance BMWs don't need them at all. In fact, getting an oil change can void your warranty I believe. I use synthetic oil for my truck and it's good for 6,000 miles (so I was told).

                                        Jeremy Falcon A multithreaded, OpenGL-enabled application.[^]

                                        B 1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • C Charlie Williams

                                          BMW recommends 15,000(!) miles for the new 3 series cars. However, they have a conflict in that oil changes and routine maintenance are included in the car's purchase price (up to 50,000 miles). I'm all for following manufacturers' recommendations, but 15,000 miles seems a bit of a stretch.


                                          if(!curlies){ return; }

                                          J Offline
                                          J Offline
                                          Jeremy Falcon
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Charlie Williams wrote:

                                          BMW recommends 15,000(!) miles for the new 3 series cars.

                                          That's odd. Both my mother and brother have a BMW (don't know the model, as I'm not a car fanatic) and they don't change their oil at all.

                                          Jeremy Falcon A multithreaded, OpenGL-enabled application.[^]

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