| Let's say you're buying a new car and the dealership | | | | or the fast food restaurant, or dusty conditions (of |
| is offering free oil changes for a year or longer with | | | | course it's dusty out there). |
| the purchase of this new car. Are these really free? | | | | So, in reality, you are getting an oil change half as |
| Of course not. The cost is added to the price of the | | | | often as you need one. In my opinion, the dealership |
| new car. | | | | wants you to change your oil less than needed. That |
| What are you really getting? You will get a free oil | | | | way you will be back in 4-5 years to buy another |
| change at the minimum interval required by the | | | | new car. |
| manufacturer to keep you warranty if force, usually | | | | A properly maintained car should last 10-15 years and |
| at 5,000 to 7,500 miles. But wait! If you read the | | | | 150,000-200,000 miles. To maintain your car properly, |
| owner's manual you will see the minimum interval is | | | | you will have to pay for the extra oil changes your |
| only for perfect conditions. Turn the page to find the | | | | engine needs if you want your new car to last a long |
| "severe service" section and you will see severe | | | | time. So, why not just get all your oil changes done |
| service is the condition in which most drivers operate | | | | at your favorite auto service center. |
| their cars; short trips to the grocery store or work, | | | | Don't be swayed to purchase that new car just |
| idling a long time at the drive-in window at the bank | | | | because the dealership is offering "free" oil changes. |