3 minute read
Oil change intervals
from Auto Service Professional - January/February 2013
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
Circle 102 on Reader Service Card
Mike Mavrigian | Editor
Iam not alone when I say that I’m sick and tired of “news reporters” claiming that the automotive service industry is taking unfair advantage of the unwitting consumer.
According to the news media and buckhungry lawyers who wouldn’t know a camshaft from a slice of apple pie, the automotive service industry is “ripping off the public” by recommending oil change intervals of as little as 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Yes, engine oil technology has made leaps and bounds over the past few decades. And yes, engine technology (in terms of design and eff ciency) has, in theory, reduced the contaminant factor that would otherwise dilute an engine’s lubrication. And some auto makers have extended engine oil change intervals to 7,500 miles, 10,000 miles, and in some cases as far out as even 20,000 miles. Sounds peachy for the vehicle owner, doesn’t it?
While I will assume that the automakers have good intentions, as far as I’m concerned, theory doesn’t always match up with reality.
Let’s face it: All engines don’t necessarily operate as designed or as intended. Clearances can vary. Tolerances are not always adhered to in mass production. Fuel injectors can leak and engine management systems can experience glitches resulting in overly rich fuel mixtures. Cylinder heads can crack. Cylinder head gaskets can leak. A myriad of variables can result in oil contamination and oil dilution. By following a sensible routine of oil changes, you reduce the possibilities of engine wear. How hard is that to understand?
Personally, I don’t care what the “recommended” oil change interval is. If I buy a car or truck produced by a manufacturer that recommends an oil change of every 10,000 miles, I guarantee you that I won’t adhere to their “spec.”
I will continue to change my engine’s oil and f lter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. I’d rather know that my engine’s lubrication system is clean and healthy, and if that means that I spend a few extra bucks for oil and f lters in the process, I’d rather spend the dough up-front as opposed to facing premature wear and operational problems down the road.
When the “popular media” claims that service outlets are taking advantage of consumers by recommending shorter-thanpublished oil change intervals, they’re simply uninformed.
As far as I’m concerned, a service outlet that recommends oil change intervals of as little as 3,000 miles is doing their customers a favor, and I DO NOT feel that they’re trying to take advantage of the “dumb” consumer.
Remember: Nobody is pointing a gun at the consumer’s forehead, forcing them to change their oil at any specif c mileage or time frame. If the vehicle owner wants to follow a longer schedule, that’s their decision.
If they end up facing expensive engine repair or replacement down the road as a result, they have nobody to blame but themselves.
As far as I’m concerned, the well-worn marketing adage continues to apply: Pay me now or pay me later. ●
3515 Massillon Rd., Suite 350 Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Web site: www.autoserviceprofessional.com Editor: Mike Mavrigian Mike.Mavrigian@bobit.com Managing Editor: Lori L. Mavrigian Lori.Mavrigian@bobit.com Senior Editor: Bob Bissler Bob.Bissler@bobit.com Contributors: Bob Weber/Automotive Technical Writer Alex Portillo/Diagnostic & Driveability Specialist Bob Rodriguez/Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Specialist Advisory Board: Dan Paddy/Dan Paddy Service, Seville, OH Frank Dannemiller/Mobile Service & Repair Co., Wadsworth, OH Bob Fall/Fall Automotive Machine, Toledo, OH Scott Gressman/Gressman Powersports, Fremont, OH Ken Styer/Ohio Technical College, Cleveland, OH Greg McConiga/O’Daniel Automotive Restorations, Ft. Wayne, IN Art Director: Neal Weingart Neal.Weingart@bobit.com Production Manager: Karen Runion Karen.Runion@bobit.com Publisher: Greg Smith Greg.Smith@bobit.com Sales: Dan Thornton djtinc@gmail.com (734) 676-9135 Mobile (313) 410-0945 Michele Vargo Michele.Vargo@bobit.com (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 John Dyal The Dyal Company John.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-5026, fax (760) 451-5039 Marianne Dyal The Dyal Company Marianne.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-9216, fax (760) 451-9292 Customer/Subscription Service Tammy Katata, (800) 991-7702
Auto Service Professional is a Bobit Publication Executive off ces: 3520 Challenger St. Torrance, CA 90503 Chairman: Edward J. Bobit CEO & President: Ty F. Bobit Chief Financial Off cer: Richard E. Johnson
