Friday, September 23, 2011

Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?

I went over about 1000 miles, because I been to busy. I was just wondering how important it is to do it consistently, or is it just reccomended?Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?Generally, especially in newer vehicles, I'm not a believe in the 3000 mile change. I do mine about every 5000 miles. Unless you're driving in really dusty conditions or your only trips are short (less than 15 minutes) I think 3000 miles is a bit premature. Note that most manufacturers recommend every 7500 miles except under extreme conditions. Dealers always try to make excuses for why the environment where they're located is extreme conditions but usually it's not. If you're consistent doing your changes between 3000 and 5000 you'll be fine. Don't go longer, because consistent oil changes are one of the most important things you can do to help the life of your vehicle.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?It's better to do it consistently, it's not something recommended. Though, I do not recall what the reason is right now.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?no....used to be every 6000 miles...now it is 3000...you are okDo you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?look in your owners manual for the manufacturer's recommendation. (I'd bet it's higher than 3000 miles)Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?1 yes /no



if you use synthetic oil on a fairly new car [less than 10 yrs old,less than 100K mi] most car makers say 6000 to 7500....read your manual!!!!

regular oil 3 to 4K is recommended...

remember to check oil every 1K...the first QT goes slow the rest fast leading to engine loss.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?Every 3000 miles is recommended because it needs to be done.

You don't want to wait until the old oil is completely black or tarnish build up will cause premature problems with hydraulic lifters.

On cars with adjustable cam shaft timing it is going to cause problems with engine codes setting because the camshaft solenoids which are oil actuated fail when dirty.

Oil changes are a pain in the butt. It's is one of the few cheap maintenance items you can do that really extend a motors life and it's not a good way to save money or a smart thing to ignore.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?There are almost no circumstances where you really need to have your oil changed every 3000 miles. Refer to your owners manual for more specific guidance.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?You should be fine. I wouldn't let it go beyong 5000 on a regular basis though.



Oil in your engine has a threefold purpose: First, it lubricates the moving parts. Secondly, it helps cool the engine. And finally, it carries away contaminants such as carbon, microscopic metal shavings, etc. The oil flter catches and removes most of these contaminants; however, when it gets full or when particales are too small for it to absorb, they remain %26quot;suspended%26quot; in the oil, and the only way to get rid of these contaminants, which can cause wear on your engine or sticking internal parts, is through oil and filter changes. By the way, never just change the oil. Always change the filter as well.Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?No, my 2008 Tundra manual recommends 5000. The amount varies by manufacturer, weather for your location, how you are driving it, etc. So I will cover some of these variables...



Weather, if you are driving consistently in very cold temperatures(below freezing). You should change it every 3-5000 miles without question, this applies to any car. Here is the why...once your motor oil is used for a set period of miles it starts to break down easier and becomes less effective in colder and hotter temperatures. Example...in extreme cold, the oil will actually become thicker at a higher temp. There is more to this, but I'm not a scientist, so I won't pretend, just trust me it becomes less effective.



How you drive...if you drive mainly in the city and accelerate quite fast(like to be at the front of the pack). You should change it every 3-5000 miles without question, this applies to any car.



If you drive on gravel or dirt roads...You should change it every 3-5000 miles without question, this applies to any car.



If more than one of these points applies to you, change it every 3000, but if you occasionally go beyond this by 1-2k you will be fine.



Good luck!Do you really need to get a oil change every 3000 miles?No, just check it on the dipstick and when it is dark or black, then change it. Usually 5,000 miles.