How Often Should I Change My Cars Oil?

Most auto manufacturers recommend changing the oil at one year intervals or every 7

,500 miles for passenger vehicles. But what the manufacturers wont tell the public, is that 7,500 mile oil changes are advised for vehicles that are driven under ideal or regular driving conditions. What most of us think of as "regular" driving, is in reality "severe service" driving. This type of driving is defined as; frequent short trips of fewer than 10 miles, using your car in cold weather conditions, stop-and-go city driving, and operating the car at continued highway speeds during hot and or humid weather. For this type of driving, which in actuality is "severe service driving, professionals recommend to change the oil every 3,000 miles or at six month intervals. For the highest protection, most oil companies advise changing the oil every 3,000 miles or within three to six month intervals, no matter what type of driving you do.

There are a number of reasons why auto manufacturers exaggerate these figures. First, newer engines can probably get by on having fewer, less frequent oil changes. But as engines accumulate mileage, it becomes more important to ensure your oil is performing its intended function. So if the oil isn't changed often enough, your car will experience accelerated wear and tear, along with all the engine problems that come with it. These problems include loss of performance, decreased fuel economy, amplified emissions and increased oil consumption.

Second, car manufactures calculate and advertise the overall cost of ownership of their autos throughout the lifespan of the product. By requiring less frequent oil changes and maintenance services, the overall cost of vehicle ownership goes down over the lifespan of the car.

To further reduce the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance, most car makers state your cars oil filter only needs to be changed, every other oil change service. Most mechanics will tell you this is not true and advise the filter be replaced every time the oil changed. The oil filters on most engines today have been downsized to save space, cost and weight. The "standard" quart-sized filter that was once typical on most engines has been replaced by a smaller pint sized filter. Do to the smaller size of the newer filter design, newer engines have less total filtering capacity. Even so, the smaller filters are often sufficient for a 3,000 mile oil change intervals. But the smaller filter may run out of filtering capacity long before a second oil change service at 6,000 miles. Replacing the oil filter every time the oil is changed is a highly recommended task for any automobile owner.

What does this mean to you? Let the buyer beware. Its clear that auto manufacturers dont always have the best interests of their customers in mind. Changing the oil in your car is one of the least expensive maintenance tasks you can do for your car. Its good practice to get into a routine of changing your oil every 3,000 miles. It will protect your engine and help you to avoid costly repairs down the road. Find out more about car maintenance and best practices at http://uptownmotorsnyc.com.

by: markr0vagr

POST COMMENT

Thinking Of A Chicago Vacation? Take Advantage Of This Information On Ways To Nab Land Windy City Tr Cleveland Vacations Your Access For Mind-blowing Deals On Comfortable Accommodations Breathtaking Ni Travel Hints On Special Reductions Combined With Cheap Deals For Your Delta Vacations Taking A Detroit Trip? Pay Attention To This Advice On Ways To Grab Land Motor City Vacation Prices Experience and Explore the Captivating Places with Surfers Paradise Car Hire Last Minute Vacations Affordable and Unique Wedding Favors The Best Instructions To Enjoy At Cozumel Island Vacations For Saving Hard Cash And Even Holding Gre Mind Blowing Points To Save Hard Cash On Motor City Resorts Plus Have Family Enjoyment Or Work Journ Planning That Detroit Trip? Learn About This Information On Ways To Grab Get Detroit Vacation Packag Internet Marketing Beyond Search Engine Ranking How to Get a Good Gold Coast Car Rental Deal Practical Vacationist Tips And Recommendations In Reference To Caribbean Holidays Every Family Must