Oil change recommendations have been bouncing around for the last 30 years without any clear cut definition of what's acceptable and what's not. Who really decides how long you can go? Is it the vehicle manufacturer's or should it be the actual oil company that makes the oil? Some people suggest that quick lube owners know what's best for your car. After decades of 3,000 mile recommendations being forced on us with repeated advertising by the quick lubes it seems that barrier is finally being challenged. 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? It can get confusing some times especially when you talk to the owners of BMW's, Audi's and VW's? All three German Manufacturer's recommend a 10,000 mile drain interval. 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.
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