How Far Can We Really Extend Oil Change Intervals?

Oil change recommendations have been bouncingthe United States?
around for the last 30 years without any clear cutWell to some degree you can if you know where to
definition of what's acceptable and what's not. Wholook. In fact rumors are starting to circulate that two
really decides how long you can go? Is it the vehiclemajor oil suppliers to Europe have let some of their
manufacturer's or should it be the actual oil company"super synthetics" into the United States. Now these
that makes the oil? Some people suggest that quickoils are not cheap, some estimates have indicated
lube owners know what's best for your car.that these oils cost as much as $12.00/qt. A hefty
After decades of 3,000 mile recommendations beingprice to pay for quality, but look at all the benefits,
forced on us with repeated advertising by the quickcleaner running engines, reduces operating
lubes it seems that barrier is finally being challenged.temperatures, increases fuel mileage and of course
Most car manufacturer's are now recommendingextends the drain intervals.
5,000-7,500 miles between changes. So why do theThere is one company in the United States that sells
quick lubes keep putting that sticker in your windowa very high quality synthetic oil through a network of
reminding you to come back in 3,000 miles?Independent Distributors. With published drain
If this wasn't confusing enough have you ever talkedintervals of 25,000 miles these oils are becoming
to a new BMW, Audi or VW owner? Most if not allmore and more popular all the time. The best part is
cars made in Germany recommend a 10,000 milethese oils can be used in any vehicle without fear of
interval and some BMW's are as high as 15,000 miles.voiding the warranty.
Long time German car owners are not surprised byDrain interval recommendations are simply that -
the longer drain intervals since they are generallyrecommendations. They are not a requirement to
used to the higher quality offered by the Germankeep your warranty valid. Oil manufacturers should be
Car Companies. In fact some of the dealers servicingdetermining the length of your oil change interval
these cars are charging over $80.00 for an oil change.without fear of voiding your warranty.
Did you ever wonder why the Germans get to goWe hope that this clears up all the half truths floating
nearly double the miles as anyone driving an Americanaround out there about drain intervals. Wouldn't it be
made car? I personally know several BMW and VWeasier if the U.S. just agreed on one or two grades
owners that rave about the simplicity of longer drainof motor oils that exceeded all the specs required by
intervals.the different car manufacturers. It's way too
Did you know that most Europeans are on a 1 yearconfusing listening to all the advice out there being
oil change? The high quality synthetic oils used ingiven from car dealers, quick lubes, mechanics and
Europe are capable of 20,000-25,000 mile intervalsjust about anyone else who thinks they understand
and recent articles in trade publications indicate theyoil. The easiest thing to do would be to adopt one or
want to take these intervals to 30,000 miles. Whytwo specs that specifically deal with drain intervals
can't we get our hands on these same oils here inand eliminate the guesses and opinions.