We get this question almost every day and the answer might be surprising.  In the last 20 years, synthetic oils have become very popular.  With that popularity most car manufacturers have stretched out their oil change intervals to 10,000 miles…some even as long as 15,000.  

During that time car manufacturers have started offering “free maintenance” for the first few years of ownership.  It’s pretty obvious the longer the oil change interval, the less they are on the hook for oil changes during that first few years.  Longer oil change intervals create problems with sludge and excessive wear. Neither of these issues will show up until the car is well past it’s warranty period.  So, from the car manufacturers’ standpoint – that’s not a real issue.  However, the owner will pay in the long run for repairs and the fallout from longer intervals.

Obviously it’s an environmental issue as well.  Less oil changes=less pollution and damage to our environment.  All good things!

We do see premature engine problems that are a result of long oil change intervals, but that’s just part of the story.  The real story is driving a car for 12-15,000 miles, and maybe the equivalent of a year or more, without a professional technician ever taking a look at the vital components.  Belts, tires, fluid levels and wipers are all essential to safe driving and they normally don’t even get a glance without routine oil changes.  TIRES are also one of the biggest failures we see.  Even if your oil is good after 12,000 miles…and I doubt it is…your tires need attention on a regular basis.  Rotations, alignment and balancing are part of regular maintenance.  Far too often we see tires that are dangerous, and the customer is shocked to see the wire showing through the tread.

So how often should the oil be changed?  We recommend every 5,000 miles and we prefer an “Oil Service” which is an oil change combined with a complete vehicle inspection.