Comments on: The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth - Save Your Money

By: A. munez

A. munez — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:20:21 +0000

when i went to mechanics school, we were told that oil does not break down.
yes it does get dirty.
if as they now claim, oil does break down. why do they filter it and sell it back to the consumer? are they selling broken down oil.
also how does oil break down on an engine that hasn’t been run for 3 months
” the change oil every 3000 miles or 3 months whichever comes first.
by the way i have owned 2 cadillacs and i never change the oil
one had 230000 miles my other one now has 138000 miles.
art

By: The Dan Lee Report » Blog Archive » Democrats stall for time on your dime with Offshore Oil Drilling Bill

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:51:49 +0000

[...] owners of quick lube businesses talking about. Buy & promote synthetic oil, instead of pushing the lie that cars need their oil changed every 3,000 miles! That’s a whole other way we can lower dependence, but democrats are also making too much [...]

By: Fishtail

Fishtail — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:16:51 +0000

Years ago I asked a Chicago taxi fleet owner how he addressed the oil change issue. He told me “All we do is change the oil filter every 10K miles and add new oil along the way as needed. We never drain it.” Who knows, this may not be smart with todays engines.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:33:33 +0000

I’ve heard recently that they have done research that says oil after 3,000 miles starts to break down the rubber gaskets or seals and that’s another reason to change the oil every 3,000. I wonder- if you are changing the oil regularly at least every 5,000 miles why do the gaskets break down if it is NOT the oil? Thanks….S

By: Jiffy Lube really hopes I can’t read | stupidmoneyhacks.com

Jiffy Lube really hopes I can’t read | stupidmoneyhacks.com — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:29:55 +0000

[...] I have always known that they low-ball the number of miles between changes. It’s not a new revelation. The manufacturer-recomended intervals have been on the rise for years. What I’ve been doing [...]

By: JLS

JLS — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:56:14 +0000

I have taken to buying Amsoil filters (expensive at $17-20) and Mobil1 synthetic oil. I will drive 15-20k before changing oil. The filter and oil will handle at least 15k.

By: Choosing To File My Own Taxes Rather Than Hiring An Accountant To Do It For Me | Money Blue Book

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:13:37 +0000

[...] some strange auto mechanic told you to come back with your car and get an oil change every 3,000 miles, should you trust him right off the bat? Of course not. You would either get a second opinion or go [...]

By: Raymond

Raymond — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:21:28 +0000

I think if the motor oil is stored properly - not too hot, not too cold, it should be okay for several years so long as it is capped tight. I don’t believe they have a shelf life but if the oil is in your engine, that is a different matter. Dust and dirt naturally accumulate over time even if the car is sitting in your garage all this time.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:18:42 +0000

I am trying to justify the once a year thing. Does oil have a shelf life? If it is just sitting there and not being used how can it go bad?

By: Lord

Lord — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:35:36 +0000

It is usually recommended every 6 months too. Do you suggest extending this too for those who drive little? Synthetics are often recommended, but given the cost are they really worth it?

By: Carnival Roundup: Week of October 8th at Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:04:10 +0000

[...] handy a few times already for fixes or diagnostics. On the cars theme, Money Blue Book debunks the 3,000 mile oil change myth. I worked for a major oil company and know that it really is a myth. However, if you drive like a [...]

By: Raymond

Raymond — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:43:57 +0000

Chris, I would change the oil at least once a year if you’re not driving it much.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:11:04 +0000

I have a gas guzzeling truck that I hardly ever drive anymore because of prices. What about the 3 month rule? I have always heard “3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first”. I think I have drove my truck 1000 miles or less in a year. Should I consider changing the oil because of it’s age?

By: Raymond

Raymond — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:15:56 +0000

Sick, How interesting! I’m going to have to look into this

By: Sick of Debt

Sick of Debt — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:48:57 +0000

I just let Jiffy Lube pay me for my oil changes, check out http://www.conferoinc.com/
(Note, I’m just a mystery shopper at Confero, they do not pay me to advertise).