4 minute read
intervals revisited
from Auto Service Professional - September/October 2014
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
Mike Mavrigian | Editor
Oil change intervals revisited
There has been quite a bit of discussion potentially negate the benefts of extended among both the public and within the oil change intervals. industry regarding engine oil change These variables include such examples as intervals. My opinion is that any engine’s coolant seeping into the oil circuit due to oil and oil flter should be changed at a cylinder head or block porosity, a leakfrequency of about 3,000 to 5,000 miles. ing cylinder head gasket (likely due to a
There are those who claim that recomcracked head, improper head installation mending oil and flter service at this range or as a result of engine overheating), fuel is a ploy among service shops motivated contamination due to leaking injectors or strictly by the desire to increase shop an overly rich fuel system, debris contamiincome, as though it were some type of nation due to an open/faulty air intake conspiracy to scam the system, etc. motoring public. Have The fact is that in the real those pessimists heard of world, all engines do not the phrase “penny wise function in textbook-perfect and pound foolish”? conditions, and oil contami
Again, in my opinion, nation is certainly possible. spending a few more dolThe cost of replacing an lars for every 3,000 or so OEM engine with a new OEM miles driven is a small engine can run anywhere in price to pay for ensuring the $5,000 to $30,000 range, that the engine remains depending on the specifc clean and functional. And, More frequent oil changes vehicle. Add to that the cost no, I don’t care if the will dramatically reduce the of shop labor. Rebuilding a oil being used is fossilchance of dealing with a sludge-monkey like this illproduction engine can easily based, a synthetic blend, maintained GM 5.3L. run anywhere from about full synthetic or derived $3,000 to $15,000 or more. from the planet Krypton and refned by the My point is simple: Spending $20 to as gods of interplanetary chemistry. I want much as $200 or more (again, depending on my engine’s oil circuit to remain clean, the application) is a small price to pay to maintaining adequate oil pressure and avoid the prospect of a much more costly delivering clean lubrication to main bearengine repair or replacement. ings, rod bearings, wrist pins and valvetrain I like engines. Actually, I love engines. components. Whether they’re operated at 2,000 rpm for
Yes, oils do exist that feature improved short distances or run at 6,000 rpm and chemistry that in theory will provide pounded-on brutally, they live a tough proper lubrication for far-extended periods. life, and we expect them to perform as But the reality is that variables exist to designed. Why not treat them with the
respect they deserve and at least keep the innards clean? The moral: More frequent oil changes equals increased insurance against potential damage.
I want to make one thing very clear: Today’s oil manufacturers offer wonderful products, including “higher mileage” blends and full synthetics that perform outstandingly, with excellent lubrication, cleansing and longevity, and I am certainly not about to criticize those products. My point deals with real-world intervals with often imperfect engine conditions, and in no way is a criticism of the ability of these oils to perform. It’s simply my opinion that I would rather spend more money by changing the engine oil in my vehicles on a more frequent basis in an effort to keep them clean and to attempt to avoid lubrication problems in the long run. ●
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? What’s your outlook, based on your experion what you’ve seen in the course of your ence, with regard to oil change frequency? work? We want to hear from you. Once Do you follow OE recommendations, do we have enough replies, we’ll publish an you recommend intervals based on your article that opens a discussion regarding own experience and opinion, do you prefer our readers’ thoughts on the matter. Send a specifc type of oil for certain applicayour comments to: tions? Do you have horror stories based mike.mavrigian@bobit.com
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Editor: Mike Mavrigian Mike.Mavrigian@bobit.com Managing Editor: Lori L. Mavrigian Lori.Mavrigian@bobit.com Associate Editor: Ann Neal Ann.Neal@bobit.com
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